Friday, June 13, 2008
Thomas Kincade...Artist?
I guess that in reply to your question, "Is Thomas Kincade a genuine artist or is he a shrewd capitalist who has mastered the art of money making?" I would have to say that he isn't what I would consider a "true" artist. When I think of an artist I see someone who puts their heart and soul into their work and creates a piece of art that is part of them. That being said it seems to me that after reading some of the material on Thomas Kincade he probably was a more genuine artist in the beginning, however once he altered how he was operating(starting to mass produce) I think that he lost whatever level of genuineness he originally had. The fact that he earned $53 million dollars over an eight year period is totally astonishing. It was hard to believe that 1 in 10 or 10% of homes in the U.S. feature some form of Thomas Kincade art or licensed product. Some of the statements that are made on his website are rather interesting. Some of these remarks are those such as, "As a devout Christian, Kincade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life affirming values." What values is Kincade really trying to share? That if you start mass producing art you can be very wealthy? I will be the first to admit that I am part of that 10% of U.S. homes that does have a piece of his work in my home. Although if I had known more about him I probably would have been more conscientous of my purchase. Incidentally-The Thomas Kincade store in the Roseville Galleria has closed (maybe he isn't doing as well selling his work anymore?).
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4 comments:
After reading through the given material to too thought that he isn't a true artist and in the beginning he had good intentions and probably loved what he accomplished. But as time went by and he became sucessful its almost as if he became greedy and did not find it necessary to create original pieces. To me his painting generally look the same and he's been sucessful at what he set out to do, which is making more money.
Mr. Kinkade probably was devoted to his craft at one time and was seduced by money and fame. This probably led him to what we see him as today. While I believe that he has sold out and is, indeed, a shrewd capitalist, I also believe that he is still considered an artist. He possesses the skills to create beautiful works that are enjoyed by many (myself NOT included). It is a pitty that an artist would choose to remain stagnant and choose, instead, to simply "crank out" what sells. I agree that he is wasting his gift and has ceased to create anything new or interesting in years.
I like the point you bring up on his website- that it states that " As a devout Christian, Kincade uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life affirming vales." I do not understand what we should get from that? I agree with you that it is confusing.
OOoh, I didn't know the Roseville Kinkade gallery had closed. Last time I was at the mall I noticed "sale" signs and thought something was up. Thanks for letting me know.
-Michelle
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