FEAR OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE WILL THINK OR SAY about your art.

In some cultures (mostly Eastern) artists are held in high esteem. Traditional art is treasured and admired. Artists and Artisans are respected, admired, even idolised. Art styles exist on long established tradition. Even so called experimental artists are more likely to be seen with wonder in a manner closer to the attitude of more sophisticated western cultures.

Our (Western) cultures tend to be less entrenched in tradition, more subjective, judgmental and we have “ Art Critics.” As with movies, a picture you thoroughly enjoyed may have been given an absolute pasting by movie critics. Their opinion has a certain importance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the product has no value, whether it is a movie, a book or a work of art. 

Fashion in art changes. Art taste varies from person to person and can change over time.
People who don’t do art do not appreciate the time and effort that is needed to create a work of art.

Our Art Studio rejects any art snobbery, elitism and inflicting one person’s taste on another. You Never compare your art to any other student’s art. Your art is as unique as you are. It reflects where you are not What you are and certainly you do not know what you will produce in the future if you are enjoying yourself.

You may uncover a new passion. Why not? But remember that art appreciation is very personal. People who care about us....and who are not artists, sometimes want to help us “ improve.” Nearest & dearest will sometimes be the most verbal about our art. Meaning only to help, they sometimes point out every “ error” or discrepancy in their minds as to what our work should look like. Then there are those who will carefully avoid saying anything at all, for fear of offending you.

You need to develop a thick skin to be an artist....so understanding that

YOU

are the only one you need to satisfy is essential.

It’s worth repeating:
The only person who needs to get satisfaction/ pleasure from your art IS YOU!

​Please take that on board, it is very important. Artists are often their own harshest critics but that drives us on, always striving for better! ( like golf? ) of course, when someone else loves what you’ve done it is quite a thrill!

On a brighter note, ( non artist ) people in western cultures can regard and often more readily accept artists as plain WEIRD. Happy days!

I personally take that as a licence to colour my hair purple, wear whatever jewelry 
I like and as much of it as I like and dress comfortably, interestingly and with as much or as little so- called “ style” as suits me on the day. In fact, people can tell I’m creative by my appearance.

Sometimes we get caught out with paint on my clothes and in my hair, whatever colour it is on the day. Do you know what? It’s almost worth pretending to be an artist just for that!

Embrace it!
~ Suzi