While in the midst of completing my final painting I have started reflecting on my painting technique over the last two years. Last year I visited a gallery on the Gold Coast in the hope of adding another to my artist belt of experience and recognition. However, the experience did not go well. I left feeling dejected and untalented as an artist. The main draw back to the experience was that the curator said my paintings were flat and not technically sophisticated for the level required for this style of painting. She told me to come back after I had done some more paintings in other formats and slightly different mediums. I never did return, partly because of my ego and partly because I did not agree.
I suppose part of this harked back to my uni days when my tutor told me to stop drawing but start sculpting because that is what I did best. And so after three years of an illustration degree I convinced myself I was no good at painting/ drawing and to pidgeon hole myself into something which was not my passion. This resulted, and for many art students who are constantly critiqued, a period of three or more years where no art was made. It was only after this period I started painting again with an internal motto that it was okay to make art that wasn't flawless.
Looking back once again upon the artist's life of constant critiques and judgement, I think that such feedback is important. While criticism can be detrimental when one stops producing art, it is also vital to improve. At the time I believed this curator's judgements were overly picky and inaccurate but now I know that her response was what spurred me on to improve my technique. I can see my skill improve over the last few years. I think without that harsh reaction I would become complacent. So the moral of the story is not to get offended but embrace correction and criticism as it may actually help you.
I suppose part of this harked back to my uni days when my tutor told me to stop drawing but start sculpting because that is what I did best. And so after three years of an illustration degree I convinced myself I was no good at painting/ drawing and to pidgeon hole myself into something which was not my passion. This resulted, and for many art students who are constantly critiqued, a period of three or more years where no art was made. It was only after this period I started painting again with an internal motto that it was okay to make art that wasn't flawless.
Looking back once again upon the artist's life of constant critiques and judgement, I think that such feedback is important. While criticism can be detrimental when one stops producing art, it is also vital to improve. At the time I believed this curator's judgements were overly picky and inaccurate but now I know that her response was what spurred me on to improve my technique. I can see my skill improve over the last few years. I think without that harsh reaction I would become complacent. So the moral of the story is not to get offended but embrace correction and criticism as it may actually help you.