Because fine art is such a subjective discipline, it is very hard to predict which paintings will sell and which ones will be stuck in the basement for years to come. Every artist has a unique style of his or her own, which might and might not attract potential customers, because their views of art are also very subjective or unique. Perhaps this is the reason why some artists attempt to appeal to the masses by rendering their artistic styles in the forms of many different styles, in order to attract more of the target audience. In so doing, these artist risk sacrificing their own inner voice or style that is unique to them solely.
I must admit that, during my years as an artist, I’ve attempted to appeal to a broad audience, both by adjusting my styles, and by selecting my object matter from a very broad range: still-life, paysages, cityscapes, seascapes, religion, fantasy, copies from other popular artists of the past, animals, flowers, and other subject matter. However, I see my unique “inner voice” as a collage of my varied subject matter and its styles. Perhaps to specialize in one or few subject matters like most artists do might not lead to a broad consumer base that is loyal and respectful of the artist in question.
In sum, I believe that art is a very subjective discipline, and sometimes it is important to concentrate on one’s inner voice in order to find oneself among a myriad of other styles and subject matter of other competing artists out there.
“Imperfect Competition” (2006)