Pop: Chapter 14b

     I mean, there is still a stigma around comic books, especially with all of those blockbuster movies that are all action and low on plot.  Still, many do achieve the literary honors that they deserve.  

Lichtenstein managed to take what is still considered a low art form, if art at all, and 

elevate it into works ready for galleries around the world.  Albeit, even he didn't always

acknowledge the artists of the original works--the penciller, the inker, the colorist, and

even the letterer.  There is even the writer and editor to take into consideration here.

Without their original contributions, Lichtenstein wold never have been able to create

his panel reconstructions.  While many of those original artists weren't always credited for

their work, they did create art.  Mass-produced and generally considered to be worthless

and disposable, but art nonetheless and appreciated by some part of the public.

        Now, if the editorial had quoted this section, then I would have been fairly raked over the coals.  I admit, my novel/s are based on the work of others.  I acknowledge most, if not all, of the original creators for their contributions and thank them for allowing me to play in their sandbox.  I even manage to put in a good word for Rick, Will, and Pete, since it was some of their ideas that I am fleshing out. Sure, their actual characters won't be showing up until volume twelve, if I make it that far, at the earliest. I double checked everything with my publisher's legal team, as well as Thad and my agency.  And Rick.  He might not be the best as this field, but since his characters will be brought up someday, I had to ask him.

Art is to be seen by all.  Understood by all.  Art isn't supposed to be some esoteric secret

that only critics can fathom the depths of.  While art can, and should, have deeper meaning,

art can be seen as it is.  The "how" and "why" it was made isn't always meant to be explained.

In fact, knowing too much about a work of art and the artist can damage the experience of 

liking it.  Dada showed how the definition of art can be expanded to take in many different

outlooks and media.  Pop art showed how the masses can be an effective subject and audience

for art.  Such pop cultural references, known on some level by the majority of public, does

have a place in the greater art world. Just because one knows what a piece of art is

doesn't mean it isn't good art.  It just makes appreciating it easier.

        Dad was right about how his original piece was better.  Even looking at his original and comparing it with what was actually published is telling.  The Times removed much of the praise for mass produced images.  The comic book influences on Lichtenstein were barely mentioned in the final editorial. The new piece used parts of each somehow, but not equally.  Whole sections that would have hurt me were ignored, while a few choice quotes were favored to support the writer's claims even if they originally failed to do so.

    I bookmark the links and try to figure out what to do next.