on the subject of small artwork

I read a lot of blogs. Which means I come across a lot of different opinions about what art is and what it isn't and what it should be.

And this is all fine.

But this past week I've noticed that there were several posts that were fairly opinionated about small format artwork. In fact, a couple were pretty scathing. I really believe that everyone is entitled to your opinion but it stuck in my head for several days and I just can't seem to dislodge the idea from my head that some people think a piece of artwork can't be art if its small.

I work small. Always have. I most likely always will. While I sometimes make larger pieces, its not the general rule for me.

So according to some people in the fiber art world, that means I'm not a serious artist.

Hmmm...I must have missed the memo.

"Collage 1"
Lynn Krawczyk
12" fiber collage on canvas
NFS

If you don't like my work because you think the colors are tacky or the composition is weak or in your opinion its just plain ugly - I can live with that. But because its small? Really? That one I'd debate emphatically...

"On the Wire 2"
Lynn Krawczyk
10" art quilt on 12" canvas
available through SAQA auction

There was a time when this debate would majorly upset me. But not anymore. I've grown into my art and I'm comfortable where I am with it. The fact that I reach for a 12" canvas or an 8" canvas or constrain my compositions to smaller spaces doesn't mean I get to slack on design or colors or any other aspect of the work.

"Sunset Daydreams"
Lynn Krawczyk
6" art quilt on 8" canvas
published in Quilting Arts magazine Feb/March 2011 issue
$80

Making art is an intensely personal experience. That means what works for you might not work for someone else. And my practices might make you want to run screaming in the other direction.

But isn't that what makes moving in the art world exciting? Why would we all want to be the same?

"Ginkgo Imprint"
Lynn Krawczyk
6" art quilt on 8" canvas
$80

I can't say that I will always work small. I'm not even entirely sure of all the reasons why I choose it. Lack of larger spaces, lack of time...could be part of it. But I watch other artists with limited space and time make mammoth pieces so its certainly doable if you really want to work larger.

I guess that means I don't. I like a compact space, I like they hyper focus attention to detail it demands of me. Its like a strange enticing romance that I'm not willing to give up yet.

"Dream Time Graffiti 3"
Lynn Krawczyk
deconstructed screen printing fabric collage on 8" canvas
$80

In the end, you have to do what you love. And my main purpose for this post really is to dissuade anyone from feeling like they need to alter their art making practices just because someone else has attacked them. I've seen it happens many times...a new artist reads a strong opinion from a well known artist and suddenly they think they are wrong for doing the things they way they want to.

Not so.

Make the art that pleases you. Be it small, godzilla size or anywhere in between.