I have recently had some interaction with an artist that I follow. I will not name the artist, because it's not important. The artist does artistic nude photography, and he always responds to comments regarding his models (whether the comments are positive or not) by saying 'it's about the photography'. I understand why he says that, because the photo is HIS art - the focus, framing, lighting, etc. I also understand that, when the photographer submits the work, and not the model, comments should be directed to the photographer.

HOWEVER, I see this turning into a sort of a contradiction of itself, a real mess. Why do you ask? Well, DA allows, for better or for worse, access to anyone and anything. What I mean is that the layperson is able to comment on art without restriction. While I appreciate that the artist is here to get critique on his work, an open forum might not be the best place for constructive feedback. What, then, is the true desire of the artist in terms of feedback? Technical feedback? Affirmation? Praise-whoring? Sharing of a hobby? Print sales? So, the conflict or mess then is an end-user such as myself leaving a comment like 'nice photo' or 'nice model'. Then the artist is miffed or at a minimum not getting out of the experience that which they wanted.

In this situation, there's no animosity, so it is what it is. But, it becomes very easy to have these conflicting messages going back and forth. I this case, the artist sounds a little stand-offish, which never seems to be his intent, but he also doesn't direct people exactly where he wants, either. I know that there are some artists that explicitly type below each submission what he/she is looking for, or if they want technical feedback on the photos and not comments about the models. It could be easily de-fused here. But, it's not my place to police people's thoughts and/or comments either.

So, then, the ultimate question: what's the point of people posting art here?