How Graphic is Too Graphic?

[the-eunja]

In the realm of creation, do you feel you have a limit as to how graphic your own artwork can or should be?

I have recently taken to sculpting with Super Sculpey. I've actually found that I am in fact far better at sculpture then I ever was at drawing or painting, which is awfully strange to me as I have had no prior experience in the past. The things I'm naturally drawn to sculpting are often sexual in nature, or at least exhibit themes of sexuality in some form, and I am worried about my prospects commercially.

I've never actually sought to sell my stuff, but a certain gallery owner has taken interest in some of the WIP shots I've posted online - nude, pin-up style figures with a fetishistic/anthropomorphic twist, so they're pretty tame in comparison I guess.

I'm worried about the ideas I'm having for my next few sculpts, which are going to include things such as foetuses and one that's basically going to be a giant, erect penis ejaculating out a full-grown woman covered in semen... so, things like that haha

I'm worried about being viewed as this untouchable, graphic artist who only advertises artwork that revolve around sensitive subjects and gaining no further interest in my art.

Can any of you give me any advice regarding the subject matter? Any past experiences you may have had, whether you have a limit on the sort of art you produce?

[TinyBird]

There was a similar thread about this some time back, and the general consensus on that was pretty much "if you're worried, use a nom de plume (or whatever the artist equivalent for a pen name is)".

[the-eunja]

Though do you think it's a good thing to be associated overall with this particular kind of content?

[Kamber Parrk]

[the-eunja]

I'm not sure why you posted this, but I'm glad you did because I can't stop dancing haha

[TinyBird]

Though do you think it's a good thing to be associated overall with this particular kind of content?

Well, define "good"... If your dream is to start illustrating children's books, then no, being associated with graphic porn/etc probably won't be very good. But art industry is so varied that it's pretty impossible to just say what is good for your career and what is not, depending on what you want.

[the-eunja]

Yeah, I suppose that was a bit subjective.

The problem is that I've never considered myself good enough to break into a commercial market, and now that I have some interest, I'm confused as to what direction I should take. Whether I should continue with just the tame, pretty, plump lady sculpts that seem to attract attention, or just let go and sculpt all the repulsive things I really want to create at the risk of turning some people off.

[TinyBird]

I'm confused as to what direction I should take. Whether I should continue with just the tame, pretty, plump lady sculpts that seem to attract attention, or just let go and sculpt all the repulsive things I really want to create at the risk of turning some people off.

Well, like said, if you're worried but still want to continue, just use a different name for the other stuff. Several writers write the usual stuff on their own name, and write porn/erotic stuff on a different name.
Like I'm pretty sure that you can ask the gallery owner to just credit your sculptures as any name you wish, as long as your contract (or whatever is used in this situation) is done right.

[the-eunja]

Why would you think I'm trolling?

[Chris Bennett]

I'm certain of it.

[the-eunja]

Why, is this not a legitimate query?

[Chris Bennett]

Because you're a troll.

[the-eunja]

What is it exactly that leads you to believe that I'm not being anything other then 100% genuine?

[TinyBird]

Do you think I'm trolling?

...Uh... What? I'm answering your question here. Why do you think I think you are trolling?

[Chris Bennett]

...Uh... What? I'm answering your question here. Why do you think I think you are trolling?

That's my fault TinyBird.
I told her/him she/he ought to stick to trolling and then edited it to say that they ought to sculpt trolls, because I thought it was slightly more amusing, but deleted my post accidentally in the process.

[the-eunja]

...Uh... What? I'm answering your question here. Why do you think I think you are trolling?

Sorry, I think I clicked the wrong reply button by mistake!

But yeah, there's a guy in this thread who thinks I'm trolling for some reason. I guess he's just the kind of fellow that does impose some form of graphical limitations on his artwork. I'm really confused here.

[Star Eater]

Seeing some of your WIPs, even planning sketches or armatures should put this to bed.

[TinyBird]

That's my fault TinyBird.
I told her/him she/he ought to sculpt trolls, but deleted my post accidentally.

Ah okay, that explains.

[the-eunja]

Well I don't understand why he's deleting his posts and lying now, but he made a post a bit higher up in the thread accusing me of trolling.
I can't understand why anybody would come to art-based website for the sole reason of trolling so it makes no sense to me.

Seeing some of your WIPs, even planning sketches or armatures should put this to bed.

I don't mind posting some of my finished work some time later in the week, but I'm the kind of person who seriously lacks confidence in anything I create. Once I've finished the sculpt I'm currently working on, I don't mind submitting it for critique later on in the week once I've finished working on it but I'm not brave enough to post anything here after seeing how fantastic the majority user base is.

[Chris Bennett]

I don't mind posting some of my finished work some time later in the week, but I'm the kind of person who seriously lacks confidence in anything I create. Once I've finished the sculpt I'm currently working on, I don't mind submitting it for critique later on in the week once I've finished working on it but I'm not brave enough to post anything here after seeing how fantastic the majority user base is.

So, you want to sculpt giant penises covering women in semen but you're telling us you're shy...

[the-eunja]

Apparently you've never heard of an outlet.

[Chris Bennett]

Apparently you've never heard of an outlet.

Yes, and trolling seems to suit you perfectly.
I'm gone.
You'll be pleased to know... but disappointed at the same time of course.

[the-eunja]

I'm glad for it.
I looked at your public profile and you've got your own website. I find your overall behaviour to be extremely embarrassing and childish for somebody who is a so-called "professional".

We both live in the UK so Google Pinup Expo, that's the gallery that was interested in me. Their general focus is the female form and sexuality.

Goodbye.

[pegasi]

What just happened here?

[Star Eater]

Basically:

"I sculpt jizzing dongs."

Then:

"Pics or it didnt happen."

and that's about it really.

[Anid Maro]

I second the notion for pics.

But otherwise, this is kind of a non-question isn't it?

A pseudonym solves all problems, and there's no drawback as you can reveal your real name at any time. There's no reason to wring your hands over this, use a fake name and draw whatever you damn well please.

[Star Eater]

...gallery owner has taken interest in some of the WIP shots I've posted online - nude, pin-up style figures with a fetishistic/anthropomorphic twist, so they're pretty tame in comparison I guess.

Just give us the address of these images. If a gallery owner has seen them and wants them, posting here should be a snap.

Do it. DO IT!

We'd much rather eat humble pie from someone who is going to be featured in a gallery than wonder how legit your query is. (Which has been pretty much answered anyway.)

[the-eunja]

I'd really much rather wait until I have something entirely finished for me to post.
The photos of the sculpture that the gallery owner was interested in were only shitty WIP shots I posted to Facebook, which makes it even more amazing that he offered me €400 for it . __.

But yeah, I'm terribly self concious. I think I would just curl up and die if any of my cruddy, unfinished work got out in a place like this. I still don't understand why any body would like it.

[Jon_Dog]

http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=230386
Yeah here's the similar discussion, they took it as well as this person.
I think if you want to do controversial art you need to have a thicker skin.

[kev ferrara]

I think what Chris is missing is the sad fact that there are people whose level of taste does run to the pornographic or scatalogical. This is why he assumed the OP was a troll.

The shyness thing only adds to the creepiness of the OP. People who hide out for long stretches and then suddenly expose genitals in public are generally called flashers. Wouldn't want to shake his hand, if you know what I mean.

Though... We all want to be open minded here. And we aren't prudes. But, there must be sites out there for art-porn/erotica where people are looking for just the sludge the OP seem randy to proffer. This site tends to be more traditionalist, presenting art where the charge comes from the talent, not the titilation.