October 24, 2024

As artists, we often find ourselves in a complex relationship with our creations. It’s easy to become enamored with our favorite pieces, celebrating every new work that aligns with our current aesthetic. However, the moment we step back and confront a painting that doesn’t resonate with us, a familiar sentiment emerges: disappointment. Yet, what if I told you that you don’t have to like what you paint? That the worth of a piece exists outside the bounds of personal judgment?

Nature of Artistic Expression

Art is an exploration, a dialogue with oneself and the world. When we create, we pour our thoughts, emotions, and experiences onto the canvas. Sometimes, the result is a reflection of our highest aspirations, while at other times, it can feel like a miss—a disconnect between intention and outcome. This dichotomy is not just common; it’s intrinsic to the artistic process.

Understanding that a piece of art exists independently of our immediate feelings towards it can be liberating. Just because you may not favor a work today doesn’t diminish its merit. In fact, it’s a reminder that art is not solely for the artist’s validation; it’s a living entity that can evoke responses from others and even transform in meaning over time.

The Fluidity of Perception

Consider how our perspectives evolve. What might seem lackluster today could resonate deeply with us tomorrow. Emotions, context, and even our own growth influence our perceptions. When we encounter a piece that doesn’t please us, it can simply mean that it’s not aligning with our current state of awareness or emotional landscape.

This fluidity is part of what makes art so powerful. It reflects our journey through various phases of life, capturing moments that we might not appreciate in the present but could cherish later. The discomfort of disliking a piece can be a catalyst for growth, prompting introspection about why it doesn’t resonate.

Role of the Audience

An equally important aspect of this conversation is the audience. While artists often scrutinize their work through the lens of self-critique, viewers might see something entirely different. A piece you deem unsuccessful could evoke profound feelings or insights in someone else. This interconnection is what makes art a communal experience, transcending the solitary journey of creation.

Art's merit is not confined to individual preference. A work can hold value for its historical context, technical execution, or the emotions it stirs in others—even if the artist themselves finds it lacking. Recognizing this can help artists cultivate a sense of detachment, allowing them to continue creating without the weight of self-judgment.

Embracing the unfavorable

The predicament of the artist lies in this constant tension between creation and evaluation. However, embracing the notion that not every piece needs to please us can free us from the chains of perfectionism. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, we can shift our attention to the process—an exploration filled with experimentation, discovery, and, yes, even failure.

So the next time you find yourself staring at a canvas that doesn’t quite resonate, take a moment. Allow yourself to sit with that discomfort. Remember that this piece may hold more meaning than you realize.

Art is about expression, exploration, and evolution. It is about understanding that our creations, regardless of our immediate feelings towards them, contribute to a larger conversation. They exist outside of our judgments, waiting patiently for the day when we might finally embrace them—if not now, then perhaps later.

Every brushstroke tells a story, and every story has its own worth. Embrace the unfavored as part of your artistic journey, and you may find that it’s in these pieces that some of your greatest insights lie.