Ars longa, vita brevis
January 18, 2004
In America, we love athletes. We love pop stars. But we love to hate artists.
When we are about ten we are taught that being an artist is impractical, childish, and self indulgent, that 'talent' is a god-given gift you either have or you shouldn’t bother. Artists are arrogant, disconnected, elitist, millionaires or paupers. This myth is why parents accept all the cuts in art and music education yet will do anything to promote athletics in school. No one would want their kid to want to grow up to be an artist.
It wasn't always this way. Doing watercolors used to be a standard part of a decent education, So did reading and writing poetry. Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, they were all government employees.
But in 21st century America, that critic in your head has the support and encouragement of the whole gang; your parents, your teachers, your neighbors, bosses, and role models (even so –called creative people in the media promote the illusion that it’s either a fool’s game or the lottery).
Small wonder it’s so hard to drown out. It says, "Don't sing unless you're going to become a pop star. Don’t paint unless you know you'll be a genius who is recognized in your own lifetime. And if you have to practice at something, work on your pitch, your swing, your kick, skills that'll pave the way for your future."
You are fighting enough obstacles as it is. Don't let your own brain join the conspiracy. Tell it to shut the hell up and let you get back to work.
Because all those voices, so right about how to build profit, are flat wrong about how to build a decent life. Without art, your soul suffers; you lack a chance to express who you are, to hone your own point of view, to make your life your own. You are less than human, no matter how many Super Bowl rings you’re wearing.
When you do make something and share it with the world, your voice will be proven wrong again. People won't say, "Well, that drawing is pathetic. That poem is lame. That note was slightly flat. That diary reveals what a moron the writer was." If they stop to judge it all, they'll almost certainly say, "I wish I did that." Which will give you the chance to say "Well, why don't you?"
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
My very beloved grandfather, a Latvian immigrant, started oil painting at 90 in a lovely folk art style. His paintings have places of honor in my dining room to remind me that it is never too late to begin. I agree with everything you have said about people feeling you are either "born" with talent or not. Rubbish. Children love praise, and those who get early encouragement for their art do it again. And again. And again. And that funny little thing, practice, miraculous transforms them into "people born with talent." Draw we must - early and often.
Posted by: Kwint | January 22, 2004 11:35 PM
Oh, that's the extra boost I needed! To hear the encouragement and the faith and the freedom to just be an artist, rather than current voices from my family. Those voices that say "nice things" with tons of discouragement beneath the surface. The ones that try to help, not even realising that when I refused to get a teaching certification as "something to fall back on" in 1992, I still wouldn't want to teach 12 years down the track. I'm happy, even though I've not met their own expectations of my being "productive".
Rock on..keep spreading the inspiration to those "starving artists"....starving to be understood by more than just the artist community! We need more awareness of the value of art in this society!!
Posted by: Ames | January 22, 2004 11:36 PM
I was one of those little kids who was "encouraged" by my art teacher. I agree %100 percent about it's importance. Like another sense, it bridges the spiritual, and must be developed...
Great entry!
Posted by: pamela | January 22, 2004 11:37 PM
Perfect!
I ceased listening to those voices long ago but even now sometimes the strains of that now foriegn tounge sneeks in...
Thanks, LI
Posted by: li | January 22, 2004 11:38 PM
Well, you certainly know how to dig right to the heart of the matter...thank you for your words..funny how a blog message can mean so much...just goes to show,doesn't it..gotta say it, gotta share it, no matter what...blessings all around... wow...fern
Posted by: fern | January 22, 2004 11:38 PM
Thank you Danny...I needed this!!!
Keep up this wonderful website...it is a total inspiration to many people...including me!!
Posted by: nancy | January 22, 2004 11:39 PM
I am one of those who was encouraged as a child but quit believing in my art as a teen. Back to art in college. Got my art degree and proceeded to get a teaching credential to support myself. Taught for 10 years. Quit to have a family and homeschooled my two sons for 15 years. I've since "retired" and come back to my artwork through rubberstamping of all things. Now it's collage, painting, drawing etc. I'm loving it! Noone to tell me it doesn't look realistic...or abstract or..... Just having a good time!
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Posted by: meredith | January 22, 2004 11:39 PM
What a wonderful entry! I will have to print this one out and share it with my students -- I teach high school art and so much of what you write here is what I tell them -- "you can do this!" "everyone can draw, just give it the same effort you give shooting hoops" --
Teaching kids that the creation and not necessarily the finished product is the important part of the process -- that you don't have to make something for a reason except that you want to see what it looks like -- and fighting all those preconceptions about what art is "supposed" to be -- well, sometimes it gets to be a bit of a struggle. Thanks for the encouraging words!
Posted by: laurie | January 22, 2004 11:41 PM
For the longest, it never even occurred to me that I was an artist... Warhol wore a wig? Who knew!
Posted by: j | January 22, 2004 11:41 PM
I agree with everything you've said and with the stuff people have posted here. I remember being told either you have talent or you don't, and it did definitely discourage me from drawing or painting. I do write, but even with that I always worry about failing. This is a really great post, Danny. Thank you.
Posted by: finelyspungirl | January 22, 2004 11:42 PM
Thank you for this...my plan to quell the inner and outer critics is two-fold; first, to be so busy painting and createing and thinking about painting and createing that there's less time for doubt and second, to find and be a contributing member of a community (virtual and real) that encourages me and that I can encourage. You are totally a part of my community. Please know that I am a grateful part of yours.
Posted by: dana | January 23, 2004 08:11 AM
A day without Danny is like a day without sunshine.............
Posted by: Bonnie | January 28, 2004 02:41 AM