Don’t Take It Personally
Somebody asked me during my weekend exhibit…
“How do you deal with criticism… like as in people who don’t like your art”?
My reply was …
“I am not my art, so I don’t really have to deal with anything. So because I don’t have to deal with it, I can concentrate on creating something better every time”.
Then the reply was…
“Oh ok, that’s cool. But I bet you perk up and feel great when people commend you on your work huh…”
My reply…
“The thing is… I have already assessed my work from an objective viewpoint. So I don’t really expect praise. I don’t need it in other words. But when I receive it I simply say thank you in respect to the person who has been BIG enough to see that I am merely trying to contribute something worthwhile.”
So my point is…
If you allow criticism to unsettle you, you allow fear to enter through the back door.
And if you allow this to happen you will be separated from your dedication to work.
So…
Don’t take failure personally – and certainly do not take criticism personally.
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Hi Carl,
Criticism, I think that when I first started painting I did take it personally, but then I would here comments just as my child could do that, but then the very same painting someone would see something else and it would sell. That showed me that not everyone sees the same. Some love them, some hate them, and others just are not sure about anything. Ha! However I just fiquired I would paint what pleases me and if they don’t like it, so be it.
I am an outsider so they call those who have know formal training which is fine. Recently I did go to a class with Jack Richards for a month which really did give me more insight about things, and I intend to go back in the spring and take a few more. You are very inspritational and I thank you for that. I love you art work also.
Toni
My tip is always to paint for pleasure, not for the public. If you paint for the public (which I know you don’t Toni, I am just following up on your comments) it will show in your work. There are so many artists who produce work that really screams, “I wasn’t sure what I was doing here, but I hope you like it anyway.”
Sad but true.
The problem generally occurs when an artist is working to satisfy some kind of authority or hierarchy. The thing is, that authority doesn’t really exist.
Put two different paintings side by side and let 10 people express their opinions on both. You will end up with a very diverse range of opinions for both paintings. This should be proof to an artist that he or she should work from within outward, not the other way around.
It sounds harsh, but a successful artist friend of mine said to me a few years ago, “There is no point painting with the public in mind. Most people don’t give a shit anyway.”
Is that a bad attitude on his behalf? Perhaps. Or could it be just a good way of thinking about getting on with doing what is important? Which is – doing your work as an artist and not concerning yourself with public opinion.
Thank you so much for submitting a comment on my blog. Your opinions are very much appreciated.
Strength and honour
Carl