Most people will think of criticism from one point of view, that of something negative; of a judgement while other's see it as something constructive, of a different view point, of simply an opinion. For as many people out there, there are, there are also that many different views and opinions, judgements and intentions. Some may do it to feel better about themselves, or it could be that they sincerely feel they are of help, or it could just simply be a random remark that the intender holds no view what so ever. In all their motives and ways of giving criticism or judging, no one can really know what is coming as the receiver. The only real power is truly with the receiver of the criticism.
Just as the bearer of the criticism can have varying reasons and approaches, the receiver can also carry very different reactions from the interpreter. So how do famous people handle all the negativity? All the bad press, rejection letters, and cancelled shows, etc? How do they cope with it all? First of all, I don't think putting yourself which really is your work, out there is for the faint of heart. How ironic it takes a degree of sensitivity to be an artist, while at the same time, you open your soul and can and will have it trashed by all sorts of people. You can try putting up walls, but it won't work. Not unless those walls come with an understanding; a decision. I don't think anyone will argue with the observation that if someone lays criticism on you, it can lead to strong emotions. Emotions of hurt, anger and even frustration. The thing is, most folks will also agree that not only do these feelings come about because of how they are directed and delivered, but also the perceived intent behind them. In both cases, no matter how the criticism is intended, if the interpreter is carrying past history of hurt, defensiveness and frustration, no matter how the criticism or judgement, or opinion is intended, it will still be met with a strong and often negative reaction instead of response. So I think it can be agreed, that in the end, the real way to deal with any sort of judgement, criticism, or opinion, is for the receiver of this communication to be clear. If the receiver is clear, then the bearer of the criticism will not have as much power of sting in their words no matter how innocently or maliciously they are delivered. I started being recognized for my artistic ability at the age of 4. I was painting in oils by 11 and selling by 13. I was very hard on myself and if I was not happy with a painting, it went in the trash if I felt I couldn't paint over it. I had relatives who then would take it out of the trash and I would find it framed and hanging on a wall somewhere. One day I was upset to see a particularly bad reject painting out of the trash and inside. I remember I had a very distant aunt who had come to visit see I was upset and take me aside. I will never forget what she said which was this: "When you create something, unless it is done entirely in secret, it is coming into the public domain where people are going to see it. Once it is there, it is no longer just yours, it now belongs to everyone and everyone has the right to speak on it, and view it and do as they see fit with it even if you wanted it in the trash. There is no way around this and so you might as well accept you shall lose control since you can no longer control how others will see or interpret it. Some may love it, and some may hate it, and it is now theirs to do just this. There is no point in being upset about it. For as many people as there are that see or read or interact with what you created, there will be just as many interpretations and view of it. That is part of what it means to be an artist, a creator so you might as well get used to it." I think this is sound advice. Once it is out there, it is fair game, and there is nothing you can do about it. You can allow the judgements and opinions of others to influence you, you can choose to use your mind and choose for yourself which views hold merit and help you to grow in what you are doing, and you also have the power to totally dis-regard another's point of view on the matter. or you can get upset with every negative opinion and criticism and constantly feel vulnerable and weak and victimized in any number of ways. Just think, you have all these different choices! All of them as much your right as it was for the other to judge and criticize. All these different ways of handling criticism are valid and are totally within your right to choose to deal with criticism. With this, goes something else that I will write about next blog, just how your motivation for doing what you do can also play avoc with how well you can deal with the critics. So, be aware, you paint a picture, write a book, or poem, or anything else that goes into the public domain, there is going to be responses to it both positive and negative. As the old saying goes, even a bad response is a response and is better than receiving no feedback at all! In other words, bad publicity is better than no publicity!
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June 2024
AuthorArtist, Buddhist, Educator, Traveller, Cabinet Maker, kayaker, etc and now writer! |