Communication is very important, whether it be through words, visually, or intuited from other actions. Communication is a large part of our daily life, even more so as an artist. Communication is our business.
Myself, I prefer visuals and actions. What makes me most comforted, especially with trust - knowing that what you say is what you're going to do. One backs up the other. You do what you say; you say what you do. However, I know that everyone interprets and needs to receive communication differently in order to understand and feel comforted. Some people need words. And with art, they need that left brained introduction to seeing and communicating without words. A verbal thought to propel them to create and see in their own mind - a comfortable stepping point for them to make the leap to connect emotionally with artwork. With abstract art, a lot of people think there must be a "right" answer, and if they can't find "it" they dismiss the artwork, and miss the great reward and depth of feeling that can be had from delving into emotion via the visual mind.
I find that it is quite hard for me to effectively communicate through words. At least I feel that way, whatever you, dear reader, may think. Words never seem to confer exactly the meaning I want, or are often interpreted differently than my intentions. The same wording can mean so many different things, depending on the readers/listeners experience or what they think they "hear" or interpret through their lense of reality.
Even though I'm more of a "visual person," especially through literature, I find words very affecting and strong. I would love to be more articulate, and able to write as Robert Louis Stevenson is quoted, "The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish."
Writing this, I realize that even my artwork has been more open ended as my words have. In certain situations that is what I want, so people can share their own experiences with each other. There is no "right answer." Yet, in other situations, articulated and pointed is what I would prefer - affecting precisely as I wish. I want to be known, instead of fearing to write anything in case I'm misunderstood.
Since it is never too late for healthy resolutions, I intend to work on my writing and verbal communication this year. I started a journal several years ago, only to realize that I had mainly filled it up with quotes of other people. I feel it is important to keep up with my blog and write about myself and my art to truly connect with others and express myself more thoroughly.
So, here's to 2012!