Criticism and Confidence: Part 2
To blog or not to blog
As talked about in Part 1, my artistic confidence had been shaken by an artist friend’s harsh critique. I pondered whether or not to blog about it since I have no desire to hurt her feelings. (I mean there’s nothing like a public forum discussion to make someone uncomfortable.) But in the end, I did decided to go ahead, because every artist at one time or another has had (or will have) a similar experience. As with all things it is nice to know that we are not alone in whatever we may be feeling.
I had mentioned to her that day, that I would probably blog about it, (though she may have thought I was joking.) Blogging has proved to be a bit cathartic at times. But I’ve held off for nearly two weeks for several reasons.
“What is important, is the “moving on”and not getting bogged down by someone else’s drama.”
Why
I’ve had several people comment both on blog and off why it happened and if perhaps she is jealous. I would have to say I doubt it. She is an outstanding artist and is well known in our area. Her work is exceptional.
I had spent some time trying to figure out the reasons behind it all. Though I haven’t made any firm conclusions, here are some possibilities.
What’s it all mean anyway?
So, what does a harsh critique, whether by judge, fellow artist or complete stranger, really mean anyway? Does someone’s negative opinion mean the work is bad? Not salable? Does it mean that they think you are a bad artist?
Frankly someone’s negative comment is nothing more than their opinion. And luckily everyone gets to own their own opinion. I’ve done shows where I didn’t win and should have. And shows where I’ve won and shouldn’t have. Hopefully a critique (however harsh) will if nothing else get you to look at the work a little more closely. Maybe they are right, or maybe they aren’t. Perhaps just re-evaluating the work is worth the insult?
Resolution
This experience did briefly taint my feelings, whenever I looked at the Colton image. However, feeling uncertain about who I am as an artist is not place I spend a lot of time. I tend to think of myself as artistically confident and tenacious.
So what does a tenacious, confident artist do to restore harmony to her soul?
Success breeds confidence. I’ve had enough success’s to not be bothered by this for long. Her reasons for behaving the way she did, or even if she was aware of how harsh she was being, is irrelevant in regards to this post.
What is important is the “moving on” and not getting bogged down by someone else’s drama. Whenever someone tells me “You can’t do that, or your not good enough.” I just think “You, just watch me!”
I’m glad you’ve managed to pick yourself up again. I agree, at the end of the day it’s just one persons opinion. I fully realised this when I saw which pieces had been rejected for the Open Art Competition - they were truly incredible pieces - and some of the ones that had been accepted were just plain awful (even “style” couldn’t account for some of them!). This is why I always try to be fair when I offer my opinion - some paintings are just not to my taste but I can’t deny they are beautifully painted - not that I’m an expert. Is there really any “wrong” way of producing art?
Anyway, good for you for being so determined. I would say I am usually like that - I don’t know what went wrong with the art college thing, but hey, I’m out to prove him wrong now, even if it is 20 years later
I was thinking of you Undaunted when I wrote that at the end.
Had something like this happened to me in my early 20’s it would have been much more difficult.
I can certainly understand how that “art college thing,” put you off the whole idea. I mean art is so personal, creating it comes from the soul. (usually) And to have someone with authority be negative when you are so young. Makes me want to just smack ‘em.
Great analysis of how to bounce back and move on from negativity. You are right we are all going to encounter this, no matter how our art careers progress. Thanks for writing an article that can serve as a guidepost on how to pick up and move on (/up). I only need to think “Colton” to think about the answers to “What does a tenacious, confident artist do to restore harmony to her soul?”
I do hope you reach a true understanding of what occurred from her point of view some time in the future. Angela
Thanks Angela, I am fairly confident everything will be fine.
Oddly enough I think because I did blog about it I am much more likely to talk to her about it, rather than just ignore what happened, as I have done in the past.