Comments on: When is a Piece of Art “Done”?

By: Letty

Letty — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:08:11 +0000

As the art I produce dies shortly after its born, I can’t say when it’s “finished.” However, I agree with your favorite: “When efforts at improving it just screw it up.” Studio 360 had an episode on this about a year ago. If their archive was working right now, I’d send you the link.

By: John A

John A — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:49:49 +0000

I was gonna attribute it to Kris too… :)

For me, the answer varies widely based on the medium and the piece itself. I guess I’d say that if I’m not sure that it’s done, then it’s not done.

But, since my art has virtually no audience, there’s little actual effect to stopping or not stopping. :) And in the digital world (in which I work almost exclusively), the concept of “Undo” erases the nothing of having to worry about where to stop.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:42:47 +0000

Kris – first, let me give you due credit for being the one to flag this for John, who in turn sent it to me!

Second – for me, “When efforts at improving it just screw it up” resonates most… I remember in an art class in high school, working on a charcoal drawing of a girl, and my teacher loving it when I put one streak of orange in her hair. I then started added more orange and she practically yelled at me: “Stop!” One streak was interesting – adding more took away from that effect. I always think of that experience when I’m unsure of whether to continue tinkering with something.

By: khammargren

khammargren — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:05:21 +0000

“when it starts to piss me off” is my personal favorite. when it comes to my photography, after i finish with post-processing i tend to lose interest. so going the extra mile to do prints or a photobook takes herculean effort!