To Tell, or Not to Tell
by Debra Keirce
The following article was written by Debra Keirce, a regular contributing author to The BoldBrush Letter.
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To Tell, or Not to Tell
There’s a powerful moment when a collector connects with a work of art—not just visually, but emotionally. That connection often begins with a story. But how much of that story should you share?
I’ve heard both sides of this. Some creators don’t believe narratives are important in art. Some collectors quickly get bored thinking, and just want to enjoy the visual aspects of the art. Others, like myself, see storylines as a core part of what we convey.
As artists, we’re natural storytellers. We paint emotions, experiences, ideas. It’s tempting to pour out every detail behind a piece—where you were, what you felt, what inspired you. But here’s a truth I’ve learned. Not every collector wants the full story. And sometimes, neither do I.
Telling the story behind the art is important. Titles matter. Stories matter. A well-crafted story helps people relate. It can unlock a new level of appreciation. But storytelling is an art in itself. Details can kill a sale, like when someone thinks they are looking at a scene from France and you tell them no, it’s your backyard in Detroit. The key is to balance information with marketing value. Be genuine, yes—but allow room for mystery, for interpretation. Edit.
Also, stories evolve. I often share one version of a story now, and a slightly different one a few years later. The meaning of your work can change over time as you gain perspective. What once was about loss might later feel like healing. What started as a personal moment might become universal.
And here's something liberating to remember. Once your art leaves your studio, it’s no longer just your story. Yes, you retain the copyright. But the emotional ownership? That shifts. Collectors will bring their own experiences, their own memories, to your work. Their interpretations may be wildly different from your own. That’s not only acceptable, it’s beautiful.
In fact, some pieces don’t need a story at all. Sometimes, a painting is just pleasing to look at. Or it holds a feeling, a fleeting moment, a quiet breath. That, too, is valid. Because even then, a dialogue is happening. What’s “just pretty” to you might stir something deep in someone else.
Ultimately, the story behind the art isn’t only about inspiration. It’s about connection. It begins with you, but it finds completion in the eyes of the viewer. And that story, in all its shifting versions, is worth telling. I try to tell it carefully, truthfully, and just vaguely enough to let someone else make it their own.
Debra Keirce
www.DebKArt.com
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Nicely said.
I once sold a chocolate cake with lots of paint on it.
The buyer later told me she could see her deceased spouse in the icing .
People see what they want to see.
🙂
Beth
Thank you Debra for this insightful piece. I write simple four line stories which evoke emotions and connection to accompany the work I sell online (in 25 Days of Minis), and collectors respond well. Never thought about the emotional ownership shifting to the collector once a piece leaves the studio. Inspiring - gives me goosebumps!
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