Art (the visual arts) cannot be considered GOOD or BAD + Mandarin Orange Cake

"A Wild Ride!"

By Jack A. Atkinson

Ink on Arches Paper, 

Painted from Life, in Real Time, During an 8 Second Ride

at The National Western Rodeo, Denver, CO 

EDITORIAL

ON ART

Deep Thoughts
(On a cold day in the USA)

Art (the visual arts) cannot be considered GOOD or BAD we can only ask "Do I personally appreciate it (enjoy it) on some level?"

We all have different standards coming to bare on how we evaluate art:
- does it show skill?
- does it make me think?
- does it show emotion?
- is it something I can relate to?
- does it make a statement?
- does the scale, color, technique or content interest me?
- does the shock, freshness or creativity draw me in?
- Do I say, "In art, I like the familiar!"
or
- Do I say, "In art, the Same Ole, Same ole bores me!"

I have been an artist (or worked-in-the-arts) my entire life. There are very few people who have seen all of the various artworks, in the various media, approaches and venues as I have had the privilege to see, all over the world. Yet, I still cannot tell you exactly what art is GOOD or BAD! There are many works, which upon first viewing, I thought were "bad", but I have now grown to love or at least appreciate.

There are immature works, uninspired works, student works, cliché works, misguided works and artworks where a technique or thought process has not yet been resolved. I find it hard to say these artworks are good, but occasionally, upon revisiting them much later, some are.

The "Art World" chooses, as if by divine intervention, their art royalty: some are fabulous; some are frauds. The "Art World" is a business exactly like the recording industry. The people promoting the artists are only interested in making money off of their stable of artists, and in little else. Although the "New York Art World" is mostly responsible for the modern and contemporary artists, students study in art schools today.

The only advice I give to anyone wanting to bring art into their lives - collect or surround yourself only with artworks you like, not what you think will be a "good investment". And be especially wary of anyone promoting an artist or telling you a work is GOOD. Allow others to show you what's out there, but only you can make the determination about which artworks you believe to be GOOD!

- Jack A. Atkinson

Above Art & Text © Copyright Jack A. Atkinson, 2014

FOOD

Mandarin Orange Cake 

1 Box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix

¾ c. Vegetable Oil

4 Eggs

2 11oz. cans Mandarin Oranges (drain 1)

Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and juice from 1 can of oranges.  Fold in oranges (Momma leaves them out).  Pour into 3 greased & floured cake pans.  Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes.  Cool and fill with frosting.

Frosting for Mandarin Orange Cake

Mix:

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (do not drain)

1 small package instant vanilla pudding

1 (9 oz) Cool Whip

1 can Angel Flake Coconut (1 1/3 cups)

Mix together and fill between layers and to top and sides.  Keep refrigerated.  It is better if made a day ahead.

This is a great cake! 

(Source: Atkinson Family Cookbook 

© 2014)

Until Later, 

Jack

ARTSnFOOD, is an online publication dedicated to "The Pursuit of Happiness through the Arts and Food." ™ All rights reserved for all content. Concept, Original Art, Original Text & "Original or Assigned Photography" are © Copyright 2014 Jack A. Atkinson under all International intellectual property and copyright laws. All photographs were taken and/or used with permission. Artworks © individual artists, fabricators, respective owners or assignees.