Our work doesn’t speak for itself

In one of the books on my shelf, I remember reading the author talking about artists who like to say “my work speaks for itself.” But he keenly points out that our work does not speak for itself.

Sure, maybe you look at something and it looks nice or well-lit, or well-painted, but people connect with your work when they know the story behind the piece. How did you make it? Why did you make it? What were some of the behind the scene challenges? Why did the client want this artwork or photograph?

Our work doesn’t speak for itself so we’d better get out there and start speaking for our art.