Soi-Disant

[ swa-dee-zahn ] (French): calling oneself thus; self-styled.

6" x 6"

140# hot-press watercolor paper

acrylic ink, collage

Soi-disant is the equivalent of choosing your own nickname.

There’s so much arguing around “what is art?” that I couldn’t help myself. I had to do a piece of art that calls itself art. I love satire. Incorporating a ubiquitous image of the female body covered in paint adds an additional layer of meaning (can’t have a discussion about art without nudity).

There’s not much more to it. My personal opinion is that people need to get over themselves. My kid will be happily painting and routinely says things like “I’m a good artist” or “I’m a messy artist.” He makes art, therefore he is an artist. Arguing about whether you have to go to art school or if what you make is any good is beside the point.

Soi-Disant mixed media word painting by Sarah M. Schumacher