Is the only valuable artwork that which institutions deem important?
It pains me that people can feel ashamed of their art interest. In fact, some will hide it, or spend their whole lives creating but never share their work. They are like Vivian Maier because sharing is too vulnerable, is too scary, is too confronting.
There is too much judgment coming from different people about art interests and how our art interests “should” be expressed. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of hearing stories from people ashamed to pick up a pencil because somewhere along the way they were told it’s silly, not productive or useful, or that they were just not good at drawing.
We are at a turning point in our culture where the arts are becoming more widely accepted and valued. It means we are constantly tested by our peers, by friends, by loved ones and by the media: is our desire to be creative important?
The arts are changing as we change. For example, there is a new profession for the art interested: you can be a private advisor to collectors investing in art. While new jobs like these are popping up, people still stay secretive about their art interests: we have billionaires who secretly donate to and support the arts whenever they can.
While some art interested choose to remain secretive, we have artists who make very public statements about our escapist culture. And people listen. Banksy is a great example of using art to make political and social statements about our society. His work isn’t elitist. Everyone, whether they like it or not, can understand and engage with his commentary.
Art can engage us in dialogue with problems in the world around us, but that is only ONE way we can grow and learn from the arts.
We have artists using art to help discuss issues of inequality and injustice, risking their own safety to help people see a different perspective. Other artists are trying to create a visual explanation of climate change.
We have creators using art to make a difference in the world. It’s inspiring and something to aspire to, but it’s not the only reason to make art.
Art can be a means to manage stress in our busy lives. Art therapy associations support the huge interest in coloring books for adults to slow down and practice mindfulness. We have artists seeking out other artists to build community. Art can be a space to heal and a place to meet like-minded creatives.
Is knitting or crocheting less important and valuable than an artwork in a museum?
My mom has a wonderful group of women she meets with weekly to knit and crochet. They often select a charity to work with and create blankets for shelters, for example. Not only are these women honoring their desire to be creative, they create something that benefits others. ALL art benefits our community. Despite this, so many creatives still live with art shame.
I have a really important friend in my life who constantly demeans her artistic expression. It makes my heart so sad. No matter what I say, or anyone says, ultimately it’s up to her to make the choice to value her art as it deserves.
It’s about the inner work of self-love that let’s us open up, take risk and be vulnerable in our expression. It’s about separating from that harmful inner judge who holds us back from our best dreams, who sometimes encourages us to judge other’s work (which we can’t always help because we are so judgmental of our own).
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It hurts to hear judgment from others, but remember the judger comes from a place of inner hurt and generally has nothing to do with you or your art. Show people kindness and love, through your daily choices, through your words and through sharing your art. Be the vulnerable example our society needs to accept and embrace ALL unique, creative expression.
I want all of us in this community to take a stand today against creative shaming. Artist Strong embraces the idea that we all have levels of creativity in our lives, and they are all equally important. Not everyone has the time or desire to take art classes, show their artwork, or develop art skill.
Perhaps they want to doodle during meetings but fear management won’t understand, despite research that shows us doodling helps attention.
How many people would retain more information in meetings if they felt free to doodle in them?!
Perhaps they want to color with their children, or get a coloring book on their own. Perhaps they enjoy decorating cakes for loved ones for birthdays or special events.
HOWEVER you choose to participate in the arts is valuable and important. And today, I want you to know: you deserve your creativity. It doesn’t matter how you choose to be creative. Take care of you: as soon as you hear a single “should” you know someone is operating from a place of scarcity. And you deserve more.
I’ve seen too many people grow small in response to uncaring, thoughtless words of others about creative interests. I don’t want to see it anymore. We choose to set the tone for everyone around us. We are the change we wish to see in the world. If we act with love and inclusivity, more people will engage with the arts and begin to realize it’s importance in this ever busy, stressful world.
“ART is for EVERYONE. I celebrate creativity in it’s many forms.” (Click to Tweet)
BE COURAGEOUSLY CREATIVE: Today I call on you to do a small act of kindness towards another creative in your life: write a short note to an artist friend and tell them how their art impacts you. Tell us about your friend and their art below!
This is such an encouraging article. I have a friend who ‘just’ makes bags for us all. She chooses scriptures for us personally and uses her machine to embroider them. So many ladies in my congregation have their own special bag. They are not showy. They don’t hang on the wall, but they are useful and beautiful and such a blessing. My friend does not trumpet her creativity but uses it humbly and lovingly as a gift to others.
Ruth your friend sounds like a special lady. That sounds absolutely lovely! She is certainly deserving of a love note about her art.
My art always tended to take on dark themes. Even my attempts to make “cute” things like smileys somehow look unsettling in my style and I’ve always leaned heavily on the goth side. I’ve always been self conscious of it though. My creativity has always just been treated like either a joke or like I’m sick in some way. When really, I’m just someone trying to be comfortable with themselves. Most days it feels like no one cares to see that I’m harmless and just want to spread love and kindness in my own way through my art.
Hi Batterius,
My biggest concern reading this is that most of your worries appear to come from what others think about you and your art. YOU are enough. Your art is enough. And if you’re making art you want to make, enjoy it! The only person it needs to satisfy is you.
It’s sad that so many hide their creativity when self-expression is such a basic human need. I’m not hiding it, I never have, and I’ve chosen to help others rediscover theirs.
That’s why you are a wonderful part of this community Linda you know we all need to own and celebrate our creativity. 🙂
Thanks Carrie 🙂
I wish I could do that! Many say I’m really good I really don’t feel like I’m good at all-
Hi Emma, I’m so sorry to hear you feel that way. Something I encourage creatives to think about is what would make you feel “good enough.” Figuring out what that looks like may help you overcome those beliefs <3 because skill, for example, is something you can develop and grow.
A year ago, maybe more, I wrote a post where I urged fellow artists to create the art they like and find meaningful.
The reason I did it because I’ve faced some criticism when I started creating and displaying art, that my art is “too dark”.
Luckily, I got an even greater share of support, so I just took it as a sign that people’s opinions and tastes differ, and that my taste happens to go against the grain.
I used to feel a twinge of shame when people from my ex job found my “other” website (back then, I had two separate websites, one for art and one for design), and saw this part of me for the first time.
I’ve felt exposed because my art is very personal.
I had no problem having strangers from all over the world look at and comment on my work, but when I was in the same room as the viewer, I was uncomfortable.
It took time, patience and practice to get to a point where I can comfortably stand in a room full of my art and talk to people about it unapologetically.
Having experienced that, I am very motivated to help other artists achieve it too.
It’s so sad to feel like you have to hide your gifts.
Nela, I’m so honored you would share your story here, thank you. It is scary and vulnerable to feel on display, especially when our subject matter in our art is super personal. I’m so glad you persevered and can now share that with others. You are absolutely right, “It’s so sad to feel like you have to hide your gifts.” Hopefully with more people like you out there sharing your story and encouraging artists, we can create a new attitude for everyone 🙂
I do mainly railroad related photography, and must have seen an image as a child that struck a chord deep within me. I also recall being mesmorized by the work of Karsh.
People scoff at my taking pictures of trains as something only social outcasts do, as it seems a weird past time to most people.
I pull up a few photos on my phone or fire off a couple stunners via e-mail and they suddenly see it differently and me too. I point out I am preserving history and doing it with an artistic flair.
The reason people will knock what you do and put you down, is because they either wish they could do what you are doing or are just plain jealous. I saw it in my motorcycle racing days and I saw it when I embarked seriously into a photographic journey.
Walk to your own drummer, the crowds drummer is playing out of tune.
You gotta be yourself, otherwise you will never be happy.
Gary, thank you for sharing your story here. You are spot on about people knocking others down. It comes from a place of jealousy or desire, because they want to access their creative interests but have been afraid to do so. With people like you owning their creativity and sharing your story hopefully even more people can begin to open up and walk to their own drummer. 🙂
Thank You for creating this network! I’m new here but had a hunch this would be something that would reconnect the creative me to the daily person I now have become.
As a child I was thought to be exceptional with art and very misunderstood and degraded badly!
Now going into my mature years I very much want to face whatever it takes to work through the years of myths,hurt and ignorance to become a fully actualized creative being.
Wish me Good Luck and Thank You once again! ..all of you artists out there.
Thanks for reading and being part of Artist Think Alexandra 🙂
Alexandra, I can do relate to your story. As a child and young adult, my creativity was criticized and even destroyed by others close to me. I’ve been attempting to recover, but as an older woman now I find my creativity is still paralyzed. I cannot fathom being in a room of my creations with other people like Nela mentioned; even thinking about that causes me anxiety. And, so, that is where I need to shift my focus. Somehow it’s possible to overcome that blockage and fear; I’m still working on it. Thank you for this article and this network ArtistThink; it gives hope and guidance to many, especially to me.
Danette my heart reaches out to you: you deserve to enjoy your creativity. Don’t think about sharing it with anyone right now. Maybe for a long time. Create for your own sake, for your own passion and curiosity, and don’t show anyone. Someday, when you feel ready, then you share it with ONE person you know you can trust it with… and then small steps of sharing after that. You don’t ever have to share your art if you truly don’t want to, but I hope you choose to create. Our entire world is better when all of us acknowledge our heart. Have you considered reading the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert? It’s truly insightful and would help you on your journey as a creative. All the best to you.
I have a show coming up this weekend with two other artists and one is extremely talented. I don’t want to go to the opening. I feel humiliated.
Casey, If you are showing with these artists, it means your work shares a similar skill level, concept, etc. Remember: “Comparison is the thief of joy” – T. Roosevelt.
Your work is important and valuable. And each artwork has something different to bring to different people. This article talks about using comparison as a motivator: http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/27/health/comparing-yourself-with-peers/
You are important and valuable. And the work you share can influence lives for the better. I hope your show is a positive experience that you allow yourself to enjoy. Be in the moment, honor your feelings and do what you can to celebrate YOUR achievements. We can’t control other people, but we can control how we choose to behave in response to others. <3 <3 I'm thinking about you.
It is a constant struggle.. I come from a huge family of serious professionals. I have had my art books tossed in the fire, framed pictures thrown away as trash, tossed into dank places where they were damaged beyond repair… and I tossed my acceptable job to take a creative journey.
Every day I deal with put downs on how worthless my contributions are.. and yet, I create. That is all that moves me. I have a few steadfast and supportive people..but the hurt is huge.
Dear SD,
First I want to say I’m so very sorry to hear of the horrible, abusive ways your art and art interest has been treated. I heavily encourage you to seek support outside of the people who behave this way towards you because it is absolutely NOT OKAY that they treat you this way. In fact, I think a counselor may be a sound place to start. I know counseling has helped me! I also encourage you to never talk about your art or work with people who tell you your contributions are worthless. They are jealous. And terribly unhappy people to behave the way they do towards you.
Give yourself space to honor the grief you feel: it’s real, and it’s totally okay to feel hurt. I would feel hurt too! I feel so empowered knowing that despite these awful obstacles you still choose to create, that is awesome (in the true definition of the word). Remember this: before we invented language humans made art. There is NOTHING more human than to create. <3
I'm here, cheering you on.
Warmly,
Carrie
This article is so spot on! I’ve started painting abstracts two years ago because for me it was a sort of an escape and I really enjoyed it. My partner and some friends loved the paintings and so I’ve started painting more often. Now I have my first exhibition planned for next year and I’m petrified mainly because I always feel like my art is not good enough. My partner pushed me into it cos he and the rest of the people who have seen my work really love it. But I just can’t shake the feeling of terror and shame just thinking about having all those people looking at my paintings in a gallery
Hi Stani,
With my own exhibition impending too I can really relate to what you wrote. The thing that’s helped me is to ask what are my goals for my exhibition? When I keep it ambiguous and only worry about getting my art up and showing up to the event, I feel more anxiety because it feels like anything could happen.
Instead, I’ve shifted my focus to serving the women I’ve portrayed in my series and do my best to showcase and honor the work I’ve created. This has made it less about who shows up or how much sells, or even what people think because my focus is honoring the work I’ve created. I’ve felt my worry completely lift with this reframe.
I encourage you to really think about what scares you so much about people seeing your work? Truly, what is the worst thing that can happen? And how could you handle it?
FYI – in most exhibitions, if it’s a solo show, people are lucky to sell 2-3 works. If you are in a group show, well, FYI, I never sold anything in any group shows. Please don’t use sales as a measure of your art’s worth or value <3
Here cheering you on.
Carrie
This is me. I hate exposing my work. With assignments I have to, people pay me and I’ve got a deadline but it’s a difficult delivery every time. I’m mild towards old work. My goal is to get more outgoing and showy with my free work. First step is to be more open about my fears and push myself a bit. Fact that I’m here with name and site is also a tiny step towards exposure.
Nanda, honor where you are… and good for you for taking some of those steps forward!! My experience with others in the community is naming the fear helps lessen its power a bit. I hope you find the same <3
I found this article entirely by chance (though I don’t believe in coincidence) and I think it’s finally starting to make sense. I think I want to be braver with my art.
As a hobby writer, it seems as if everything is out there to shame you. ‘Is it any good?’ ‘Is it making you money?’ ‘But is it GOOD?”
Today someone I know personally found my old writing on a website I’d forgotten about and poked some well-meaning fun with no idea just how sore that wound was. You’d be surprised with just how much shame could fill a person in just a few seconds. Shame turns easily to dread and then I sat there wondering how I might ever look them in the face again. Maybe it was dramatic, maybe it was a lot of hidden insecurity finally bubbling over. I want to be brave before I respond to them and approach the text unapologetically, and without shame for myself or what I love. Art is how I bring my feelings to life and the joy it gives me makes it worth fighting for.
No more appoligizing, no more hiding things I love, no more avoiding creative vulnerability. Finding this chance article really put that into perspective. Thank you.
Go Indie go! Embrace your creativity. <3 I appreciate you sharing here, the more people share and say these things out loud, the less they hold power over us. Additionally, it helps us all see we aren't alone in these experiences.
I’ve been making art all my life and I still feel shame. When I had my first solo exhibition, I was embarrassed. I couldn’t understand why anyone was there and it was a huge turnout. Maybe my brain can’t see my work like others do, I don’t know. I wish I could feel the pride in myself that keeps me going. But I haven’t made any real art in years now. Is it the expectations of others that make me shutdown? Is it the pressure to make more work that makes me defensive and keep me from creating? I wish I could just stop caring about everyone else and love myself enough to do it just for me.
Casey I’m so sorry for your pain. Making and sharing art is a vulnerable process. I hope you can find a path toward making again. At some point you did find joy in the process, even if you were unsure of the outcome, otherwise why make it? I hope you find that joy!
You might identify as a highly sensitive person. Check out my interview with Patricia Young, it may resonate: https://www.artiststrong.com/how-to-be-an-artist-creator-profile-patricia-young/
You are worthy of that love.