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Audiences are often the destination we seek for our artistic creations. They provide us with a connection, the artwork being the medium bringing us together in thought, or idea, or just sheer enjoyment. Author to reader. Singer to fan. Photographer to viewer.
Do you pursue your craft hoping to fill these picnic tables with an audience of readers, or customers, or listeners? Would you like to lead a book club discussion here, or sit at a piano and tickle the ivories during campus lunch hour? Or are your creative efforts purely for personal reasons, and reaching an audience is irrelevant?
Is having an audience part of your artistic intention?
~Joanne
Yes, I hope to reach an audience with my work, especially because I love the dialogue sparked by the connection with readers. The give and take of thoughts means a lot.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started writing, it was solely for myself. But now an audience is definitely part of why I write, with hopes of influencing others the way I've been influenced by beautiful works of art.
ReplyDeleteFinding an audience is definitely part of the equation for me. There's nothing like making those connections.
ReplyDeleteI don't even dare to think about other people reading what I write. It scares me :-)
ReplyDeleteI think that it's always nice to know that there is someone there listening to you, or reading your work; but regardless of an audience, I would still be doing what I'm doing. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is and it isn't. The artistic part of the craft doesn't pay a lot of attention to the droves. The business side is drumming up those droves. See, no matter how I cut it, there is an active dichotomy inside of me at all times.
ReplyDeleteAh, feels better confessing that. :D
~ Wendy
Janet - And often those artistic influences stay with us, don't they.
ReplyDeleteInluvwithwords - I agree. For me, the art is not complete without it.
Sarah - And yet, because you feel so strongly about that audience, I have a feeling you will some day seek that connection :)
Cafe Fashionista - I know, I can't see stopping, even if no one's reading my thoughts. In some way, shape or form, those words will hit the page. Or screen.
ReplyDeleteWendy - True, when I'm in the thick of writing, I'm not thinking audience. But the intent will always show itself, at some point.
What a well-timed post!
ReplyDeleteLike some of the comments suggest, for me, there is a mix of the solitary pursuit of writing and that group aspect of exchanging words.
Great topic!
I see you surrounded by people eager to hear what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Finding an audience is important to me. I also like to make connections with people-and it makes me happy when I can make someone else happy with my craft. But even without an audience, I think I'd still have to keep creating because I can't help it. That being said,from a business point of view, my audience also enables me to keep creating:)
ReplyDeleteI do want an audience but when I look at the picture, I think I would like to sit there with my laptop and people watch, perhaps during an art display. And of course, with an ice coffee at my side.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought is that I would love to gather here with some sketching buddies for an afternoon. We could all work in our own sketchbooks on something we've been wanting to sketch, but we would have companionship at the same time. And of course there would be a lot of chatting and laughing going on too.
ReplyDeleteOf course, some people walking by would want to take a peek and they would be wondering what we were up to. It can be intimidating to sketch in public and think that someone might be looking at your work, but it does feel safer in a group.
I did for awhile but my foray into that wasn't all that successful Mostly I just create for my own pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou know, my first instinct was to say no. But imagining a crowd of people reading my book with eagerness does sound beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteCatherine Denton
This is a great question. I don't think much about reaching an audience while I am writing, but once the story is done, I hope that it will appeal to a large audience.
ReplyDeleteEven though it kind of scares to know that people are reading what I wrote and it scares me more to have to read it aloud - an audience is definitely something I'm seeking.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a book launch taking place there! And yes, I have an audience in mind when I write :)
ReplyDeleteI want an audience but for my books, not for me! I did quite a few events early on and decided it isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely area -- it actually reminds me of a somewhat similar place that my college had, where you could sit and look out over the whole campus. I always loved it there.
ReplyDeleteAs for audiences -- that connection is magical. Being on the receiving end of it, as a fan of different singers, authors, etc. is such a special experience, and as a writer, it's always meaningful beyond words when someone says they've connected with the characters. I agree completely with you about how lovely the give and take of thoughts is!
Yes. Soon and very soon. I like looking for unique spaces to share my art, or where others are sharing theirs.
ReplyDeletePatricia - I think that's what I like the most, the exchanging of ideas with others. To me, it's just so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteKaren - Thanks much. I have a feeling that with Sugartime, you just adore the audience feedback.
Valerie - The more you think about it, the more that audience connection has many meanings ... Even in that it enables and encourages us to continue.
Susan - It does look like a nice place to just sit and watch the world go by for a bit. It's so inviting in its own way.
ReplyDeleteClaire - That's so true. Whenever someone is painting or sketching in public, people just draw near, so wanting to see the art being created. Maybe they feel that the creative world is a little removed, and that's a way to be in the thick of the creative process!
Ellen - Maybe, to an extent, that sentiment is also a part of all our process. As the artists, we do take something for ourselves from the process.
Catherine - Or picture your paintings displayed around the perimeter of that campus courtyard ...
ReplyDeleteCynthia - Me, too. In the thick of the creative process, it's just me, the words and the story. The connections happen afterward.
Patti - And those fears motivate us to do our very best, don't you think?
J.A. - I've recently been to book events at that campus, and they're lots of fun :)
ReplyDeleteKarenG - Now that's an interesting distinction, and the question is how do you keep the two separate? If they love the book, the audience will want to know more about the author ...
Shari - You bring up a good thought. I love being on the receiving end of music, to connect with the art of song. And so to think that I can bring a similar connection through a written story means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteMary - Isn't that fun, to consider different venues rather than the traditional? A campus courtyard, a coffee shop, a beach boardwalk, the list goes on! Even the locale can contribute to the experience.
I'd love to go sit in on a book talk there. I have to admit though, that I'm somewhat ambivalent about an audience for my own writing. Can't really imagine anyone wanting to sit around discussing it.
ReplyDeleteBoth. I write for me to tell the story of what I see in my head. But I want others to read and experience the story with me. So I'd love to fill up the picnic plaza :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to someday be writing for an audience. So far, I think the list is at one:)
ReplyDeleteI would love to reach an audience of readers. But, I'm also an introvert and love--just me. However, I'm critical of myself at times.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
As a pr person, it's my job to make sure those seats are full :) But, I do love merging creativity with my marketing. And I enjoy the process of creating--whether it's for a website, book trailer, or slideshow. But if I did those things just for myself? It's not enough. Like you, I enjoy the connection and response that you only get through an audience.
ReplyDeleteOohhh, deep question today, Joanne. :) I'd say my writing efforts are definitely geared toward having an audience. Otherwise, I'd hide away in my room and write first drafts one after the other. :)
ReplyDeleteAn audience is the whole reason for creating work, in my mind - the dialogue, the emotional connection, the feelings for both artist and audience that we are not alone in our thoughts and perceptions. Whether the audience is very tiny (just a loved one) or bigger (the public) is always negotiable, but writing, painting, photography are all forms of communication. I prefer intimate settings, myself!
ReplyDeleteL.G.Smith - I'm sure they would discuss your book, though. Readers love talking books.
ReplyDeleteCarol - Me, too :)
Deana - And one at a time, that audience grows ...
JW - As was mentioned earlier, is it the book we seek an audience for, or ourselves? But either way, still we are representative of the product.
ReplyDeleteMary - Creativity in marketing makes for the best promo. Audiences are smart, and I believe they enjoy the thought that goes into innovative marketing.
Sarah - lol, good point. Advancing beyond a first draft is proof enough we seek that audience connection.
Hi Joanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today! I always see your nice comments on Mary's blog, so thanks for leaving one on mine as well. : )
As a singer, I love an audience. I have often opened my student recitals with a comment about, "We can't just sing in front of the mirror forever, we need to share our voices with others."
Glad to meet you.
I love and hate having an audience. I love getting a reaction to my writing(only if it's a positive one of course) but I get very nervous before I have to talk to large groups even though when I was a teacher I would often run whole school assemblies. It must be an age thing.
ReplyDeleteOne MN Writer - It's true. In a way, the piece of art itself is an abstract commentary, on some level, needing the audience to meet its intent.
ReplyDeleteJoy - I like that. It's similar to a writer, in that we can't be in that first draft forever. We have to move closer to the audience.
Rosaline - I'm not sure that it's age, more than it's such a different reason you're in front of a group of people. And our own creativity is open to interpretation then ...
Honestly, I want an audience of strangers. When the line between my life as a writer and my every day life begins to blur, I feel unsettled. Crazy? Possibly. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope to reach an audience with my work - I want to enrich people's lives or offer them a brief escape from the world or teach them something new.
ReplyDeleteOoooh! What a great question. Hmmm. I think I could write and personally satisfy myself if I wasn't writing as a career choice. But since it's a career, I kind of need an audience. :-)
ReplyDeleteJulie - Now that's an interesting take on the question. I think having an audience of strangers might be a better indication if our work is really connecting with others.
ReplyDeleteMelissa - Great options. I like the idea of offering a brief escape, too. Letting them step into our created world for awhile.
Jessica - Definitely. No audience = No career.
For my novels, most definitely, and to some degree for my photography.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is an amazing quilter, but hardly anyone sees her quilts. She's too afraid people will spot her tiny mistakes (as if!). She's like the writer who won't query for fear of the odd typo in her ms.
An audience for sure.. I want the world to read my work..Susie
ReplyDeleteLet's see, I'm a theatre major who now teachers. Yep, I'm all about the audience. I love discussions and conversations about all things creative. There is something magical about college campuses. It must be the new knowledge flying through the air.
ReplyDeleteStina - Quilting is such a beautiful form of art. I'll bet her work is gorgeous. At least you get to enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteSusie - Those tables will be filled up and sold out!
Leslie - I always enjoy being on campus. The air is definitely charged with energy.
Having an audience is definitely important for me. I want to share.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I want to grow my readership -- I want to have readers!
ReplyDeleteReaders! Readers! Readers! *drools uncontrollably*
ReplyDeleteMargaret - Sharing, connections, that's at the heart of it.
ReplyDeleteTalli - That's important too, to grow and reach out beyond our core readers.
Yes, I write for readers not because I have all the answers but because of the commonality of life experiences: the havoc they unleash on us (physically, mentally and emotionally), the lessons they teach and the inspiration they spark, all of which call us to change and live better lives.
ReplyDeleteI write to help others understand themselves, search for and adopt the mindsets, the lifestyle skills and practices that will help them to heal, identify their dreams, set goals, chart a course of change and pursue their own version of a full, purposeful and passionate life.
As an author, it was a thrill when my books were published, meaning they'd have an audience outside of my family. Even more fun was getting to do author presentations to groups of kids. They take a lot of energy, but I love doing them!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
ReplyDeleteLindsay - Wishing you many ...
ReplyDeleteCheryl - I like that, the commonality of life experiences. We can so often see ourselves, somewhere, in stories we read, in the characters journeys, even in settings. There's an inclusiveness to many stories, in that way.
Beth - How nice to connect to your readers in person ... I'm sure it was lots of fun :)
ReplyDeleteChristina - All right!
Yes, having an audience is so important for me as a teacher. I try to make my lessons relevant so that kids can connect. Also, I'm creative in the way that I present the lesson - in our discussions, in what they will be producing to show their learning.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would like to reach an audience with my writing.
ReplyDeleteYes, but I love that as a novelist I don't have to perform in person, before them. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know, there's speaking, and I can do it, but it's not my favorite.
Jen said what I've been thinking about this question as I consider a return to teaching. I have literally asked myself if I am ready to return to the "teaching stage" ~ reading past observations and letters of recommendation have given me the confidence to think I am.
ReplyDeleteJen - It's interesting to think of students as the audience, the front of class the stage. But it is, and that connection makes the lessons learned more relevant.
ReplyDeleteJanet - Me, too :)
Marcia - I know, it's nice that the art can be enjoyed by the audience in the comfort of their own home.
ReplyDeleteSharon - I think you'd really use that classroom stage well and reach the students in your own, unique way. So much more goes into teaching than first meets the eye.
I thought a lot about this over the years, Joanne...Primarily, I paint for myself. Writing--I suppose I've always had an audience in mind, but there isn't a clear line between one and the other.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find interesting to ponder is, at what point does expressing one's self change from the simple joy of creating, to seeking the accolades of an audience? Think of a child doodling, or singing, or making up a story for their own amusement...As soon as onlooker offers praise, I wonder how much of the process of creating comes down to seeking the elation of pleasing an audience.