Why the best art lets the viewer co-create.

And what's the protocol for an open studio, anyway?

"Lunaire, oil on linen 20" x 24"; "In Between Dreams" oil on paper 22" x 30"

Peter Williams, a painter of horse racing scenes who was one of the few artists with permission to have a painting easel set up in the paddock at some of America’s biggest racetracks, used to insist that onlookers and fans take one of his paintbrushes, loaded with paint, and make a few marks on his paintings in progress. Most were bashful and afraid, but Peter would gently insist and the person would have his picture taken, with paintbrush in hand having added a little something to the wet canvas. It made them feel great, exhilarated and happy, and it gave Peter a lot of pleasure to share the fun of painting with them. Of course it didn’t ruin the paintings, and anything can always be reworked in wet oil paint. Most importantly, it was fun and memorable. Peter was a wonderful person and artist, and was very kind and helpful to me when I was making art at the racetracks. You can read about him here: Peter Williams Racetrack Artist

In my opinion, the greatest art is that which allows the viewer to exercise their own creativity deeply and fully. Not necessarily in the literal sense of painting on the canvas, but if the art leaves some things mysterious and perhaps even a bit “unfinished,” then the viewer’s mind and creative spirit can have a little fun.

This approach is something I strive for in my work- to suggest form in places rather than dictate it. I like parts of my paintings open and ready for your wonderful, unique creativity to get in there with your mind’s paintbrush and have at it.

That being said, a reminder that Dumbo Open Studios are this weekend. Come on by and do some mental painting!

Jen Ferguson Open Studio
Saturday & Sunday April 13th-14th; 1 p.m-6 p.m.
55 Washington Street, 3rd Floor #317
DUMBO Brooklyn NY 11201

PS- What’s the protocol for an open studio, anyway?

• There’s no protocol! Be curious, open-minded and realize that artists want you to feel comfortable and relaxed in their space. Don’t feel pressured to have opinions on the art or give compliments, but if you do like something let them know-small compliments go a long way to people who generally work in solitude with no feedback other than their own (which can be quite the critic, oftentimes).

• Open Studios aren’t gallery shows. If you’re lucky, there will be works in varied states of progress, which allows you to see the artists approach and process- and to imagine what direction an unfinished painting might be headed. This is an extraordinary privilege and one that people don’t often get. In addition, you’ll get to see the workspace of a creative person. Take a moment to take in what is actually in the studio. Some artists like to clean everything up, but you may see glimpses of things in their space that help them keep inspired, motivated and productive.

• Enjoy the experience and know that the artists are just happy that you dropped by. There’s little chance you’re going to be charged at with a price list- or expected to do anything other than take a look around, be friendly and have a look! Hope to see you this weekend and know that I will be enjoying the chance to see you as much as you might be enjoying the chance to see art.