Overly Influenced

In my post Feed The GOAT. I suggested choosing aspects from numerous artists to emulate. Remember the famous Pablo Picasso quote? "Good artists borrow. Great artists steal!" Ahhh, be careful about where you get your inspiration and how strongly you are influenced by it. I’m saying this from experience! I love H R Giger, he was steampunk before steampunk was a thing. A surrealist, a true visionary, and hello, Alien! That said, his work could be considered sexist and demeaning to women. Despite that, in my early twenties I was mildly obsessed with his baby imagery and was compelled to re-envision his visual dialogue using a similar baby pattern in my own work. (Obviously in what I believed was a more "feminist" context). Here is an example of how I was Overly Influenced by H R Giger:

Hatchery by Amy E. Fraser / Acrylic Paint on Masonite 2000 /

During the opening of my first NYC Chelsea Gallery Art Exhibition, H R Giger's agent happened to show up and commented on the similarity. Omg. The embarrassment. This was a serious Oh Shit I can’t believe I let that happen moment. During the conceptualization and creation of the Hatchery painting I had no idea that my inspiration was so apparent. However, lesson learned. Maybe the general public wouldn't have made the connection? I couldn't say, but whatever the case, I have been extremely conscious ever since. My humble advice, be a fan of many, study your art history, and always check your end result. You never know who your viewer will be. Do not assume you are the only one familiar with who you are Inspired by. Be aware. Be original. Be the greatest you of all time!

This is me and the fabulous Jen F. in front of Hatchery

To learn more about Amy go to Aefraser.com

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