A question of style

A question of style November, 2008


“I am never fixed and that’s why I have no style.” Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Upon seeing my paintings at an exhibit, one viewer once commented with a hint of disappointment that I really do not have one style. In a similar vein several teachers in the past have emphasized the importance of developing one’s own discernable technique, one’s own painting vocabulary. Surely there is comfort in being able to immediately distinguish a painting by Van Gogh from one by Matisse. We pride ourselves when we easily recognize a Rembrandt, a Bonnard or a Modigliani. We have studied their choice of subject matter, surface treatment and palette. We know our art history. Indeed, once one has seen a painting by Thomas Kinkade, one can for sure identify another without hesitation. A distinct style becomes an artist’s signature so it seems.

Just as switching languages brings out shifts in personality 1), working with different media fosters diverse approaches. My style varies according to whether I work in oil, acrylic, watercolor or whether I use a mixed media technique. I find that when I work with a variety of media new doors open to experimentation. In the process of self-expression I do not wish to be locked into one mode; to me that would be equivalent to a form of self-censorship.

Furthermore, my style shifts depending upon which motifs and perspectives engage me. It seems to me that different visions elicit different modes of expression. Besides how boring to be trapped in only a few choices when one can embrace endless possibilities! Just as one becomes a more sophisticated speaker by acquiring a greater and more nuanced lexicon, one becomes a more experienced artist by experimenting with different art forms and exploring new approaches. The making of art is an evolving process to which there is no conclusion.

Coming back to the question of style, as far as I am concerned not having a style is a style. It is a matter of choice whether you speak only one language or develop fluency in several. Don’t get trapped by conventions, expectations or assumptions; the sky is the limit!

Yvette Stenzel

1) David Luna et al. “One Individual, Two Identities: Frame-Switching Among Biculturals” Journal of Consumer Research: August 2008