But What Does It Mean?

We humans beings are always trying to make sense of our surroundings. We want to know why things are the way they are and once we know that, then we want to control those things. This is one of the reasons why we have myths — as a way to explain things. It’s also why we see articles about the face of Jesus appearing on toast. Our brains are hardwired to explain all that we see to our caveman selves.

So sometimes, when someone sees my artwork and asks, “but what does it mean?”, I often find myself stumbling. Of course, there are definitely times when I create something with the specific intent on saying something. There are times when I’m making a statement. It may be political, philosophical, contemplative.

But to be honest, most of what I produce has no significant or inherent meaning at all. Most of it has no deliberate intention other than to simply look cool. That being said, it does come from some place. It comes from emotion — a feeling — and once I’m in tune with the feeling I just ride it until I feel the call to stop. The number one question I concern myself with during this process is: “Yeah, but does it look cool?”

If it looks cool, then I’ve hit my mark and am satisfied. And often, if it does look cool, then I will start to see more stuff within it. Upon further review a narrative will likely develop out of the emotion that inspired it and before long I do have a story to tell collectors. Because I’m a human being and I want everything to make sense.

Sometimes I just have to take the back way to get there.

How do you feel about meaning in art? Do artworks have to have meaning for you to engage? Tell me in the comments!