Are we living for "Likes"?
“If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.” ― Katharine Hepburn
Have you ever shown someone your art and they were visibly unimpressed? Or you posted an image online and didn’t get many “likes”? It can make you second guess yourself. The delight you felt in your artwork can be diminished. You can even feel a little shame. Why do we give people the power to discourage us? It reminds me of a funny story. A big art critic spoke to an artist at the opening night of his solo exhibit. The critic made the artist aware of who he was and asked the artist if he wanted to hear his review of the show. The artist said yes. The critic said “It’s worthless!” . The artist replied “I know. But I’d still like to hear it.”.
Don’t live for “likes” – create for you! And be a kind critic to yourself. We’re all on a journey of learning and betterment.
Do your remember a time you’ve hesitated sharing your art for fear of the response?
Image: Sketch of Sir David Murray (1849 – 1933) and John Seymour Lucas (1849- 1923) by John Singer Sargent
THE ART CRITIC 20 x 16” (50.8 x 41 cm) Graphite, By Jose Perez Collection of Carol Rensink
This satirical drawing says it all! It’s in my book Portraits Right from the Start
I thought this an excellent essay at a most appropriate time for me. I love my life
and the work I do. As an art director in a large ad agency, I was accustomed to
constant praise, but as a retired, elderly artist, mostly I find I must be satisfied
with the my own having accomplished the work, having solved the visual problem
and the exploration of original ideas. Kelly Foss’ essay came at a good time for me.