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How does an artist decide to work in one medium over another?
Artists transform ideas into imagery — and whether the process
involves marble, paint, or large cranes depends on the temperament of
the artist and the nature of the idea. Any given art medium — even
a simple graphite pencil — offers enough complexity and range to
keep an artist engaged for a lifetime. Since each medium requires years
of experience to master fully, many artists choose to specialize. But
some artists prefer to explore the breadth of visual effects that can
be achieved in different media, and a few exceptional artists, like
Pablo Picasso, managed to work successfully in a variety of media.
Finding a (happy) medium
The term medium is used in its broadest sense to refer to the various
methods or materials used to make a work of art. Artists choose to work
in a medium they feel is appropriate to their temperament and interests,
as well as suitable to the expression they wish to communicate. For
example, a sculptor who decides to try printmaking may discover that
imagery that was effective in three dimensions looks very different in
two dimensions.
New media on the scene
The artist's inventory is constantly expanding. New technology and
media have historically enabled artists to broaden their field of
artistic vision. The invention of photography in 1826 created a visual
breakthrough that permanently altered and broadened the artist's
vision. Technology is now changing at an unprecedented rate, creating
any number of new art-making methods for artists to explore. Video,
holography, performance, and computer-generated art are just a few of
the new and non-traditional media offering artists new opportunities
for creative expression. Based on experience and training, one artist
might choose to work in a traditional medium like painting or sculpture,
while another may be drawn to experiment with new media developed
through technological advancements.
Mixing and matching media
Today's artists not only have a vast array of artmaking techniques to
choose from, but also a dizzying range of art materials. New
technologies have created new materials so that contemporary sculptors
for example may choose cement and Plexiglas in addition to wood and
marble. Each medium (or material) has its own unique possibilities and
limitations, so the choice of materials impacts how artists deal with
their imagery. To produce a convincing, compelling image, an artist
must mix and match media with great confidence and technical
mastery.
Next: Painting —
Why is painting still the medium of choice for so many artists?
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