You be the judge.

If you’ve ever taken an art class, you know that sometimes the “crit” can be a bit harsh. I suppose we can chalk it up to the ultimate learning experience, but artists, by nature, are particularly sensitive. It’s the reason we love them and the reason they see things most people can’t. It’s why , through their art, they can creatively comment on society, the human condition, pop culture, and the status quo. They spot trends and buck them. They know BS when it crosses their path, and they send up flares when they’ve had enough.  In the grand scheme of things, artists lead the way and help the rest of us navigate and formulate thought.

It’s a considerable cross to bear, but most wouldn’t have it any other way.

Still, even wielding that kind of power – artists can crack when a critic lashes out or tears them down. With one insidious question the critic can annihilate the artist and send him crashing down into an unforgiving abyss of pathetically low self-esteem. (I happen to love the drawing to the left titled “art critic” where the subject’s twisted mouth is basically flying off his face.)

But as an artist, your only mission is to make art from your heart. “If you hear a voice within you saying, “You are not a painter – then by all means paint … and that voice will be silenced – but only by working.” — Vincent Van Gogh – in a letter to Theo van Gogh,in 1883.

 ”Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway .” — Eleanor Roosevelt