Mitchel Dipzinski

What is “happy” art? Is it art that makes the artist happy? The audience?

Throughout my years displaying and reading pieces, I’ve learned that a lot of people have very strong feelings about this, and they’re not afraid to voice it.

When developing the ideas for artwork and poems that I want to eventually read or display, I’m excited. I feel pride in my creativity and I’m happy with the work I complete. The topics and themes vary–but I’m always filled with joy when I’m able to finally share the completed pieces. In this way, to me, my art is “happy.” But, I also understand that my pieces cover topics not traditionally seen as joyful or bright. They’re not meant to necessarily make others feel those emotions.

From the standpoint of being a viewer, when I want to see art that makes me “happy,” I look for moments of familiarity. I look for snapshots of recognition. This could be a use of my favorite color, an image that reminds me of a happy memory, or simply something cute. But, do my preferences dictate the artist’s intentions? They’re own joy?

It’s this dichotomy that I struggle with–especially when told I should make “happier” art.

I simply want to ask, “for who?”

And, I would tell any young artist out there, the answer to that question should be themselves. Art starts at the individual. The artist should be driven and excited to create regardless of if that piece ever makes it to the light of day. I’m not saying that an artist needs to feel that every piece is great–I have plenty of poems that I hide away, even from myself. But, every artist should create in a way that makes them want to continue to create.

The viewer then seeks art. They interact with and consume the art that most impacts them. The viewer feels emotions and reacts to each piece of art based on their own interpretations and previous experiences. How the viewer reacts to a piece is out of the hands of the artist. The artist can cater to certain audience reactions, but ultimately the reaction and interpretation belong to the viewer.

In this way, I find it extremely difficult to quantify if a piece of art is “happy” or not. Regardless, I still create. I create for me and share my story because I’m proud of it. I’m excited to share pieces of myself in hopes that someone–even if it is just one person–can relate.

I encourage young artists to do the same. Find your voice, your style, your tone and build off it. Chase after creativity with a vigor and share your story. Art starts with the individual–take advantage of that. Make art what you want it to be.