Is romantic art in poor taste?
Looking at Art:
The sculpture of a sailor kissing a nurse, Unconditional Surrender by Seward Johnson, based on the famous photo taken at the end of World War II, has caused quite a bit of commotion in Sarasota, FL. The artwork displayed on the bay front is a tourist delight. However, art critics have deemed it kitsch, or overly sentimental and in bad taste. Who is right, the enthusiastic visitors or the critics?
Work in the studio:
Many of my art pieces show two people interacting. I believe viewers can relate to these works as though looking at friends or relatives engaged in some activity. One of my favorite sculptures is Floating, a ceramic wall sculpture of a couple embracing. When I was making it, my intention was for the viewer to feel the tender intimacy between the two figures. Do you find it too sentimental?
Floating, ceramic wall sculpture, 22” x 16” x 8”
The surface of Floating is fumed, which means it has been fired in an electric kiln and then exposed to smoke to give the white clay gradations from gray to a warm golden color.
