Being an Eclectic Artist

A Modern Naturalist : Eclecticism in my Practice

This note feels like a long time coming. First off - if you’re here reading this and thinking this note will wrap up nice and succinctly, perhaps with more answers than questions and a feeling of satisfaction….well this isn’t that. This is more of an ongoing conversation, a hypothesis yet to be proven, at least for myself - or to myself? Welcome to the chat…

Being an artist is hard, especially in these modern times with social media and an abundance of (shitty) Ai. But I thought I’d make a hard thing more difficult by not ‘niche-ing’ down. Now what does that jargon even mean?

Niche: The dictionary defines it as specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service. In the art world this means picking a type of art and focussing on that particular thing. For example: Landscapes, water scenes, portraiture. Be specialized in ONE thing, be known for it, gain a following. I wish so hard that this could be me. It would make my creative life easier, my social media easier, my brain space might be less chaotic too.

Eclectic: deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

While I do have an artistic ‘style’ and my art is always focused on flora and fauna (nature) I do dabble in all sorts of mediums. Oil, watercolour, graphite, acrylics and even embroidery. I don’t only work realistically or abstractly but rather create collections in both of these and sometimes I blend the two together. All of these variables make me an eclectic artist. Does this mean I’m not as worthy or should be less known than those who have a niche? I don’t know, I don’t make the rules, I guess I’m just here to question them.

If I had to argue for a specialty, I’d say my niche is nature based art, hence why I call myself a Modern Naturalist and not ‘Abstract Artist’ or ‘Pet Portrait Artist’ because I do all those things. I get bored easily and the ADHD might kick in, so being able to switch focus is actually beneficial for me, and I know I am not the only artist or creative out here that struggles with these things and struggles with being seen.

Now you’re probably wondering what my point is and why I’m even writing this thing…me too a little bit (lol). Honestly it’s a bit of catharsis for myself but also to shed some light on artists that aren’t in a niche - or at least not a very obvious one. I have this conversation a lot; with myself, with my friends and when I’m brave, with my fellow artists.

So why then are we less recognized? Or is it just me? This is the ongoing debate - some will argue that it’s great, to keep going, do all the things! I mostly hang out in this camp - because I have a permanent tent here it seems, but also because I have a base belief that doing many things is fun and simply… human. However that doesn’t mean my beliefs can’t be shaken, especially by the, sometimes very loud, outside world telling me to conform or to pick a direction - that would be a nice, cosy choice. Now don’t get me wrong - I think a niche is a nice thing, I am not against it one bit. I just can’t seem to fit myself into one.

In conclusion: thats one of the confounding things that hangs out in my brain space. And I’m sure a few of you reading this may feel similarly or even have a straight black and white view. I personally think, that while it might be a difficult conclusion to reach (for me) I do think it’s an interesting one and worth further investigation.

Thanks for reading this, maybe confusing blog post? If you have thoughts you’d like to share or have an opinon - I love that - feel free to email me in response to whatever this weird talk was at: renee@reneewehring.com

xo

Renée

P.S. If you’re here on my website, you subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on instagram or socials…I thank you. I appreciate you and I see you. Your are my glimmer this week. Perhaps, like me, you embrace and enjoy nature, you like a multitude of different things and aesthetics and you welcome them. You are my people.

Keep finding those glimmers.

Below are some of my most recent works :) Enjoy!

Note. 7

Note. 6