Art Applies: Cultural Influences (Jaipal Cheema)

In this update, the focus won't be on any technical techniques regarding the building of artistic skills but, the main focus will be put upon the creation of art. Especially, how the creation of art is influenced by where the initial startup of the art form/ feature originated. The small alterations across similar forms of art are mainly due to the approach taken by the respective artists. Further on, the artists are in direct influence from the type of upbringing they have had, and the type of culture they are part of.
If taken into perspective, if a artist from a Chinese background and an artist from Indian background were told to draw a dragon, their paintings will most likely will have distinct differences due to the culture they're associated with. In the the "The Usborne Complete Book of Drawing" by Usborne, it states, "Dragons are imaginary monsters that originated in Far Eastern countries such as China. They can look very dangerous because they breathe fire, have sharp fangs, powerful jaws, and strong limbs and a tail for clouting their prey. They can fly, so they can attack from above"(Usborne 54). The informational quote gives a background regarding the drawing of these mystical creatures before showing specific instructions on how to do it. It shows that culture has a great impact on the type of art being produced. The image presented of dragons in Far Eastern countries, might be completely different from the image that comes to the mind of the other people across the globe. This drawing is the representation of the image painted by the book.

Question: If you are an artist, or identify yourself with any other profession or hobby, do you think your cultural background has effect on the nature/quality of your work?

 Usborne, Reece, Smith, and Brown. The Usborne Complete Book of Drawing. Usborne House, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8RT, England. 1993, Print.