Shahram Chaudhry
This chapter delves into the impact of others’ opinions on artists and proposes mindsets that can help overcome this challenge. I agree with the author’s observation that artists often find themselves trapped in a continuous cycle of self-criticism. I experienced this during the creative process, where I became preoccupied with how my work was perceived by others. When our work fails to garner the understanding, acceptance, and approval we seek, we inadvertently give our audience control over our creative choices. Case in point, I vividly recall taking notes during class discussions on the first 2-3 making assignments, intending to replicate what was well-received by the majority.
Furthermore, the writer aptly points out that artists face the expectation of producing new and distinct pieces while also maintaining a sense of familiarity with their previous works. This expectation could be frequently observed during class and studio visits when my classmates inquired about the thematic choices of artists or the lack of commonality in an artist’s body of work.
Also, we need to acknowledge that most people will struggle to comprehend an artist’s work, especially when it belongs to a new genre. While the desire to be understood is inherent in human nature, allowing ourselves to become dependent on the audience’s understanding can stifle creativity. In such cases, artists may find themselves producing work that is condescending, arrogant, or both, simply to cater to the audience’s comprehension.
The author proposes a solution to this predicament: creating an “insulating period,” a gap of time between the completion of the artwork and its sharing with others. This interval allows the finished work to settle within the artist, finding its rightful place and providing an opportunity for self-understanding. Consequently, when others evaluate the art, their response becomes less daunting and holds less sway over the artist’s creative process. Inspired by this suggestion, I experimented with the early completion of the making assignment this time, which helped me be somewhat satisfied with the quality of my work.