What do the beaches of Normandy, France, and the beaches of LBI have in common?

      Claude Monet (1840-1946) is a very popular French artist, who was considered to be one of the founding artists of Impressionism.  Impression is an art movement that began in Paris in the late 19th Century.  Prior to this movement, painters were stuck in a very rigid form of academic structure. Impressionism turned traditional studio art into en plein air (outside in the open air).  With train transportation expanding outward from Paris, artists headed east to clean, fresh air in towns along the Seine River all the way east to Normandy in LeHavre and Honfleur, France

      In fact, it was Monet’s painting entitled, "Impression Sunrise" (1872) that was the name-giver to the term "impressionism".  Monet was not only known for painting the industrialized area of port LeHavre at the mouth of the Seine River, on the Atlantic Ocean, he also produced beautiful works on the beaches of Entretat.  Until he met his mentor, Eugene Boudin (1824-1898), around 1856, Monet was known only for his charcoal caricatures. Boudin’s work inspired Monet, and, Monet’s new impressionist style inspired Boudin.  Boudin’s “The Cliffs at Etretat” (1890) is a stunning snapshot of the white cliffs that adorn the coastline, along with the working fishing boats littering the beach.  Monet’s painting of the same view, in a painting bearing the same name, was finished 5 years earlier.  A comparison of Monet’s “Sunrise Impression" to Boudin's later painting of the beautiful Normandy cliffs shows the influence

    But, what you ask, does that have to do with me?  Let me tell you what I think about that.  And, yes, I know you didn’t ask.

    In the book, “Impressionism, 50 Paintings You Should Know” (Prestel Publishing, NY), it is said that Monet, "...demonstrated a lifelong, incredible resistance to criticism - to the benefit of his art."  There's a very valuable life lesson to be learned from that statement!

      Criticism can take on many forms.  Although commonly thought of as a form of disapproval, criticism also results in analysis, review or appreciation, as well. 

     Had not artists like Monet taken a chance with an unconventional approach to a very traditional painting style, we would not have Picasso, Warhol, or Pollock, to name just a few.

     The very nature of art, in any form, puts the artist’s work on display for the world to see.  Until the very moment the artist plays a note publicly, reveals a sculpture, shows a painting, allows a culinary creation to be tasted,  displays their fiber art, sings a song or tap dances on stage (and the list can go on…) – their practice or creation is a very personal experience.  But, an artist often presents their work to the public, which knowingly, subjects their work to criticism.   Even with the pressure of knowing a critique will naturally follow, an artist cannot stop the creative process.   It is a curse and a blessing.

       Last month, and every 3rd Friday of the month into September, a gathering of artists is taking place at the Manahawkin Mart, 657 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin.  So, this Friday evening, July 19th from 7-9pm,  there will be music, there will be art, and there will be a group of kindred spirits who cannot stop their creative process.   But, there is also a nice variety of indoor shops that are willing to feed you, clothe you, quench your thirst or help you find the perfect gift.  If you go to:  www.manahawkinfleamarket.com, you will see why East Bay Avenue is the place to be seen on a summer evening!

        Oh, and while you have a minute, the Long Beach Island Foundation is looking for some feedback.   If any of you are on Facebook (and who isn’t these days?) you can visit: https://www.facebook.com/CultureAndArtsofLBI to fill out a survey of what you would like to see in terms of art and culture.   The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete, and, your suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.  As I mentioned last month, the LBIF is working with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to establish an arts and cultural alliance.  The LBIF could always use your help and, on August 12th they are planning another meeting to garner public comments.   I’ll provide you more details on that meeting in next month’s blog.

     Now, let’s tie this criticism (there’s that word again…) thing back into our conversation.   We artists and art organizations need your opinion, your appreciation, of what it is we are designed to do - create or enable creativity.   It is important to us that our efforts are reviewed; a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” kind of approach.  Frankly, your feedback provides us direction.  We remember what you have to say.  We will then chart our course accordingly. 

    We though, much unlike Claude Monet, will listen to what you have to say.   We’re not trying to start a new art movement, we’re just trying to provide our local community what you’d like to see, to own, to view, or to taste.

    So, come join us Friday night, July 19th,  at the Manahawkin Mart, 657 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, from 7-9pm and also visit the LBIF Facebook page and tell us what you think.  I promise we'll listen.

                         “Creativity takes courage.”    Henri Matisse