This article is by Brian Sherwin, regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. Brian Sherwin is an art critic, blogger, curator, artist and writer based near Chicago, Illinois. He has been published in Hi Fructose Magazine, Illinois Times, and other publications, and linked to by publications such as The Huffington Post, The Boston Globe, Juxtapoz Magazine, Deutsche Bank ArtMag, ARTLURKER, Myartspace, Blabbermouth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Conservative Punk, Modern Art Obsession, Citizen LA, Shark Forum, Two Coats of Paint, Vandalog, COMPANY and Art Fag City. Disclaimer: This author's views are entirely his/her own and may not reflect the views of BoldBrush, Inc.. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Many artists are looking for ways to establish recognition for their art. That is one reason why art marketing blogs -- and other art blogs that offer advice on gaining exposure -- have become so popular over the years. This hunger for recognition is why there are so many art marketing books available today -- and so many art marketing coaches / services to choose from. There is a market for advice on how to become recognized for your art. That said, if you ask a group of artists what art recognition means you will likely receive a variety of answers. At least that is what I've discovered.

I recently asked this question on Facebook and Twitter and received several responses. Some artists feel that they are 'recognized' for their art when curators start to seek out their artwork for exhibits. Others described art recognition as being acknowledged by their contemporaries -- as in people recognizing the 'style' of the artist simply by observing their artwork without further information provided. Some associated recognition with successfully marketing their art to collectors -- while others suggested that financial success has nothing to do with recognition overall. A few mentioned that steady media exposure is a sign of having reached a level of recognition. Others offered a combination of these responses. Point blank -- there are a lot of ideas floating around about what recognition means for an artist and his or her art.

I'm interested in knowing how YOU -- the artist -- define recognition. What does it mean for your art to be recognized? How do you know that you have received the recognition you are seeking? What does recognition mean to you as an artist -- and how do you go about seeking it? Is it something that you must define for yourself?

Consider this an open topic about art and recognition.

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin