Hello beren,
A tile is, among other things, a statement. It is moreso a statement of art than any other ethic. Art, in and of itself is a pure and simple statement and in tradition of the masters of old, justifiably a stand alone entity. Great artists like DaVinci and Michaelangelo, although having much other means of enhancing their work, sought to confine themselves within the context of imagery in which to make their respective statements. I like to believe that any one of them could have either branched off into the philosophical arts or into literature, worthy endeavors at their time in history, but something within my heart leads me to believe that they had a different calling as they continued a course of pure devotion to the image, the expressive meaning of image as a stand alone statement. These great artists did not feel a need to suppliment their artwork with statements because they knew that those who follow art, for art's sake, would look to the canvas to find satisfaction and come to see the statement that art, in and of itself, can make. These great painters relied upon the mixing and applying of color and technique to make that statement and very few of them, found it necessary to augment or to lead the viewer to other points or other issues. The old masters, I believe, considered the fact that they did not need to exceed the boundary or limitations that one would naturally put upon art, or to expect from art, as a means of expression and will always believe that art is valid, in and of itself. Your tile is a worthy effort and a very worthwhile addition to the quilt but I am writing to you in the hope that you will come to understand the difference between pure and simple art and artwork that feels as if it would need other enhancements, further definition which could very easily be presented as philosophy, yet enhanced by additional imagery. You have every good qualification of an artist and this I can see in the quality of the image that you've prepared for us, but my own feelings are, that you should not have succumbed to the impulse to add the statement that you did, to that artwork. I would also proffer, that when one does this, it is most usually because they consider the image,lacking that necessary appeal, to bring the viewer to their own conclusion about whatever it is that the artist hopes to portray. Please understand that I offer this point of view, this simple opinion, in hopes that you will come to realize that within the little domain of 128x128 pixels, there is more than enough room for you to shine as an artist, an arranger of pixels, for you to satisfy yourself and your need for self expression, as well as to serve the very purpose of this forum. Draw an example from the talented pool of artists that have led the way to the simple but effective tiles that come to rest upon the quilts and never allow yourself to feel so insecure about your own stark offerings, to feel as if you need to supplement your offerings with commentary. In some ways, this very commentary often puts you at odds with others, in the mere fact that while hoping to incite them, it often confuses them in making a connection between the art and the statement. Roses are red, your tile is green and some will get lost in the message between, stay red with the rose, be true to your art, give all that you can, while taking your part. You will become as good as anyone who comes to refresh themselves here, at ice.org, if you LET yourself...........
Wishing only the best for you, Eddie M.