Making: 200 Years

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Juror's Statement 

Don’t think about making art, just get it done. 
Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. 
While they are deciding, make even more art.

― Andy Warhol —

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As the quote suggests, who are we to judge? But, hey…everyone loves a winner; so, here we go...

Many thanks to all the artists who submitted work to Making: 200 Years  and to the amazing and endlessly talented team at the Columbus Area Arts Council. I’m such a fan of Columbus, Indiana, and the outstanding design heritage and residents. As an art dealer, artist and history fan, great artists and even better art is my life and I’m honored to be asked to serve as a Juror.

When judging this show virtually – and in the absence of knowing more about your philosophies as artists – I focused on three primary areas: 

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• Emotion

• Imagination

• Skill

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The thoughtful balance of imagination with technical skill to express a conceptual idea or feeling, are the elements that effectively/energetically connect your work with the public… The basic definition of successful artwork.

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I commend every artist who submitted. It takes great courage and humility to be willing to place your works on display and to be “judged” by peers on whether you will be placed in an exhibition, or whether you’d receive an award, or not. I know many successful artists who leave the room at this point...

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All exhibition veterans are familiar with this process and understand this is – at best – a subjective process and a juror’s decisions are “in the moment” and could change on another day. However, I did not take this task lightly, and made sure I gave equal consideration to each work during each pass. 

My approach...

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First, I virtually reviewed the works “in the moment”... a quick review or two of all of the submissions. What instantly caught my attention, made me stop and ponder your message, and drove an emotional response? In many ways, I played the role of a client in my family’s commercial gallery who is looking to invest...where big decisions are made in seconds or minutes.

Second, I reviewed the works as closely as possible... How did you pull it off? Did you push your limits? Were the canvas and materials a natural extension to your purpose/message? Or did they noticeably control you at times?

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Finally, I took a step back and reviewed the exhibition as one... Did my selections stand up? What did I miss or assume? Who nailed it and who needs a bit more time?

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I’m excited to be on this journey with you and thank you, sincerely, for sharing your passion with us all.... Now.... “Make even more art”!

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Very best,

Daniel C Mason

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