Selling out or buying in?

by Michael Stodola (guest blogger)

Recently, public voting began for the 2009 Omaha Entertainment Awards. And being a fan of some art and entertainment in the Big “O,” I felt compelled to let my voice be heard – especially when it came to artists.

And when it comes to visual artists at large, Tim Guthrie’s name pops right to the top (well… right under Chuck Close, Roger Brown and Pollack). So, when he shot a message to me hoping for support, I was already lined up in his queue.

But almost immediately, he regretted the mention. Many of us know Tim’s modesty, and understand that any decent artist would lower their head when it comes to being recognized. I, on the other hand, didn’t wince at the thought of giving props to someone deserving of said recognition.

I went. I registered. I voted. (Just like Julius Caesar).

And a dialogue began. Is this shilling? Is it promoting a “just cause?” Could it even be considered affirmative action? (A controversial “ooooooooo” comes over the crowd.)

It seems quite the lofty debate, but at the end of the day it comes down to the difference between “good art” and “bad art:” INTENT. Yes, “intent” is my personal value system of any form of self-expression. Are you in it to answer questions? To explore feelings? To make a statement? Or just grab your 15 minutes?

And speaking of fame, isn’t art itself a form of self-promotion – and so those precious 15 minutes do hold some value, no? Isn’t the world just one large wiki? And the levels of thought/self/morals are in constant play. And I, like Mr. Potter, stand for the good guys – even if they are “pushing” their own agenda.

Tim’s opinions on torture are no less evident than those of Rush Limbaugh. The obvious difference lays in the eloquence of Tim’s protest verses the desperate dominance of some fat guy (yes, I’ll freely promote my opinion as well). And while there are a million levels of gray, art has always been the soapbox of the soul. From Diego Rivera’s “Man at the Crossroads” to any one of Warhol’s cans, it’s the artist’s ideals we’re digesting. Love or hate, and the world careens in that direction.

So reality follows: Tim needs recognition (both deserving of and as a requirement of employment), we are aligned with his thought, talent and character, we vote to support.

His intent is rather clear to me. He’s a seasoned artist making his way through the war-torn streets of American society. He picks up some trash; he polishes a few windows and plants flowers here and there. And just like the Facebook option, we choose to see MORE of him or LESS of him. Being a Creative Director in advertising, I feel compelled to fill more shelves with the product of Mr. Guthrie. And sell it. Sell it like a sunflower at Christies.

Michael Stodola generously contributed this post as a guest blogger. Although I am a bit embarrassed by Michael's kind words, I was happy to share them with each of you... I usually honestly don't understand why anyone would care a whit about the work I create, so this means that much more.

You can find more of Michael's writing here.