Does anyone else have a family member who thinks of themselves as an artist or art is their serious hobby?
This year was no different. My SIL gives us pieces of her "art" pretty much every year and expects us to display them. Often big framed pieces--the frame is usually the most attractive aspect. Argh! There is no escape. |
post a picture |
LOL, yeah we have a couple hideous hunks of garbage from my wife's cousin around our house. I'm staring at this out of proportion ugly ass lighthouse every single day of my life. |
An IL is an actual working local artist, but I think his work is ugly. I know it's a matter of taste to say that. People do buy his work. I see it on display and for sale locally. He gives his stuff to everyone for weddings, Christmas, birthdays, and graduation. The family wisdom is that it will be worth a lot some day. I have donated what I can to various agencies and institutions that are willing to display it, but sometimes it is just so ugly that I donate to our private school's auction. They are too embarassed to refuse it. And then it's no longer my problem. |
My cousin is a somewhat well known artist and is always giving me portraits of my family! They look scary and hideous (that's his aesthetic) but I store them away knowing they might hold their value. And it's sweet that he paints us portraits of ourselves. |
I think art should be one of those things that should not be given as gifts unless the receiver picked it out in advance. Putting something on my wall in my personal space is an expression of myself and I'd like to pick out my own art.
My dad did some art and told us that we could have it but only if it would be displayed- he said this on a group email to all of his kids, so we all had to be embarrassed and admit we wouldn't display it. I think I took one and put it in the bathroom. For a Christmas gift, we rotate with my spouse's siblings and their families to give a nice gift. They had someone take our last family photo and make it into a drawing. Nice idea, but I don't like the style of the artist and I don't want to display it. I feel obligated to since it was a nice gift, but I just don't like it. |
Yes!! My aunt is artistic - she once gave my mother a GIANT painting of a horse's head. Not particularly well done.
Luckily, she also sews and made an incredible quilt another year. |
Eh, whatever. My cousin once gave me a framed photo of herself for Hanukah. I was in high school. I never displayed it.
Just donate it to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Someone else will love it. |
Artist here: boy was I happy when I found out I could just go to Target. Sorry family, no more art! Too much work! |
I get pretty good-to-ok art from a family member. I don't mind putting it up - it has a lot more character than some of the generic crap other people have in their houses, even if it is clearly not "professional." But I might feel differently if it were truly hideous. |
I lucked out on this one. My uncle does absolutely beautiful black and white nature photography (think Ansel Adams).
We all look forward to his gifts! ![]() |
There is a YouTuber who is not particularly good but people buy her paintings and she is always giving family members and friends her art. I think she chooses a piece they have complimented her on in the past. Moral: don't compliment them if you don't mean it. |
LOL PP here. And right on queue they posted this video...I thought you would get a kick out it.
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wow her paintings suck and that guy was totally trying not to get saddled with it. LOL. |
Right! He was literally pushing it away and finally caved. LOL |