On My Mind: The importance of words

There is of course a
difference between words in the artist’s mind and words of critique or
review. The artist’s words are words of intent, of defining the vision
or painting’s aim, and may be silent, or private. The critic’s words are
to conjure the achieved effect of the artist as the critic sees it. I
think trying to define what and why you are painting is important. These
words can enrich the way in which you put paint down, they can
determine what you choose to eliminate or emphasize. In itself a title
to a painting is already a lead-in both for you the artist and for your
viewer. I was recently looking at work of Korean painter whose work is
entirely abstract, a color field. His titles pertain to Korean pottery
referencing celadon and antique glazes. No question that expands one’s
appreciation/viewing.

—Anonymous