Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Being an Artist in a Controversial World

Resilience and Authenticity in a Changing Planet ⁓

As I've already written, I find it difficult to activate my creative side these days. Painting, writing, teaching... in short, thinking positive!

Should the Show Must Go On?

I admire those who pretend it's "business as usual." They put on their brightest smiles, express their enthusiasm, sing and dance, have a party. "The show must go on!" While the world is burning around us. This is understandable; it helps keep morale high, makes us feel part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Middle Eastern Eyes - Watercolor by Francesco Fontana (c) 2025
Middle Eastern Eyes - Watercolor by Francesco Fontana (c) 2025

Today's Meaning is Hidden in the Past

To rediscover meaning and motivation today, I reread old blog posts or review old paintings. As Jerry Saltz says in How to Be an Artist, "In your old suitcase is the truth of who you are." Looking to the past helps me recognize what recurs over time: signs, color, themes, sensitivity. This allows me to get rid of what no longer represents me and helps me be true to myself. By developing this and moving forward, I hope to leave a tiny trace of truth in the world.

Being Proud of Myself

I don't intend to leave this planet too soon, and I plan to create works that I'll be even prouder of. Works that bear witness to my presence in this fantastic and painful, bloody and ecstatic era all at once. And I leave you with a question: shoud I (we) be more radical in our artistic research!

As always, write to me with your thoughts and feelings.

Happy Art Life, Francesco

P.S. More about my artistic statement in this my blog post: 

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Art in Tumultuous Times

A Reflection on Creativity, Compassion, and Our Shared Humanity ⁓

I can't deny that the escalating global violence profoundly impacts me and my work. While I won't make political statements today, my stance is clear: I stand with the defenseless, who are suffering and dying in numbers too vast and in ways too cruel. Even in peaceful nations, my values place compassion before rules and authorities.

(c) Art by Francesco Fontana (detail)

This period has brought an amount of stress I didn't even experience during the COVID lockdown. Back then, I found peace and inspiration in my studio, leading to a fruitful creative phase. Today, it's a huge struggle to find the focus to create new work, despite the powerful feelings I long to express through my art.

How are you navigating this challenging time? Has your work halted, shifted direction, or slowed down? Are you buying or selling less art? Please share your thoughts with me.

Happy Art Life!

Francesco

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