Etiquette Help

[Trek420]

I think "it's never too late to have a happy childhood" So he can learn now to enjoy art. That's what art is for, to be enjoyed, to see and be seen. It's not there to match my sofa or for guests to be awed by the value of our collection and that I own a _____ .

Art's to see and enjoy and mos important to make you think.

At the same time unless it's sand sculpture it's to be protected so that future generations can see it.

Maybe he did not have art in the home growing up, or access to museum. But he had toys and stuff. So he may feel that "it's in the home it's stuff and a toy and I can play with it."

Is there a museum in your area that you like or a gallery? Can you take him there and talk about art where things are somewhat protected. "I think this is good art but what do you think? why do you like this piece or that one better? what does it make you feel? how do you think it was made?"

Is there an open studio, not pottery or glass blowing or outdoor sculpture, wooden outdoor instalations, something tough.

He might not know how to enjoy art or that he can without rolling it on the carpet, or what art he can roll on the carpet. This can be a further bond of your friendship and a new world for him.

I reflect on the OP that you mentioned something along the lines of "if it's like this now how's it going to be when we unpack all the art?" Not going to quote it but sumthin' like that.

To me it comes down to which do you like more? Your friend or the art?

He's 6' sumthin so it's not as if you can put the "good stuff" beyond his reach . Choices include that you keep your friend as he is today and keep art packed, or valuable and or fragile stuff in another part of the house, or out of reach or .... get more durable art or have the heart to heart chat.

But I'd teach him to enjoy art too. I think he'll learn from you and you may see art in a new way too. It's kinda like teaching someone to ride who does not enjoy that

Duck on Wheels who was the artist that our mutual brother and the artists son were playing in the attic and running around on the still drying paintings? Wasn't that Ad Rheinhardt? So there's probably a painting in the Gugenheim with faint brother of the Duck footprints

Art happens, enjoy the art.

Trek-C.C.A.C class of 1983-420

PS: I'm sorry to hear about the wonder-poodle

PPS: there's also the chance that he's just very tactile. Some people are more visual, others more verbal ... this could just be the way he learns. A trip to see sculpture may be just the ticket for him to learn to love and appreciate art.