Friday, January 27, 2012

Grungy, shabby, worn - what's the deal?

I've been trying for several years to understand the need, the love, the urge for "grungy" stuff. At the scrapbook store you can buy what looks like a nail file and it's for distressing paper. My bestie, Suzi Blu, is well-known for her girly grunge style. I like it, don't get me wrong. But I'm wondering what is it about it that SO many people find appealing.

Today I was thinking "Well, maybe it's because we feel that way. Worn. Used." Like the hoodie I'm wearing - it's TOTALLY grungy.

Sometimes I feel this way. Old and used and torn. Does it need to come out in my art? Is that the point?


But then I started wondering if maybe the OPPOSITE is true. Is it because of the polished perfectionism that so many people feel the need to project that accepting imperfections, even causing them, in our work is so appealing? I have no idea. Thoughts?

3 comments:

  1. I don't know either but the fact that so many of us are drawn to that kind of work says how messed up the whole world is. Perfection does not exist no matter how hard people try for it. My thoughts.

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  2. I just think it's so sad that so many people aspire for perfection. Not to say that we shouldn't aspire for improvement - if I want to lose weight, draw better, stand on my head, etc., these are things I should practice. It's the competition part and the judging that I don't understand. The need to be "as good as" THIS person or THAT person instead of just being as you are.

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  3. I agree - your goals should come from inside YOU not someone elses idea of who you should be and their judgements - or what society is imposing.

    I have a hoody just like that, btw - it goes with my worn 501s! COMFORT!! I love how I feel in those clothes - plus I can create in them and not worry about spillage!

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