The Art Of Mind’s Blog

by Lisa A. Riley

“If you hear a voice within you saying ‘You are not a painter,’ then by all means, paint…and that voice will be silenced.”-Vincent Van Gogh

Do you look outside yourself and to others to validate your art? Is your confidence easily deflated when you hear a negative comment about your work? Do you automatically discount yourself as an artist when you don’t get the approval from others?

It’s easy to have our artistic ego bruised when we feel others don’t like our art or maybe don’t get it. Why is this? Making art can be a very personal process, often revealing the deepest parts of us as well as our artistic abilities. Our art is an unveiling of the true colors that paint our internal world. It is putting a big part of ourselves out there for others to witness and to share that experience can leave us open for possible scrutiny. This can be vulnerable and emotionally risky for the artist.

How can an artist protect his or her delicate and fragile ego? It’s important to keep in mind that each individual views the world from their own unique experiences and perceptions. Therefore, every viewer will have a difference of opinion, taste and preference. This is why art is so subjective. It’s almost impossible to accommodate every person’s unique viewpoint. To develop a strong belief in one’s own unique style and abilities, can only provide a firm foundation to stand on. Having a strong anchor can be a helpful defense against negative comments.

Secondly, hearing the opinions of others triggers our sensitivity to our own inner critic. Allowing others to fuel insecurities that already exist can energize our reaction to criticism and can cause us to feel intensely judged. We must first learn to treat our work as well as ourselves with compassion and unconditional love. Just as a parent would when his child brings home a crayon drawing of a sun and without question the parent pins up the artwork on the refrigerator for the whole world to see.

Another helpful tip to survive negative comments, is that you have the power to choose what you wish to allow in or not. Although being open to “constructive” criticism, is necessary to evolve artistically, it is crucial to separate out helpful observations from the personal preferences. Regular practice of discerning feedback, leaves you less susceptible to being a victim to criticism and instead helps you be a more empowered artist.

Lastly, as an artist you must first and foremost validate yourself and your work. All that is required of you is to develop an unwavering belief in your natural yearning for self-expression and on going surrender to making art. Creative individuals often possess such an innate drive and passion to create and externalize their world that more often then not they are willing to take the risk. It requires courage to stay true and honor this drive. That in it self is the core validation to your work. In other words your work is valuable simply because you created it.

Content © 2008/2009 by Lisa A. Riley, The Art of Mind’s Blog. All Rights Reserved.