Do you lose your way in your art? Do you lose your direction and get confused? Do you wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt? Do you fret over perfection, anxious over making a mistake or inviting ridicule? Hey — we’ve all been there. These reactions are universal because they’re very human reactions. So I don’t think it’s because you lack talent or skill. And it’s not because you’re not a "real artist." And I doubt it’s because inspiration is elusive to you. Chances are your priorities are out of whack. You’re simply focused on the wrong things for validation, guidance, and acceptance.
See, to create art to then display it to the public is one of the most courageously vulnerable acts we can ever do. As Brené Brown observes, “To create is to make something that has never existed before. There’s nothing more vulnerable than that.” Indeed. Making art is a deeply personal endeavor that finds inspiration in a mysterious place inside us, born of fascination, curiosity, and wonder, brought into reality with devotion, discipline, and love, and displayed with pride, hope, and a need for connection. That's to say, it's to express our humanity in all its best ways, to its fullest. Altogether then, creating art is one of the most beautiful acts we can practice, one of the most meaningful paths we can walk. As such, creating art isn’t just something we do — it’s a way of life, a way of interacting with the world and processing reality itself. It’s a path, a way. And so arting can be a profoundly enriching experience, one that inspires our soul, heals our heart, stimulates our mind, and feeds our gut. To art then is our anima itself, expressed, feeding on itself, rejuvenating itself, like an Ouroboros of creativity.
Yet just as old as art itself is the companion to art, the opinion, right? The critic? As old as time, these two, forever entwined. Yet more often than not, the critic creates a distraction, even a derailing inside the artist’s mind about what’s important or what’s worthwhile about their art, and that’s a very dangerous creative space to be in. (I recommend my other blog posts The Critic In The Creative Space and Pickled Art for further reading on similar themes.) However, we want the artist fully cognizant of their worth, their purpose, and of the worthiness of their art! Why? Well, when they’re so empowered, who knows what they’re capable of producing, what wonders they have in store for us when their moxie is at an all time high! When artists don’t have critics hen-pecking them into defeated husks, it’s amazing what they’re actually capable of doing! The opinions of critics can also steer an artist wrong in so many ways, even catastrophic ways, ways that are hard to recalibrate to repair the damage. So it’s critical for the artist to know how to keep the critic in perspective, where to “put” their comments and where to “place” them in their hierarchy of attention.
Wait…what’s a “hierarchy of attention”? Oh, I’m glad you asked! It’s not a magic trick, it’s a real tool, a real tactic, a rather handy strategy to keep the artist oriented confidently on their path, one that dampens, even counteracts the noisy and annoying chitter-chatter distraction of critics. Because everyone is a critic, aren’t they? Everyone has their precious opinion and seem to be all too happy to blather it out into the world, worthy of a voice or not. So while there’s no escaping the din of opinion out there completely, with the hierarchy of attention, we have a darned good shot at staying our course no matter how many potshots we have to dodge. But what is it though? Well, it’s a prioritization of who you should listen to when it comes to your art…it's your audience, the only one you should ever consider, weight, and listen to when it comes to your art. So here they are, in a nutshell:
Yes. That’s it. Just you. Only you. Only ever you. You are the only audience you should be catering to with your art, the only audience you have to please with your art. No one else, ever. No, not even then — only you. And no, not even that person — only you. All the time. So forget about everyone else — literally — don't think about them. Dump all their expectations, demands, opinions, observations, anticipations, everything. You are the only one you should be making your art for. Indeed, if you love it and if you love doing it, those are the only things that matter. So you see, it’s a bubble, a bubble of only you. Rick Rubin said it best, absolutely, here, here, and here. His words of wisdom should be dogmatic gospel for any artist seeking truth and authenticity and a deep satisfaction in their work. Because at no point ever should the opinion of others regarding your work be important to you or sway you from your path. Why? Because they’re never relevant to your work or your creative purpose. All opinions — both good and bad — are utterly insignificant and need to stay utterly insignificant in the artist’s gut, mind, heart, and soul. ”I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free," said Georgia O’Keefe. Only when an artist is free thusly can they create their truest art, their most authentic creations, their Truth. All the best, most transcendent art — the art that defines you — comes from this place of freedom, from this place of not caring one iota about the opinion of others. It’s where Stormwatch came from, for instance. It’s where your great pieces will come from, too. Find that place, protect that place, create from that place, exalt that place — it’s your sanctuary, your savior, your Voice, your armor and sword, your Truth, your dragon. It’s you, at your most powerful and beautiful. When you learn to take your power back then will you also discover your true Voice and how to authentically use it.
And that’s important. That’s worthwhile. Why?
Because in all the Universe, through all time and space, it’s you — and only ever you — that’s the singular conduit for your art. No one else can create the art you create. Your art is singular throughout all of past, present, and future history, in the entire Universe. Think about that for a moment. Let that sink in. In the entire Universe, in all history, your art is absolutely unique, your Vision is singular. And your art is depending on you. It’s waiting and hoping for you to come into your own power so that it can come forth, pure and unfettered. It lives in your feral creativity, in your Vision before it becomes polluted by opinion, so find that pure place, that pristine well inside you — it’s there, waiting for you, crystal clear, sparkling, and refreshing. Create the art that resides there, in your soul — that is where your hardcore art resides. Be bold! Be free! Be feral! Let it out!
Now you may be wondering why in the world I'm advocating ignoring the opinions of others for your art. How is that possibly productive or conducive to making good art? Isn’t what other people think of your art critical for its acceptance and maybe even its sale? Isn’t what other people think of your art a means to garner awards and entry into juried shows? Isn't success built on other people's opinions?
And the answer to that is always: No. It’s never critical to its acceptance or to its sale. Not. Ever. That’s an illusion, that’s the contrivance some want you to believe because it suits the self-serving systems best. The fact is there's plenty of art out there that has huge fanbases and sells brilliantly well that's never been in a juried show, that's never been accepted by the intelligencia, that might never hang in a museum. But that's not the artist's purpose, it's not the cosmic intent that artists chase external validation from contrived systems that grade art. Instead, the purpose you're tasked with by the Universe is to find, foster, and flaunt your pure Voice relentlessly for its own sake and for the sake of your own satisfaction. That's it. That's all. That's your one purpose with your art. Indeed, does it make sense at all that you create your art to please others? Others who'll never be satisfied with your art because it's not their art, it's your art! Do you see what a pointless and destructive cycle it is to chase down creative validation and approval from other people? Their magic isn't your magic. And here's the thing, you don't need their magic! You have your own, complete and perfect and eager to get to work. So forget about finding validation from others — none of that is actually important or serves you well in your ongoing quest of your great purpose. There are infinitely more effective ways to measure success than some award or sale.
How in the world can I say that? We all know that there’s such a thing as great art, good art, and bad art! Opinions matter!
Oh, they absolutely do not matter. Never have and never will. And no — there is no such thing as great art, good art, and bad art. Those distinctions are illusions, constructs some enforce for their own agendized ends. But the truth is that art is just art. Let me repeat that: Art is just art. It means infinite things to infinite people. What is mediocre to one person is a masterpiece to another — who is to stay what’s correct? If someone loves it so much or is so moved by it or has a strong visceral reaction to it — even if it’s a black velvet clown painting done as a joke when slobbering drunk — it’s art! Art is just art! And the number of times that pieces considered masterpieces today were utterly savaged by critics back in their day is too innumerable to count! Like I remember when Blade Runner first came out, I saw it in the theater when I was thirteen. To me it was an instant classic, but to critics, it was abysmal and boy — did they yap about how awful it was. But guess what’s considered a sci-fi masterpiece today? Yup. Blade Runner. I actually studied the film as a masterwork in my college course on gothic themes in art and literature at UC Santa Cruz. And Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, that beloved masterpiece today, was absolutely ravaged by critics when it debuted. And such examples go on and on, for plenty of pieces considered classic masterpieces today. The point is: Critics are often wrong. They are fallible, biased, and flawed human beings who believe their opinion isn’t only important, but absolutely correct, a very arrogant, albeit very human mistake to make. As Anton Ego mused in my favorite movie, Ratatouille, “In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.”
Because here’s the secret: The truth is that opinion is only ever important to the acceptance and sale of your art — to the wrong people! See, if you create authentically, without a care for a single opinion out there other than your own, your true Voice will emerge and only then will it attract the right people to your art, those who resonate with it completely as it already is, not how they want it to be. You’ll simply attract similar souls to your work — and that’s exactly what you want! Birds of a feather and all that. Beat your own drum and the right dancers will appear. And so yeah, not everyone will “get” your work, but who cares! You can’t please everyone so why try? Stop chasing after validation that will never come, stop grasping for acceptance that can never be found. But you are guaranteed to please one person all the time: Yourself! So focus on you! You know what makes you happy, you know what your Truth is, you know what about your art that pleases you most so focus on that sure thing and forget about everyone else! When this happens, you’ll feel a shift happen inside you — that powerful position when not caring about a darned opinion out there rumbles apart your creative tectonic plates to release your Voice, that unique artistic flair and intent that makes your work so darned distinctive and visionary! And here’s the thing: When you use your authentic Voice, the Universe conspires to help you. Inexplicably, it somehow funnels the right people your way and BAM…you’re on your way. But still, don’t care about their opinions either. Yours is the only opinion that should ever resound in your noggin. For example, there’s an artist who creates these unique, whimsical hand-carved pyrography whales and seals from driftwood foraged from her beach. They are very unusual and who would ever think they would ever sell? Yet they sell out in seconds! And her fan base is enthusiastic and ever-growing! And she stays authentic to her Voice so her work is all the stronger for it. She never sways from her path, purposely and with keen intent. Aim for that state of mind and you’ll find your way! Absolutely, speak in your true, pure Voice and the right collectors will show up.
And this state of mind is especially important to cultivate in our own peculiar niche art form because our market has this problematic penchant for creating “what sells” quite a bit. Now this is fine — that sentiment is perfectly understandable from time to time. But the problem compounds when it becomes the defining aspect of your work. When you’re chasing down other people’s opinions, when you Don Quixote people’s approval, the thing you lose is your Voice, your art, the very thing that makes your work so distinctive and which you’re entrusted to protect. Never dilute, dumb down, or compromise your Voice! When you create art for other people’s approval, it loses its power and potency, its authenticity and genuineness, its honesty and sincerity — its you-ness. Indeed, too many artists wait for validation from the world at large as if that could fill the void, but the truth is, you should value yourself first and foremost. Never ever give anyone art power over you! Only you should be on that throne, no one else. No one is entitled to your arting power other than you.
Now this isn’t to say that solicited critique is a bad idea. Certainly not. Admired colleagues who provide a solid critique when you ask for it is valuable input. Just be sure to keep their opinions in the proper perspective as well. Because hard truth here: Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, their opinions aren’t important either. No one in the entire Universe, through space and time, knows your Truth like you do. So know when to use those comments, know when to question them and know when to ignore them. As someone who has given numerous critiques, as someone who has overheard numerous critiques, as someone who has gotten numerous critiques, I can tell you without a doubt that even the most educated critiquer can be wrong, factually, artistically, and philosophically. Indeed, just because you hold them in esteem doesn’t mean that they have the right answers for you. The truth of the matter is only you have the right answers for you. Trust in yourself then and learn to calm all those voices of self-doubt and self-deprecation. You can look to critiques for guidance, but never take them as gospel and absolutely never let them tarnish your Truth or sway you from your path. Always stay true to your Voice as you’re the only one it can come through and it's trusting in your good faith.
To that end, honestly, your best, most trusted critiquer is the living animal themself, the equine. That’s your best teacher, your most honest and factual guide. So get out there and get up close and personal if you can. Study, observe, soak in the Moments. Take a camera, a sketchbook, your earnestness, your curiosity and fascination. As such, your references are your next best guides and your past work the best markers of your progress. Turn to that trinity then when you need inspiration or guidance and if you pay keen enough attention to them, they’ll never steer you wrong.
Now there is room for your collectors in all this, absolutely. They’re your enthusiastic supporters, those who cheerleader your efforts, even support you with their collecting. And so if you’re going to listen to anyone’s opinion of your work, save a seat for your collectors. That said, however, remember why they’re there: To collect your authentic Voice, to go on your curious journey with you. They’re there because your Voice attracted them, charmed them, enticed them. You cannot betray them by watering it down! Do not disrespect them by compromising it! Rather, honor them by amplifying your Voice and living its Truth with absolute intent and passion. I guarantee you will earn their respect and enthusiasm all the more! Never forget that they want your work, not your work influenced by Susie Creamcheese, Bobby Blabbermouth, and Terry Terrortongue. If they’re the right collectors, they want 100% your Voice — 100% you, and even when you go sideways in your creativity as the Muse sometimes does. So always remember and honor that.
Creating art is such a personal act, isn’t it? In a very profound way, we are our art. We get injected into it, it becomes us and we become it. It becomes our Truth. What a beautiful, curious, unique synergy! So you owe it not only to yourself but to your art to keep that connection pure, potent, and powerful, free from the troublemaking opinions of others, independent, self-actualizing, and full of its own agency. You are your own and only best advocate! Learn to embrace your self-advocacy then and you come into your own as an artist in the truest sense. So learn to let go of what others think about your work, just let it all go. It shouldn’t concern you in the least. Water off a duck’s back. Mind your own business…dive into your bubble, a complete and perfect creative biodome. In there, learn to create buoyantly with courage, confidence, and eager enthusiasm, hungry to savor your newfound freedom and liberating energy. What others think of your work — for better or worse — isn’t your Truth. Only you know it, create it, live it, and protect it. Let only that seep into your efforts to guide your art, distilled and amplified into a pure elixir of authentic creativity, leaving the rest of the world behind. The dirty ground is of no consequence when you’re powerful enough to fly with your own wings! So let’s hear your Voice, gorgeously distilled and purified! Toss those curls, don't give a ding dang darn, and get to arting! Let’s see that big ol' bubble at work, intensifying your authenticity and empowering your creativity! You are so beautiful when you wield your bubble with eager confidence and joyful power! And never forget that your Voice is inherently meaningful and important, it's intrinsically worthwhile by virtue of its essence. So it not only doesn't ever need outside validation, it actually does better without it. It thrives in that fertile, infinite ground of simply not caring about what others think of it. The expectations others impose on you are limiting and small-minded, but your Voice has no limit, it's vast and full of life — and you owe it to yourself and the Universe to express it in absolute, glorious freedom. That's the irony of art: The less you care about what others think of your art, the more authentic, visionary, better, and satisfying it becomes. So walk your path on your own terms, your Voice will always lead the wonderful way, always bolstering your bubble so that it shines brightly, blinding us with its brilliance and beauty.
“Look for what you notice but no one else sees.”
― Rick Rubin
