Bases Quote by Joe Fafard
“I thought, 'Well, I'll amuse people a little bit.' During lunch hour, while everyone was off to the faculty club and this and that, I set up a bunch of bases down the hallway of the school and I put all of the portraits I had completed... and I waited for the reaction… that's how I got started again, doing portraits of people around me...”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art Talk, 1990s, Canada
The artist used humor and a public setting to test reactions, reigniting his portrait work by engaging viewers directly.
In simple terms: He sparked interest by showing his art in a playful way, which revived his practice.
Use humor and public displays to reconnect with your craft.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery openings
- community events
- studio breaks
- spontaneous installations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you make your art approachable without compromising its meaning?
- What settings encourage genuine audience feedback?
May rely on novelty rather than depth; audience may ignore subtle work.