Professional Jealousy

The kind of GREEN that I tried so HARD to Avoid.
Thank you for this Profound Writing, Janis.

Janis…thank you so much for posting this…terrific article and Everyone should take the time to read this…..

.and that’s a fantastic image as well!!!!!!!!!!

awesome article and thanks for sharing , really great art work as well :)

Thanks Janis for sharing! Very informative!

He’s a good man .. I have been a member of Painter Keys for a good few years now.

Great article! Thank you for posting this!

I believe I have progressed as a photographer since joining the bubble; by observing other peeps work and wondering how they did that and trying to emulate it. Sometimes I asked and it is a measure of my fellow bubblers that they gladly offered an explanation. Bless you.
And with a glance at the alter of Salieri – “Way to go yet Andrew”.

Janis..that’s all good..a great post
and it’s difficult sometimes.. I know …I think envy hits each of us at one time or another in life..but the thing to remember from a beautiful book called acourse in miracles is this
“To Give and to receive are One in truth”..this is the motto I now try to live by.
Give paraise and thanks and give people their just due in life..

After 35 years of painting and after many years of “giving ” away a lot of my works of art I find that the Gods are smiling on me now – and it feels so good!! ..I hope no -one is envious because It’s about time that good things happened for me in my life and I’ve worked so hard to get where I am today (whic isn’t even very far ). but it’s at least past the starting gate..hha!!..

..anyway.. I think I’ve worked very hard and for many years to have this good luck and some
sales of my work..it hasn’t always been easy.

Whenever I see an artists work that is much more refined and much better than my work ..I am awe struck ..I am speechless and it really
inspires me to go forward and to do better myself.. not to do better than THEIR work
..but to do better than my own!!
and while I will always retain my own way of painting..I know that doing really good art is something to aspire to..not envy ..if some people seem to have excelled in their gift.

I don’t have room for envy ..I only have enough time to paint more pictures and this is the doorway out of all envy ..if each person just did the very best that they can do ..then that’ should be the whole story ..leave the rest to God… you are bound to have some people in this world like and enjoy your work ..if you keep your eye on the real prize..and that’s the satisfaction of using your gift and passion to the best of your ability…and then seeing at the end of it that you turned out some pretty Interesting paintings..there is NO TIME for envy ..just paint ..just paint..and then paint more..hhha!!!!

much love

cathy xxxooo

good article Janis what are your thoughts??.....I speak for myself that when I view someone’s work I admire I take delight in viewing it and praise it…I see them as gifted and inspirational and I want to learn and soak it all up like a sponge. No Green Giant appears unless it is that remark that pops into my head that says;.... I wish I could paint like that! but then I get itchy fingers and do my own work which sometimes pleasantly surprises me with the outcome. It is a shame there are those that live with the green giant on their shoulders throughout their lives as it only warps their view, holds them back and consumes…still it is human nature as the article says. Great read!

I do hope I am not envious of others’ success. I try to encourage others in their work; especially when I like what I see. I do get a little annoyed when people have too high an opinion of themselves, to the detriment of other artists. I think all I really want at the moment is to progress at my own pace and by my own “rules”, rather than by the rules of others. When someone tells me “you have to do it this way” something inside me closes up and I tend to slowly cut that person off. That’s why I shy away from art groups. My personal experience of groups is that one person dominates and the others have to follow his/her instructions or be ostracised. For me art is personal expression. There is art I do not personally find pleasure in, but I’d defend the right of the artist to do what he/she considers to be “good” art. Having said all that, I’m not trying to be super tolerant and yes, I do appreciate it a lot when someone likes my art. I also love “discovering” new artists on Redbubble; especially when they turn out to be friendly :)

An excellent article ,and very thought provoking ,it’s a real treasure !!!

Wonderful thoughts, and idea, to share this with us. A generous spirit you have. I compulsively do what I do, but at times I wish I was as versed in something as some people are.

I didnt have time earlier to write anything but “great article” but came back to it to read it over again and also the comments which are enlightening as well. I like Linda’s comments, which mirror my own. I love browsing through RB and seeing all the talent on here. What I particularly admire is when artists have a very distinguishable style, whether it be photography or some other art. When you can look at a piece and guess the artist (well I guess that could be a bad thing too, haha) either way they have their own style. When I see the amazing talent on RB I am like Linda, I just want to soak it up and learn from it and then explore new ways of seeing/creating things. It is inspiring and I love watching artists grow and discover themselves in the process. It is beautiful.
Ah well, the bible says that “jealousy is rotteness to the bones”. Imagine how painful that would be to live with!

Here is another response to the article from a reader…
I have worked with many artists, especially with my experience as an executive board member of a local art league, and in owning my own gallery. I have seen some pretty strange situations due to jealousy. I’m not sure if it is a same sex problem. My experience has led me to believe it is cross gender. It is especially difficult to deal with a situation where an artist becomes so greedy for recognition, they begin to manipulate situations such as gallery openings, presentation space, and try to take “the whole pie”, instead of the slice offered. Reciprocation is something that doesn’t happen with this type of ego. They do not show up for openings or receptions unless of course they are to get some award or incentive. They may mask their lack of consideration with a friendly smile, and offer some type of justification or excuse, followed by a statement to the effect that “they didn’t think so and so would mind. Or they just didn’t realize how much it meant to “so and so”. Perhaps “that ego” is why our committee, for selection of board positions, takes such care in screening the applicants. It takes individuals with stamina, broad range perspective and a great appreciation of others to work “as a team” to be both supportive and encouraging and to be fair to all members. D. R. Maryland…

..and I think your work is simply amazing janis..but you already know that ..

lovely lady that you are..your spirit of generosity also shines through your gorgeous art!
and that’s another reason why your work is so good..the outer ..is only a reflection of the inner beauty of a person.

xxxooo

Wow this sparked a lot of replies. Wondered. . .have you fallen victim to someone’s envy lately?

The whole art scene can be such a whacked experience. I’ve met highly-successful mediocre talent with tremendous marketing skills and amazing talent that’s some covert closet painter, who’d rather be burned at the stake than have to go to an opening of their own work. This whole art experience can be bizarre. . . and that keeps things “interesting.”

Thanks for posting this thought-provoking article. Was a blast to see how everyone reacted.

BTW, I’m not envious of your work. . . : >) Every time I see your paintings in a challenge, I vote for them because your paintings are wonderful imaginative work. Just had to get that plug in there, too.

Cheers!

i completely enjoy looking at art…if i feel a sense of envy.. it’s usually associated with this incredible feeling of overwhelming respect for the artist who created the work…and then a smidge of …aw…why can’t i do that… :( i do find it hard when people around me sell well, and i think others find that hard too, and they are wishing to sell well…that’s always a little hard for me, i am competitive that way…..but i just relish and love and adore to see the fine art and photography, it washes over me like a salve and i find it healing to view…and the more beautiful, the more fantastic, the delightful, the more exquisite, the better it is, the more joyous i feel….the more encouraged i feel to try new things and expand and explore….but definitely i will admit a certain envy and jealousy when others are seling or getting attention and I am not…i will never deny that.!!! lol aren’t i terrible…but just totally honest…and i really don’t like that about myself…in fact i chastise myself constantly over it!!! but it’s the competitive nature – it just drives me to push on and go further…. and i hope that anyone who’s doing really well, will only take it as a compliment….and i try hard to not let those feelings ever hurt anyone….i just want everyone to be happy….and i think artists are all different kinds and we produce all different work and have all different and unique markets…so we should try not to be too jealous and envious of anothers success…but rather, utilise that energy to research how we can better our own art and find the right outlets and people who will follow our work and want to become buyers and collectors of our stuff…. I mean a lot of my stuff appeals to little ones…and mums with children…..so how could i be jealous of janis….. it’s harder when the prson is doing art that is for the same customer base….and that’s where it challenges you to come up with better ideas and brighter concepts…..but i really hate the kind of jealousy that is hidden in a comment…..i’ve had a few…..

some idiot actually logged into rb under another name and wrote a pretty stupid derogatory comment on flying machine and how ugly she is…..it hurt, i thanked them, and then i deleted it….after seeing that i was the only person that other person had ever commented on…i know or think i know that person…and i’ve de-watchlisted them now….as you say Janis….i hate comments cloaked and disguised in pretty flower words, where underneath someone is clearly seething…. there was one particular person that did this often….dewatchlisted

Janis this was a wonderful article. I truly believe I’m by any real jealousy, perhaps from time to time there is still some envy of skills, but I consider that has being healthy in that it simply inspires me to improve my own skill level. It never bothers me to comment on other’s work. When I give a compliment, you can rest assured that it’s real. I will not comment of a piece if I feel it doesn’t deserve it. I will give comments to those who I know are beginning artists, but even then I try to find a positive element to comment on.

hear hear Janis!! your comments are very supportive and encouraging…)sorry did not realise you had written that piece below – I was reading quickly through this morn,. before going off to work)
You can tell the happy generous genuine people on here too, like yourself, they dont mind sharing their tips techniques etc. .and comments are heartfelt. Not sure if you have had some twisted remarks,?hope not.
Ok special lady off to check my bubble mails etc. as just in..if any bad comments I am just going to ignore them, the best treatment for rude people!
Keep painting those glorious pieces of art for us to enjoy!

oh dear how rude!!! that person obviously puts themselves on a pedestal..must be lonely up there! best wishes Janis, great discussion.

Professional Jealosy is true in all works of life. I’ll confess, in the creative world – I get jealous.
And there are both positive and negative turns to it. The negative turns are when I see a work that I don’t appreciate, but it is covetted by others.
I am jealous because I question my own judgement at that point.
And I wonder, is what I am doing worthwhile? or am I missing the boat?
The Positive side is there is SO MUCH work that absolutely Inspires me. It could be termed as jealousy at the start because I am blown away by the captures. I can’t paint and can hardly hold a camara – so my jealousy of these art forms is absolutely benign.
But when I read a piece that moves me – Oh how I yearn to aspire to a new level!
Hmmm. There you go making us all think again Janis.
So kind of you to share and also make time to read all of the comments you’ve stirred up.
I’m always delighted to view your work!!!

This has been a fascinating read, lots of really interesting points of view and responses…. Myself, when i first put my work on redbubble and looked around at all the wonderful art here, i almost took myself off…. I felt totally inadequate. I wished like mad that ‘i could paint like that’. Why didn’t i think of that’..... i was totally paranoid and jealous of all other artists here :>) But now that I have come to terms with my art and my style and my capabilities i feel so much better about ‘my art’. I can see so much diversity here on rb, this is an invaluable gallery, and i have learned so much about myself, the comments from other artists are so encouraging that it becomes impossible to be jealous. I am privlidged to be a member of such a positive group of individuals who are so talented and giving of their time and comments and skills.
I still have moments of intense envy with some art works and artists, but i consider it tobe a dig in the ribs for me to get my arse into gear and try harder. It is a very healthy competitive jealousy … long live redbubble!!!! :>)

Super article Janis! What makes the difference I think is the choice of attitude towards others. When I view other people’s art I am so inspired, whether to do better myself, to learn about their techniques, to imitate them or just to enjoy, but I can see how envy would be created within someone that has very little self esteen. It really is how you choose to view other’s work. and whether you are a cup half full or half empty type person. For me, I might think it would be nice to paint like you do Janis, but at present I don’t, doesn’t mean I won’t try in the future, just means for right now I do something else and I have skills in those areas that are different from yours.
And if I ever feel competitive,and I do on occasion, it is a feeling of doing better for me, I compete with myself to do better, to learn more, to try harder, to be more creative, to be more open to other things … Competing with someone else is so ridiculous, they have different talents, different perspectives, different life experiences….I think this was a great subject to bring up. Haven’t seen a whole lot of it on RB since people are so generous with their comments despite having their own work to show off.. However, I have delt with it on a personal basis, a friend that is a photographer as well, but refuses to discuss the subject and avoids anything to do with my involvement…it is sad, we are two different people, with two different views of the world, so there is no personal competition, we should be just striving to do the best we can with what we have…
You always bring up such interesting subjects! And that photo of your garden daylily is lovely!

Thanks Janis for posting this, I am very much a process addict myself :-) All of the very best!

I just read the article, and like the last paragraph the best. I wasn’t surprised when I read the comments that it was yours. The wonderful thing about art is that it is a lifetime of learning. That means appreciating others gifts as well as our own and being able to share the joy of the creative insights that are offered in anothers work. The bubble is a wonderful place for that. Success that’s a state of mind.

Janis, I come out of the commercial art world. Until the mid-Seventies all was comradery, sharing of techniques and in all a completely different atmosphere. Then Jealousy and envy set in. It can destroy a company and it can destroy a community. But then there is a good ‘envy’ it can be used as praise to show how one really appreciates and shares in the joy of anothers gift and accomplishments. And there is pride and joy, I have students that I have taught that far surpass me. And I think Wow!——good job.

A great article Janis, I enjoy looking at all the art and admire the talent behind it, but I dont feel jealous or envious but feel inadequate with the language to express how much I admire the works, just saying the usual stuff feels a bit trite and insencere. Creativity is something that is different in every artist and if jelousy and envy enter, then creativity becomes stiffled. Thank you for sharing these articles with us. Your art and writings are inspirational to all who have contact with these beautiful images and thoughts.
Thank you

Brilliant article and soooooooooo true! It’s not just confined to “artists” either… it’s everywhere and in every aspect of life. Be happy to admire the work and efforts of others, I say, and also happy to be the best you can be.

Oh janis..I forgot to mention ..there IS something I do get very jealous about amongst my artistic friends..and that is that
some of them have the most amazing and beautiful studios and spaces to paint in..now that makes me really jealous…hha!

Oh well back to my tiny cramped spot in the kitchen to try another canvas..LOL

xxxooooo

I love this article, and thank you very much for adding it! Excellent read and totally agree with B.S. Idaho. I never envy what other people can do, I like to be able to do what most of the artist here do! I have learned a lot since I joined here by experimenting lots and when I learn something new, I stop and think, “Ok, that’s how they did this”. Then I think, “Right on!!!” :))
I enjoy looking at other people’s art and I love commenting!! I make positive comments… I say, Good for them…how wonderful for them…what a gift they have. Amen This is definitely a fave!! :)

You have a beautiful website also!! :) And I can’t make this a fave!! ;)))