I have a problem
We ALL know that art, and artistic expression is a very subjective process.
Many of us… in fact most all artists are passionate with their opinion regarding what constitutes acceptable subject matter in any or all genre.
But just as many of us have not learned to temper our passion with discretion.
Consequently there are times when inexperience, excitement, intense passion, is mistaking for egotistical chest pounding, ignorance, and immaturity.
I struggle with tolerance of those who are less than discreet; undiplomatic; boisterous and perhaps often mistakenly considered rude and arrogant; when it is simple one voicing a passionate opinion with less than stellar communicative skills.
I am often frustrated with the fact that I am not able to achieve the goals I want for my photographic genre. I love to photograph people… but I dont have… and will never have the tools I need to produce the results I want.
Because of this, I feel further humilated by the expert advice of those who excel at this genre well meaning, poorly communicated assitance from someone who may very well be an excellent practitioner of this genre.
SO … consquently… I struggle with critique… both of my own work and in commenting on other works. I continually admonish myself, as I am my own worst critic. I try hard to to remember that most often, what appears to be arrogant and rude… even tho it sometimes really IS…. that the artist may simply be trying to passionately express him or herself. Sometimes they may lack the necessary communication skills or language familiarity, as this, like most other sites is an international forum… and so their well meaning constructive critique is misunderstood… particularly when we are already defensive and self critical….which leads to a narrow tolerance of opposing or constructive opinion.
So when people make comments… like this is a disgrace to the art of photography… most of the work here is not worth comment… and so on… and I am NOT referring to just this site as we ALL know this is common place… I get frustrated at the lack of diplomacy and communication skills.
What we all need to remember.. and try and practice.. is to ask oursleves… JUST how passionate and excited am I about this particular subject… and let me think WHAT I am going to say as a result of that fact.
There are… and always WILL be those who are SO self indulging and self centered that they just dont care what they say and how they say it in their self imposed glorification of themselves.
The lesson… as difficult as it is… is to remember that the opinion of the extremely self righteous is as valid as the beginner… the young and old person.
Those people who cannot accept the validity of all opinions… and only their own; ultimately remain within their narrow and confined world.. learning little or nothing.
Those of us who can accept the validity of the subjective nature of artistic expression… will surely grow.. not only as artists, but as comunicative diplomatic and well rounded individuals capable of so much more.
Alixzandra
Well written and well said. If I see something not to my taste, I do not comment, I pass it on by. I see no point in making negative comments on a persons work, and I certainly don’t see myself as worthy enough to give constructive critique. However, on a couple of occasions I have been asked for my personal opinion via b-mail and I have offered it when asked, always subjective to what I am looking at and tactful, but honest in it’s wording.
I don’t believe any person would show their work, at any level or capacity to lay themselves open to derogatory attack or comment, unless of course, they are courting the controversial with the main aim being to open discussion and debate of an emotive subject matter. That is a different thing entirely and I like to see that such subjects are widely debated and discussed in a free manner here at rb.
I try to just say what I see, or feel at the moment I view something..and on odd occasions, I view an image or artwork or writing, but I honestly have no words as to how it makes me feel, I say that too!! I have a couple of friends (virtually) made here on the bubble, but I still only comment on their work, if the image floats my boat or I think it has been accomplished in my lowly eyes you understand in a professional manner. I do not feel a need to comment upon every peice they undertake and stroke egos. I like to look at all forms of art and completely respect the fact that I may like a particular artist/genre of work, but that artist may not be into mine I would not expect a person to comment upon mine with hollow intentions, more with honesty, and should an individual have more to say, use b-mail to put that point across etc..
I remember speaking with you when I first joined the bubble…and I remember a sentence you wrote in your b-mail something to the effect of when you stop talking such BS and not care about what others think, you’ll do just fine ! I remember laughing alot at that brash statement, because I understood what you meant and that I should stay true to who I was and not jump on a gravy train to further my own agenda. Just do what I love and enjoy the ride…Cheers for that Ian :)