The reason we do this is because we know that our intention, our meaning, is not the end of the artwork. It is not the only thing that can be gathered from it. As a matter of fact, if it is the only thing that can be gathered then it isn’t art, it’s propaganda.  Propaganda is created in such a way that there is almost no chance of it being seen or interpreted in any way but the way the creator intended.  Everything is spelled out.

I don’t know of any great art that attempts to spell out one and only one meaning.  That is why this quote is good and true.  Mature artists create with joy in the knowledge that others will come and take new and unique ideas from their art. Ideas the artist didn’t think of, nor could have anticipated.When you look at art (and you should, regularly) don’t restrict yourself to what you think is the ‘right’ interpretation.  Your interpretation IS the right one, even if it is off the deep end.  Nobody can tell you otherwise.

Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman

“A good spectator also creates.” – Swiss proverb