criticism & what makes you an artist

Makes you artist: a concise orientation before we get practical.

Makes you artist: Quick notes

I received a critical comment on social media a couple of weeks ago.  It happens when you share online, and after over 15 years of posting, I’ve gotten used to it and generally have a healthy perspective.  Most of the time, I can shrug off the comment.  It’s from a stranger on the Internet, and in many cases, it’s not even about me at all.  My inbox, DMs, or comment section is just where someone’s frustration, hurt, or bad mood landed on that particular day.  I usually don’t respond unless it’s necessary and seems like it would be productive.

I can’t recall the last time I responded to a private, critical message publicly, but this comment has stuck with me, and I felt it was important to write about it.  The gist of the message was this: the commenter felt compelled to tell me I wasn’t a real artist.  She made several incorrect assumptions about my process and, based on those assumptions, belittled me and my work.

I wish I could say it didn’t bother me at all, but even though what she said was untrue, it did linger in my thoughts for a few days.  The personal sting isn’t what hung with me, though.  What kept me thinking about this exchange was two things: 1. I felt sadness for this woman, who chose to spend her time tearing down another artist instead of asking questions or offering constructive advice or encouragement.  Or just making her own art.  2. I felt a heaviness for all the artists, makers, and creatives, whether they make things for a living or a hobby, who received a similar comment at some point in their lives and let it deter them.

There are three things I want to say in response to this…

one

 What you say to people about their art, whatever their art may be, can have a great deal of weight and influence in their life and work.  Handle those words with care.   Most people already do an excellent job of questioning their legitimacy as an artist, and they don’t need you to feed that fire.  We need people who are willing to make things, nurture ideas, innovate, and share them with the world across all fields and walks of life.  I wonder how many people have shuttered the doors on their art because someone told them that they weren’t a real artist.

You can dislike the art without personally attacking the artist.

two

  Your process isn’t what makes you an artist.  Making art makes you an artist.  Your process is what makes your art yours.  Anyone who says your process is somehow wrong is wrong.  Simply put, unless you’re heading into illegal or unethical territory, there is no wrong way to art.

three

If you don’t like the work someone is doing, or the way they are doing it, make something yourself.  Make something you think is better.  Make something you like more.  Make something using the process you feel is the best.  Don’t worry about what other artists are or are not doing.  Don’t be the art or process police.  Just be an artist and make things.  I assure you, this is much more fulfilling, enjoyable, productive, and fun.

If anyone has ever told you that you’re not an artist, I can say, without even knowing you, that they are wrong.  We were created to create.  Our art might not be viewed as a traditional art form, but we are all artists.  Your art might show itself in the kitchen, the garden, with music, with numbers, with administration, with animals, with a camera, with fabric, with a needle and thread.  Somewhere along the line, our culture stopped seeing all of that amazing creative work as art.  It is.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

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