Just An Observation

scotta821 · #1 06-01-2005, 02:35 PM

Hello fellow right brainers! This post is just an observation. Surfing through the posts today, I began to realize just how great WC is. I think it is very important for every artist to not only recieve comments and critiques, but also to be able to share ideas, and watch fellow artists grow. This brings me to my point. I think that as an artist one of the toughest things to get over is the "I stink" complex. Let me define it for you. Looking at other artists work can be a great inspiration, and can push oneself to try new subjects, new media and to grow as an artist. It is a double edged sword however. I know that where I am concerned it has been a fight with myself not to be overly critical when comparing myself with other artists. There is always that temptation to think that my work is not good enough and that maybe I am fooling myself thinking that I have any talent at all. Maybe it goes along with being an artist, always wanting to push myself to do better, and never being satisfied with anything less than the best. The wonderful pieces on this bulletin board can inspire, but can sometimes, if you allow it also demoralize. I hope that I am not the only one that feels this way, and I hope that those that can relate realize how important it is not to strive to be better than someone else, but to strive to find your own place and to better yourself every time. I hope I have made a little sense. Thanks for indulging me.

Leslie_Ann · #2 06-01-2005, 03:35 PM

Frankenstein dude,

This statement made pefect sense to me and one answer is that as a group of artists helping other artists, it's best to be completely honest about our methods and processes because with that the intimidation and "magic" of what we see is gone and reality comes about. In any medium. It's a matter of self-humbling and communion with each other. Any other way might seem inspiring, but eventual has and does lead to competition and eventually divisions. I am sure thoughts like this are not in the minority and it still does nag at me that a newcomer to art just trying their best to draw and create and express could be put in the position of feeling inferior from their own self-doubts or the attitudes of fellow artists, if in an offline class with no smoke and mirrors, they could be one of the most promising in reality. If WC! is it for them and they do have such self-doubts, could the world miss another Van Gogh? Probably notebecause such artists have no choice but to create even in a cave with nothing to project. As for critics, yes necessary, but if an artist says they are abstract, or impressionistic,or exploring, it is simply unfruitful for them to be expected to meet the expectations of a louder majority who appreciates only realism as the "best" and only sees the beauty in such work.Such is not the case offline either. I am personally more inspired by a breeze, music, or the smile of my children and loved ones. Sorry..more thoughts on this but I just got paged to make films....guess that's it.

roger41 · #3 06-01-2005, 03:37 PM

I hear ya brother

........I gotta say yours as well as others here is the stuff that has inspired me. I use to have the attitude of trying to be the best, but I've long since gotten over that. I have a certain style thats comfortable for me.....and it makes my day when someone just says "good drawing". When I get C&C I enjoy that because that makes me constantly adjust.......the process is becoming more fun than just showing the finished piece

because that means it's over........unill I start something new

. I've learned a lot here...just by observing and reading how other artists go through that same process. Life is so much better when it isn't lived in a vacume and creating art is part of life. So ya, I feel a lot like you do. I use to know an artist who was physically challenged and drew with the pencil clenched in his teeth. his talent wasn't how well some thought he drew...it was that he had the drive and dedication to do it period, regardless of others opinions of his drawing skills.

Roger

SILKNSATIN · #4 06-01-2005, 06:51 PM

Think all of us have felt that way.I've learned to look at myself and be confedent and know I can do better and go further.Yes there can be one or two here that don't give good C&C but they are few and it seems them types are insecure about themselves and not much ability to do what some great artists in here can.Them kind are the kind to just pass right over their C&C and look at all the other helpful C&C.C&C can be very helpful.

Leslie_Ann · #5 06-01-2005, 08:21 PM

Home after work..what I said..still stands for me in this dialogue. Firmer now. There are some terrific natural talents here like Connie who has worked so hard, and always doubts herself. Like Morganna stated a few months ago, her improvement is amazing! !1 And there is is..quietly plugging away without any glory.

I don't anymore and haven't for a while now, because the truth is, in this race to compare yourself, there's always going to be someone "better" or you perceive to be better than you. And in a race, doesn't it start to become who's the last man or woman standing?
It's all a shame, because six years a of what could be perceived as mistakes could lead to an incredible artistic voice. People need courage to do that.
People need support to do that.
I have found mine and I hope everyone here and artist who aren't members of WC! and there are incredible artists out their who are not...get all the support they truly need.

Stoy Jones · #6 06-01-2005, 09:09 PM

This is a great post and I have had such feelings before too. I think we have to define what is "better". If you compare your work to realism, it becomes more apparent, but even in realism (which is not the only form of drawing!

) you have to find your individual point of view...the way "you" see things by working with unique composition. Without that, we can fall into that trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling that demoralizing feeling that really isn't fair to ourselves, since we all see things differently to begin with.

I think if you decide on a style or method of drawing that really appeals to you the most, apply basic concepts of composition, contrast, line or form, or both, to your personal vision, you will see your own work improve tremendously without the stumbling block of feeling inadequate.

Stoy

SILKNSATIN · #7 06-01-2005, 10:11 PM

I think it's not fair and hard to single out just a few that have natural talent or just learning or improving.Because 90 % of us are in here because this is a place we thought we'd feel comfortable with,share and learn from eachothers interests.(ART).Have to remember Wc is a place for aritsts new and old untalented and talented to all come together in a community for (ARTISTS) to go to.So many different sites for so many different interests in life,not just art to be singled out but this is what we are here for.Doesn't it feel good to meet so many with the same interests in life from all around the world and even learn and grow with and improve our talents.No time to be bitter,jealous or envy of others when we are all here as growing artists and learning off each other. And we sure do

and give credit for those who have come a long ways including myself and still going and still new members coming and it's a whole circle of joy.

But more improtantly it's good to share your own work if your going to always give C&C so you can get C&C back.

rjKing · #8 06-01-2005, 10:18 PM

Never compete with other artists regarding content or technique... because you can't be them, you can only be you.

Technique is merely how well you use your tools. The more you have the more freedom you have to express exactly what you want.. There are a lot of people on WC who are great technically.. leverage them as needed.. technique can grow in solitary work, but exposing yourself to critique can speed that up tremendously. BUT.. all that said, how much technique you want/need is all up to you.. you don't need a 'ton', only enough to do what you want to do with your art. Each artist makes that decision every time he/she posts here by placing the 'C&C welcome' on their post or not.. Go look at what sells in galleries.. it ranges from very abstract to very realistic and all points in between.. there is certainly room for all.

The real importance in the pursuit of art is your personal vision.. no internet site will give you that.. that must come from within (and it can be as simple as 'I want to paint pictures of houses' to as complex as you can imagine.. its all about what YOU value, not anyone else.. just you).

So don't worry, just do your art and work on what you want to work on! Many of us can help if needed, but only if that is what YOU want (if you just want to expose your art and find out how folks react to it, we can do that too!).

SILKNSATIN · #9 06-01-2005, 10:22 PM

Did we cross post rking?lol

**DBSullivan** · #10 06-02-2005, 02:26 AM

Hi Scott,

This is a very intriging subject. I look at this similarly to "is the glass half full, or half empty"... it depends on your point of view. IMO, every time your art seems to diminish in the wake of someone else's "better efforts"... there are probably many others looking at your work with the same thoughts.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I think your work is excellent! (even though you're a red sox fan

- lol )

scotta821 · #11 06-02-2005, 12:35 PM

Looks like I started quite the conversation. I really appreciate everyone's comments. People often overlook that often times artists suffer from such self doubt. No matter how many times a family member, friend, or business associate may tell me that they think my work is wonderful, my artist brain kicks in and tells me that there is something horribly wrong with the piece and that I could have done better. It is a fine line between self critique and self abuse (for lack of a better word.) I think that it is important that every artist whether beginner of seasoned veteran realize that they must create not just for the sake of creating, but for the love of what they do. Create to live...when the creative voice inside you screams to be let loose, don't deny it, and don't be afraid to let it run wild. And when the voice of doubt creeps in, shut it out. Do what makes you happy, and always strive to be the best that YOU can be.

Scott

SILKNSATIN · #12 06-02-2005, 01:15 PM

People may overlook but us artists don't.We all feel that way most of the time.Our work is never 100 % satisfying to ourselves.I have learned to open up a bit and just go with my inner need my inner passion to art.All artists just like anyother groups like singers,actors ect...All have a desire,passion a need to create.Some of us never let it out or just set it aside in our lives.It's a shame but it's true.Letting out what your most inner passions,desires,need in life is,is the best meds in life and makes you complete,no matter if you never feel it's not your best because you are doing what you love to do.It's hard at times when some rude ones try to put you or your work down and make you feel you are not talented enough and it makes you think (why am I wasting my time?my life?my desires?.Because deep down you are the only one you have to please and make your life hole no matter how good you are at it.It's you beck-n-call and your eyes seen something in what you do and maybe not others see it but deep within you it came out and enjoy the moment even if it's not 100% to your own satisfaction.You at least gave it a shot and it makes you want to go further and learn more and improve more.No time in life o let others bring down what needs to come out in your life.Some forget why they draw,paint ect..It's not to push to become famous,rich or the best.It's your inner self satisfaction and talent that makes a part of your life complete and fulfilled.I try to tell myself to be proud and pat myself on the back once in awhile but it is hard to do because your are so right.We are our own worse critics.Heck just enjoy

rjKing · #13 06-02-2005, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotta821

And when the voice of doubt creeps in, shut it out.

My comment is not meant to be argumentative or combative.. its just how I approach things:

Personally, I do something very different with that voice... I use it to motivate me to work harder. I figure I can always get better.. so that voice is simply an internal reminder to get to work. Yes, the initial message is negative.. but that doesn't mean I have to react to it negatively or ignore it! I try to use negative energy in positive ways..

scotta821 · #14 06-02-2005, 03:27 PM

Very good point Richard. I should have chosen my words a little better.

sultry · #15 06-02-2005, 04:28 PM

Hey Scott great topic

What I discovered is that even though I am trying to learn to improve my artistic ability, I have hit blocks that have had me doubt the artist that I am. At those dark moments I have lost the joy of art.
When I was younger and doodled all over the place and was very happy with my accomplishments (art was a joy to me, it was a place to go for peace and also for my strength). I used art alot for therapy.
Now that I have educated my artist eye, I see things where I need to improve and it stops the joy once in awhile but I do get it back when I over come a block.
To me a block is just a sign of better things to come. I know that everyone hits them once in awhile and I think it is our mind & hands trying to catch up with our artistic eyes.
Seeing other artist's work that is far better than mine does not discourage me or give me the doubts. If we were all created equal, we all would be doing the same thing. I am unique and I know that, as in everyone else. What makes me doubt or when I am in a block, is when my eyes cannot put down on paper what I see to be contrast or likeness. I see it, I know how it is supposed to be applied; be it pressure of the pencil; be it the strokes or be it the postition of the line, but my hand just will not cooperate at times. That is when doubt sits in for me.
I have recently decided to stop trying so hard and reach for that joy I used to know when I did not have all the technical knowledge.
I feel it shows in our work when we try to hard compared to letting it just flow from deep within us. My best pieces are when I truly enjoyed doing them.

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