In the art world, we often refer to things like "Old Master Paintings," which typically implies works by 16th and 17th century European painters.
But what does it really mean to be a "Master" of your medium; of your work?
An Old Fashioned Term?
Butterfly I
"Master" is not a term we use very much, in the 21st century, but it used to be quite common.
These days, when you use the term "Masters," people almost automatically go to a graduate degree from a university. But what does that actually mean, when it comes to art, and being an artist?
Getting an MFA from an accredited university can certainly teach us a lot, but how much of that skill is theoretical, vs. applied?
Growing up in Europe in the 1960's and 1970's, "master" was a much more common term, and it was far more an indication of experience and skill than education.
Many people became "Master Carpenters" and "Master Silversmiths" and, of course, "Master Painters."
The Apprenticeship Tradition
In the more traditional interpretation, being an artist-- and a Master Artist-- was considered more of a "trade" than a "profession." Of course, when you go back more than 150 years or so, things like painting and sculpting was also often the domain of the "genteel" classes.
Butterfly II
When people referred to "fine" art, it generally had less to do with the actual quality of the art than the intent-- at least according to traditional European standards. "Fine" art meant something artistic and decorative created purely for aesthetic purposes with no other intended function.
In most cases, "mastering" art would happen through an apprenticeship arrangement that generally had little to do with actual education.
The apprentice might actually spend years doing basic "grunt work" for the master, and be little more than an indentured servant who would-- for a painter, for example-- clean brushes, stretch canvases and perform menial tasks while also "absorbing" information by simply observing the master at work.
Eventually, "practice pieces" might be allowed during non-working hours at the studio.
An apprentice might go for as long as ten years or more before being allowed to call themselves "artist" in their own right.
If you've studied classic period art that comes up for auction sale, you may have come across terminology such as "Follower of (Famous Artist)" or "Studio of (Famous Artist)" as the name attributed to a particular work of art. In most cases, you are looking at work created by an apprentice of the Master.
In Our Time Of Instant Gratification...
Apprenticeships are somewhat of a rarity in the world of art, here in our 21st century world.
Butterfly III
In most cases, people simply become artists because they enjoy creativity, and some realize this early enough in life to pursue a college degree.
However, beyond that point "mastery" simply becomes something acquired through trial-and-error and experience.
Sadly, artists these days tend to be more competitive than in times past, and discoveries and skills become "closely guarded secrets" rather than something openly shared among colleagues. In some ways, the decline of "apprenticing" is somewhat of a loss for the arts field.
Similarly, the path to "mastery" no longer has a clear definition like it once had. Pretty much anyone can call themselves a "master artist," and the assertion will stand unless it is disputed by someone.
Ultimately, art is in the eye of the beholder. As curators of a gallery, all we can really do is use our eyes and experience to look at work and decide whether it's "good" or not. Whether any given artist is a "master--" or has the potential to become one-- is open to individual interpretation.
Thank you for reading! Red Dragonfly is a proud member of the @sndbox creative initiative.
The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.
Hello @reddragonfly...... Apprenticeship is a way very effective way of acquiring knowledge because like they say "experience is the best teacher". Its such a pity apprenticeship is kinda winding down in this century. Am pretty sure, popular artist like Michelangelo, Picasso and Salvador Dali became masters by first been apprentice once.
If you would know, apprenticeship is still very much practised in Africa when learning any kind of trade.
Thanks for sharing @reddragonfly..... I wish I could see how your gallery looks like
Thanks for the nice comment @mikay. It does seem like apprenticeships still happen quite a lot in countries having a "skill" or "trade" is valued-- carpentry, stone mason, artist and so on; here in the USA it has become quite rare, sadly.
@reddragonfly you can help preserve the art cultural heritage in the USA for generations unborn . They will owe that to your seeing the bigger picture and taking steps on time.
Art is beautiful and should be appreciated.
@antigenx
@reddragonfly a lovely post about art you have here, i must say i love your choice of words "As curators of a gallery, all we can really do is use our eyes and experience to look at work and decide whether it's "good" or not" , never thought of art this way, but i will start doing so now.
Thank you! And I will add that the task of being a gallery curator is a very subjective business, as well. Part of the trade involves knowing the difference between something that is "good" work, and simply something you like.
I think I am at the right place. Hoping to learn much more from your great experience as a professional in that field. I hope I would be able to differentiate "good works and what I like with time.
Thanks for the insight
@antigenx
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