QUARANTINE LIFE: FRIDAY THOUGHTS

Art is subjective. 

Everything isn’t for everyone. 

We don’t all experience the things we see and hear the same way. 

Tastes vary, and are influenced by many things from age, geographic location, education, exposure, culture, ignorance, socioeconomic status, and bias, to upbringing. One or more factors are the answer to how and why some things are promoted, rewarded, awarded, and make those “greatest of all time” lists, while others don’t. What’s cool is that rejected, or less celebrated stuff can still find an audience.

When it comes to what’s amazing or what’s not, it’s all about who you ask, and who’s making the decisions.

Whether it’s music, painting, fashion, or food, what is excellent, stylish, innovative and spectacular to one person, is mediocre, clownish, ridiculous, and the hottest of hot messes to another. 

Granted, some things are deliberately designed for shock value. The goal is to be seen or heard—popular, even— not necessarily useful, influential, or awe-inspiring. 

On the other hand, some things make you question if there’s delusion, and vision or hearing impairment at the root of some choices. It’s not a good thing when laughter, disgust, or indifference is the response, but what one was going for, was applause, care, and admiration.

What one does not do, however, is get angry, defensive, discouraged, or perplexed because others don’t like or appreciate what one is serving. “Do you” sounds liberating but if “you” aren’t the only one impacted by what’s “done”, the action, work, or choice might need a closer, more objective look.

Even the staunchest creative maverick cares a little bit about what others think, but shouldn’t expect or demand that others like, applaud, co-sign or endorse a thing, or say that something is good, when they simply, honestly don’t think it is.

I remember always asking my Art students, “Do YOU like it”, when they’d come to me with their finished work. Yes, I was tasked to evaluate, but I suppose I wanted them to appreciate their own work first; be able to articulate what they liked about it, and not begin a habit of obsessing over what others thought. My opinion only counted, sometimes, because of how they felt about MY work. There was a standard in their minds, I suppose. What I couldn’t do was lie, or put a dampener on their creativity and enthusiasm. What I also had to, and was happy to do, was expose them to what I thought was exceptional; what inspired me.

There’s a danger, though, when we don’t tell the truth, and there are times when constructive criticism is warranted. It’s not just an opinion. Sometimes, another person’s honesty is just about being loved or cared about enough. Someone who’s always gotten a good report, or constant compliments, may not be ready for, nor even able to hear suggestions for improvement without hearing ridicule, criticism, or rejection. 

I suppose it boils down to who’s the audience. Who’s it for? If your creativity is for your own pleasure, the only person to win over, is you. If others like it, fantastic! However, if what you create, offer, serve, or display is for the consumption or enjoyment of others, (or if they can’t help but see it because of the way it’s displayed), expect them to have something to say about it—and make sure those sleeves are strong enough to bear your feelings. People can be worn down or desensitized by the repetitive nature of a thing. Though they may be bombarded with it, they don’t ever have to like it.