Art for Art’s sake…

I appear to have re-invented myself as an art aficionado…wait a minute – an artficionado…see what I did there…could that be because I’m now properly creative?

I feel it only fair - and honest - to disclose that I have no specific qualifications, nor have I spent too much time in a formal gallery (which can’t be said for the relevant souvenir shop within) and don’t know my Banksy from my Botticelli.

However, I have now been to two Affordable Art Fairs and that’s as good as job done in my eyes (remember, it’s very busy in my head!).

I channel my inner Margo Leadbetter as I schlepp around declaring ‘that’s a very interesting concept’ as I slowly turn my head from side to side, stand back…and repeat. I’ve even honed that thing people who really know their stuff do (I’ve watched!) – making a square out of their thumbs and fore fingers and standing back and sighing. If I say so myself, I’m pretty good at it. I catch myself saying ‘yah, yah’ for no particular reason whatsoever as I muscle in on other’s conversations. No doubt the next Fair will see me sporting the season’s must have beret, coquettishly perched.

When asked if I want to know more about the artist I’m ‘appreciating’ (see above), I shrug super nonchalantly and say ‘not right now’ as I suspect explaining that the main colour used would go really nicely with the White Company candle in my hall might blow any credible cover. Why ever would I admit to being that shallow – I think not!

I’ve even made a purchase – I know! I’m the proud owner of a Vessey art print…if you have to ask…! That said, I’m properly tickled pink with it.

I have to admit that I am shocked that there appears to be many an angry (albeit creative) soul out there. Whilst I adore the ‘Make Today Your Bitch’ in pink neon above a picture of a punked up poodle, I’ve yet to be wholly convinced that it would be appropriate at the next family Christmas lunch…

However, I will not be deflected from my assertion that I am the next Lucy Lippard (ok… I had to google her!) and another purchase is most definitely on the cards.

But until I can muster up the courage, I will have to tolerate Mr T’s sarcastic ‘so what else am I the proud owner of’ as I return from a pretend Waitrose food shop with a safe and reliable, John Lewis framed Picasso print. As I dramatically say to him every time, ‘yah, yah… creativity takes courage’…!