Being an Artist: If I Paint a Painting in the Forest and Nobody Sees It

Monarch by GENE Jimenez

If I create a painting in a forest and nobody ever sees it, or write a song that nobody ever hears, or compose a story that remains unread… is it still considered ‘art’? This question likely prompts one of the most subjective discussions within the realm of creativity. What truly defines ‘art’?

In this article, I will share my personal perspective on the matter, emphasizing that this is solely my opinion. I cannot claim it to be absolute truth, but it holds significance for me. As a creator who brings ideas to life from my imagination, I believe that we eventually must engage with our own truths. By its very nature, doing so requires courage and creativity, which contributes to our uniqueness.

If you were to walk into my studio today, you would encounter numerous paintings, several scripts for comic books I produce, and a multitude of illustrations and sketches on various topics. You might also find an instrument or two scattered about. For the purpose of this article, I’ll focus primarily on the paintings. They are, quite simply, paintings. I envision something, translate that vision into paint, and apply it to canvas, thereby creating what we define as a painting.

In my studio, people often look at my creations and refer to them as “art.” However, in my mind, I find myself correcting them internally, thinking, “They are paintings.” Why do I consider them merely paintings? Because I firmly believe that ‘art’ does not exist in a vacuum. Art is not merely produced as a result of one individual’s creation. According to Google, the definition of art is:

ART – noun
1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works that are to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

Did you catch that? It states “to be appreciated…” but by whom? You? Me? They? This is where the quandary lies. If I were the sole arbiter of whether my creations can be classified as ‘art,’ the reality as I know it wouldn’t truly exist. Just because I declare it so doesn’t make it a universal truth. In the complex landscape of existence, we are autonomous beings; while I feel we are connected as a collective consciousness, we also inhabit a world of over 8 billion individuals, each with their own opinions on such matters. Thus, establishing our own definitions and rules becomes a formidable challenge as we all strive to navigate the same game. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I refrain from standing on the beach, shouting at the ocean about how I believe things should be.

The Loss by GENE Jimenez

I have distilled my personal definition of art down to this: my paintings serve as expressions of something within me that I cannot adequately articulate in words. Consequently, I convey these emotions through the medium of painting—specifically, acrylics applied to stretched canvas. When someone other than myself views a painting and experiences a reaction that transcends words, and that reaction invokes a sense of value within them, I believe a connection has been forged. In essence, they are responding to the manifestation of my unspoken expression.

In our society, we have established monetary exchange for such reactions; we refer to this as “value.” When they reciprocate their reaction through a form of payment or valuation, I contend—again, this is strictly my personal opinion—that the painting transforms into a piece of ‘art’. It is in those moments when two individuals connect on a profound expressive level that resonates within both of them: one person creates the expression, while the other acknowledges and embraces it. This acknowledgment can lead to actions, such as purchasing the artwork or, at times, simply expressing verbal appreciation. 

Buffalo by GENE Jimenez

There exists a fine line between verbal acknowledgment and the tangible act of buying a painting. This line shifts as one’s art gains recognition among the larger public, especially among those who may not be able to afford a single piece yet still connect with it at an inexplicable emotional level. Iconic examples include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” or Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” 

This brings us to the challenge I face. There have been instances where I sold paintings even before they were finished, with the paint still wet on the canvas. Such experiences are incredibly rewarding; they affirm that my expression is acknowledged, received, and valued by people I have never met, who see my work as something they wish to be part of.

On the other hand, I also have a substantial number of paintings in my gallery that remain unsold. Some of these may never find a buyer in my lifetime. Who can predict what will happen after I am gone? Perhaps I will experience a “van Gogh effect,” where my true success comes posthumously. In fact, I’ve had numerous visitors walk into my studio during open art studio events in our artists’ village and, upon seeing my work, ask me directly, “Excuse me, is this artist still alive?” To which my standard reply is, “Uhm, yes, very much so, I think.”

Hummingbird by GENE Jimenez

 What I understand is that, until now, I am not a mainstream, celebrated artist recognized by the “art industry,” which seems to create its own hierarchy, establishing cottage businesses for elite galleries and auction houses. No one is clamoring for my work or paintings. For me personally, that is perfectly acceptable. I have no desire to be part of that world—or at least, what little I know of it. Would I like to derive more monetary value from my work? Certainly, why not? However, I don’t tie my personal value to that outcome. My true worth lies in the expression of myself as an artist. I hope to convey through my art that which cannot be articulated in words, allowing others to engage with it and think, “Yeah, me too.” That connection is what I strive for in my work.

So, what’s the whole point? If I’m not creating something to sell or to make a living, then why create at all? This is the lie our society perpetuates. We have been taught and conditioned to believe that if you don’t produce something deemed immediately valuable, then it lacks worth. But this is not a truth for you. It is a conditional belief imposed by society, convincing you that it is a fact. It is not. Your expression—whatever it may be—has nothing to do with society’s skewed notions of validity. Your soul creates and expresses itself as a means of connecting with others.

Elephant by GENE Jimenez

Just as a great conversation builds connections, your creations serve as pathways to articulate what cannot be spoken or verbalized. The essential point I want to share is this: you never know who your expression might touch. I never anticipated that my paintings of female figures would resonate with individuals battling breast cancer, or that my fine art nude photography would help someone see themselves as beautiful for the very first time. I didn’t foresee that my comic book could inspire a quiet child to find their voice through comic art, or that my sound journeys would reveal to others the importance of self-care in their lives as they look to serve others.

This is why your creative expression is vital—it is important for you to share whatever lies within you. While creating something in solitude, such as in a forest, can be a fulfilling experience, walking through that forest with someone else—someone you may have never met—can be equally beautiful. You never know how your art can transform lives and forge connections that evoke understanding, courage, and healing in those who encounter it, and thus, make it art… in my humble opinion. 

TAKE ACTION: Wanna work with me to re-ignite your creative fire? Contact me at www.artistgene.com, where I mentor, coach, advise, cheer on, conspire, and execute all things creative—something I’ve been doing well for 30+ years. If you’re interested in mentoring or creative coaching, I can help you jumpstart, restart, and reignite your natural creative abilities.