Text to inspire

The term "Outsider Art" is a problematic umbrella under which are grouped a variety of difficult to categorize artistic practices. This class will first examine the use of terminology such as outsider, naïve, and visionary, as well as groupings such as art brut, folk art, art of the insane, and even popular culture. We will pursue relevant questions such as: what exactly are the criteria for inclusion in such categories, do art markets drive this labeling, how does this work function within the art world, are categorical borders crossed in order to fit the needs of exhibiting institutions, and finally how has Outsider Art impacted mainstream modern and contemporary art and are the dividing lines between the two still relevant? We will look at artwork produced within certain institutional settings such as mental asylums and prisons, as well as that produced by mediums, spiritualists and other "visionaries" working within what can be best described as a "folk art" category.

You
Any tips for finding inspiration?
Jimbot
I believe that finding inspiration can come from both art and nature. While the allure of art is strong—drawing from the works of those who have come before us—it's essential to also engage with the real world around us. Often, when I make my way to a museum, I find myself distracted by the enchanting scenes of foggy streets or serene streams. These moments remind me that reality offers an infinite source of inspiration that can feed our creativity in ways that purely looking at other artists' works may not.  It’s crucial to tune your eyes and senses to the environment around you rather than simply gravitating towards existing artworks. This approach encourages you to develop your unique artistic voice. As George Clausen noted, many people learn to appreciate nature through the lens of art, but it's vital to foster appreciation and understanding directly from nature itself.   Ultimately, don’t overlook the everyday beauty and complexity of the world around you. Embrace those inspirations and let them develop naturally into your own style and sensibilities.   Here are a couple of resources that delve into this topic further:  - https://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/03/art-and-nature.html - https://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2019/06/can-you-use-other-artists-as-reference.html