A recent FaceBook post caught my eye. It was by a person who spent many hours creating a very special card and sent it to a person who briefly enjoyed, then threw the card away. The numerous comments expressed outrage and negatives about the card-receiver.
why Give art:
There is a general assumption that the hard work of the artist will be appreciated:
…you can’t go wrong giving art as a gift. Even the pickiest person on your list will love a personal thoughtful gift of something created by an artist or maker.
Amy Mayfield “How to give art as a gift (& where to find it)“
what NOT to expect:
But this “assumption” is not always what happens. Why? I think it is because a gift is “something given voluntarily without payment in return” (dictionary.com). To me, “without payment in return” means “expect nothing.”
- There is NO contract to care for the art.
- There is NO promise to display or even keep the art.
- There is NO guarantee that the art will be appreciated.
what to Expect:
Mama taught me, “It is better to give than to receive.” To be honest, how can it be better to give (to have less), especially when your gift might not even be appreciated? Perhaps the “better” involves:
- Enjoying the idea that someone else might need or want it.
- Expanding your “gallery” — locations where you art can be seen.
- Recognizing you don’t need it any more.
- Freedom from caring for and thinking/worrying about it.
- What is art for? the process or the product
- Because it feels good… to do something for someone else.
- It is good to do something that makes self feel good.
- Could plant a “seed” to the receiver.
- The receiver could treasure it… a very nice surprise!