One of the pleasures of my morning routine is catching up on the newest blog posts I list along the right hand side of this blog. On the list for several years now has been “Emma’s Workshop” or so much prettier “L’Atelier d Emma”.
Today she shared my blog with her readers.
The artists she usually features create amazing contemporary textiles. That’s why I read it. It is different from what I do but the world is a big place and I love to see what others are making.
So I had to laugh when I read my work described as “English kitsch”! Please don’t blame the English, I’m American. But then I looked up various definitions for kitsch, English kitsch, American kitsch, French kitsch… well you get the idea.
To me kitsch always just meant bad taste. Maybe that is all it means. Maybe it has many meanings depending on the place, generation…
I found it can refer to anything funky and fun and pink from the 50’s.
That’s OK with me.
(PS, a sweet reader has just set me straight about the french definition of kitsch. She said “No, Janet, Kitsch in France, does not mean tasteless. This word refers to the past obsolete. Moreover, the kitsch is back in fashion regularly.”)
Oscar Wilde said it best, “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
Thank you Emma for talking about my work. I am enjoying the comments very much. I love the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience! I also love now knowing kitsch is good!
And the drawings? They are included for everyone’s coloring pleasure.
Non, non Janet, Kitsch en France, ne veut pas dire de mauvais goût. Ce mot fait référence au passé, désuet. D'ailleurs, le kitsch revient à la mode régulièrement. Pour ma part, j'ai pris un réel plaisir à découvrir votre travail. Je repère des techniques à foison. Et puis le rêve est invité dans votre travail. Il faut avoir une âme d'enfant pour l'apprécier pleinement. Désolée de vous écrire en français, mais mon anglais n'est pas assez "expressif" pour traduire ma pensée. Amitié. Frédérique
OH!
Thank you Frederique!
I had a feeling something was getting lost in translation! Google translate got your message to me very clearly.
Thank you for clarifying the meaning of kitsch and more than that, thank you for visiting my blog and understanding the true nature of my work.
Janet
I think "kitsch" is coming to be synonymous with "vintage", and is written with as much approval!
Thanks Rachel.
I am starting to understand!
And I like it much better!
just checked in my English dictionary and it says art or literature with popular sentimental appeal. Whatever the meaning your work to me is a delight and so creative and beautiful it is beyond words to describe
Thanks Margaret!
Giving delight is all I want from my work both in the actual making and then in the sharing. Thanks for being such a loyal follower.
Janet
Kitch or not kitch je salue votre travail son originalité sa spontanéité
En ce moment il est bon de voir de l ancien du coloré du non conformiste on peut rêver MERCI
Thank you! I love making my embroideries.
Kitch or not kitch je salue votre travail son originalité sa spontanéité
En ce moment il est bon de voir de la ancien du coloré du non conformiste on peut rêver MERCI