With A Flourish

Recently I've read a lot of commentary against the use of flourishes as decorative elements in artwork and collage.  I'd like to weigh in on the subject and add my 2¢ worth, because I feel that it's expressly un-artistic to discriminate against any design element, ever.  It's just wrong.

You don't have to like flourishes, and if you don't like them, don't use them.  If you think they're over-used, don't use them.  If you hate looking at them, turn away.  Or resolve to tolerate them.

Because the absolute truth is that the story of art is one of inclusiveness.  It will never suit everyone always, and sometimes it may even suit no one.  But the expression is always valid.  

I personally applaud the use of the flourish.  Even the name itself.  To flourish is to thrive:  To be fully present, alive, and in a state of excellence.  How appropriate.  It is the state of being that one is borne up to in the creative process.  

And with that said, in practice, I use the flourish sparingly, and usually not at all.  But in the midst of every drawing, every book I bind, and every collage, there's always a flourish in my heart.  As cliché as that may sound, it's the truth.

Comments

[Connie Rose]

Whoever says you can't do something is horribly bound to convention. Art is whatever you want to do. Period.

[kelly]

Love this on so many levels!

[Monica Smith]

I sort of felt this way coming from a sewing/needlework background and then determined that usually my likes and dislikes are based on abuse of a particular design element. Growing up with elderly parents whose roots were in Victoriana and Edwardian life it was easy to be overwhelmed by all manner of decorative items. Now recovered, I even like steam punk.

You page above is stunning. the flourish is perfect.

[Rita Ackerman]

My mother always said "They say . . ." or "They do . . ." and even as a child I wondered who "they" were. when I reached my teen years I realized she had entirely different "theys" then anybody else because the fashion or whatever her "they" came up with didn't appear anywhere in my school.Over the years I still question any "they" who says something is wrong or right but not necessarily what I want to do. When "they" come out in the open maybe I will listen.

[Joanne Thieme Huffman]

You select your elements of art and design with a great flourish!