What is Important, the Art or the Artist?

After thinking about my Amy Evans' Mississippi identity issues, it occurred to me that I need to think about what is the most important part of this? My paintings or me ( the artist). I feel that they are intertwined. I first react to a painting. It speaks to me visually and then stirs up an emotion. Then I want to find out about the artist. I often will look at their website, or search out galleries that represent them. The icing on the cake is to get to meet them in person. I do find that if after meeting them I dislike them for various reasons such as arrogance, then I look at their work differently. I am not alone in this reaction. How people perceive us is as important as their connection to our artwork. That is also an art form.

Identity Issues

"Winter", Mesa Verde, oil. 5"x7". Amy Evans

I returned from my trip to LA and MS...had a real trip down memory lane. Went to my high school reunion in Shreveport and saw old friends that I had completely forgotten about. I am getting old. Many still called me by my "Margaret" name...which is my legal name...I completely lost it when I went to college. My husband got a real kick out of that, since he has never called me by that name.The history of my name change began because I was very scared of my first grade teacher and so didn't let her know that I was called Amy. That began my double life so to speak. School friends called me Margaret; church and family called me Amy...and still do. Then on to MS to visit more family and friends. There I visited a gallery that had an exhibit of paintings by Amy Evans...another Amy Evans who lives in MS. I was happy to see that our work is very different and tried to clear up the confusion...many thought that that was my exhibit. I also found out that there is still another Amy Evans in MS...a graphic designer...and to really add to the confusion...they are both from Houston, TX...odd enough I was also born there. Isn't Life interesting?