I honestly don't care if someone doesn't like my art. That's fine, my art doesn't have to be for everyone. But I do care when someone is bitingly and intentionally horrid about it. Which happened tonight.
I know that generally when I have these types of hyper critical encounters, it's with someone who inside is an extremely frustrated artist. But understanding does not make it less of a sting. Luckily tonight, after that encounter 5 people came up to me and said they liked or loved exactly what the other person had criticized.
I know as an artist, I shouldn't "care" what people think. I paint for myself, and I hope people enjoy what I bring into my work. However, let's be honest - art is incredibly personal. Every painting I do shows something of me in it. At the very least the emotion I was feeling at the time. And often my thoughts or feelings about life, love and the world at large. So when someone so expertly attacks my work, it hurts. And having people give another, more positive opinion, does help ease the sting.
For everyone who came to the show tonight, I appreciate you. And for everyone who is supportive of any artist - know your support is at times more welcomed than you may realize.
| For another look inside the making of art see Keeping The Vision |
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeleteThat's gotta be hard. One of the things that always held me back artistically is putting self out there and in art it's often the deepest most intimate self that is exposed. Hope you don't let them get to you, just remember it's all subjective to the eyes of the viewer.
Christi
PS.... I love it! Your work is beautiful!
Thank you Christi! I've been following you on FB. Love your enthusiasm and your bags!
ReplyDelete-Michelle
I think it's great that you still heard the positive comments (I sometimes can't hear the good when I'm reeling from a negative comment) and know that a harshly delivered comment always says volumes more about the person giving it than about the receiver. Your work is fabulous! I just discovered you on link love and I'm happy!
ReplyDeleteStacy - agree on both counts. I had to keep reminding myself it was just one person's opinion. And thank you! I love Link Love too! it's awesome. And it's nice to be able to connect with so many other creative ppl.
ReplyDeleteI found you via link love on FB. I paint too and am more than happy to be a follower :)
ReplyDeleteArt is so personal - and one man's meat is another man's poison, as the saying goes.
When someone has been that critical of your artwork, it does sting - but only if you let it.
I shrug my shoulders if someone is particularly nasty, and say "there's more out than in " ;)
Try to remember for every bitter detractor there are many more lovers of your work and don't let the bad ones grind you down .
all the best
Pat xx