Defining the abstract: it may seem like the antithesis of what abstract art is all about. Or, it could be that attempts to define the abstract and what the artist intended is part of the genre's appeal

Art Business News, March, 2006 by Jane Hart

"Inspired by jazz music, the works have a rhythm and a tone that creates a mood," says Maier. "Most viewers see the musical dynamics in her paintings and respond to the color--the tonal magic works for them. They get it."

Berlin says that her paintings are also dynamic and full of color with a lot of action and movement. "Perhaps that is what people connect with. So, even though there is not an object that they can recognize, they are, on some gut level, connecting with something that is there."

When considering the interpretation of art and understanding abstract art, Deljou says, "It takes time for people to be educated about art and to appreciate the history and techniques of painting." But Deljou goes on to say that unless you're an art critic or a museum curator, one should never busy themselves with the process of interpretation. "Art is made for the individual to enjoy visually.... a sort of feast for the eyes. The intellectual processes and interpretation are best left to those whose business or trade it is to interpret or critique.

"What matters most, I think, is that abstract art is enjoyed," says Deljou. "The possibilities of painting abstract art from the artist's perspective are infinite. So, it will always be there and it will always be new and exciting in both the doing and the viewing."

Can They?

Many abstract artists hear people naively say, "So what's the big deal? I could do that!" Interestingly, most artists have their own variation of a response revolving around the same sentiment, which is, "Go ahead and good luck!"

"I tell people by all means to go ahead and do it," says Berlin. "After all, we inhibit children. The worst thing to do is to give children a coloring book and tell them to stay inside the lines. "Give them blank pages and materials and tell them to have a good time. Abstract expressionists are trying to get back to playing and freedom and colors. I enjoy colors, and I have no predetermined ideas. The work just evolves."

Maier's take, however, is slightly different. "Depending on the person, I have a variety of responses, ranging from a flip, 'bring it by and let me take a look,' to a more earnest description of why it is more difficult than it looks.

Maier continues: "Most good abstract artists can draw. Mihoko, for example, has all of the skills of a traditional artist plus the uncanny knack for getting to the essence of painting. The abstracts are much more difficult and challenging than a landscape, as the artist is not depending on the beauty of a mountain or a sunset, but instead, pure line and color to evoke a mood.

"Painting abstracts is like telling a writer to write a story without nouns: it takes skill and imagination. If the abstract art is not good, then it is safe to assume that the guy who said, 'I could do that' probably can."

The Market

"There is a fad market and a cycle always exists. But there are people who are very interested in abstract art," says Deljou. "Abstract art buyers generally have been the corporate collectors and buyers. The typical buyer is middle to upper income, is well-educated and has some history of art in some way through traveling or creating. That describes the next generation of art buyers. They have been exposed; they have the money to spend; and they know what they like."