So often I hear people say they would love to learn to draw but they just aren't very good. Art is a tool for cathartic expression, to show support or disagreement with society and politics, art is a practice, a tool you can use. Art is not only about the finished piece but about how you got there, which is what makes every piece unique and special, the product of art are like memorials to your emotional journey. There is this idea that all artists that draw started like that or it somehow became easier for them. In school we are shown the masterpieces of famous artists, we are shown their best work with no insight into their development as an artist. This mentality for holding these "masters" on a pedestal disadvantages everyone. It gives the artists a god like stature which dehumanizes both them and their work.
Because artists such as Degas, Manet, Picasso, and Da Vinci to name a few are so common place, they become public figures and as such give us the permission to publicly state our opinion both positively and negatively about the art itself with little thought to the artist. This mentality is not usually harmful in that context but it then spills into how we look at present artists. With social media, the opportunities to see new and emerging artists is ever growing, although, it is important to remember how scary it is to put your work out there. These artists, for the most part I presume put a lot into their work, it becomes a part of their personality, the art is a practice not a product. Sure it is nice if someone says they like your work but as an artist you don't create work to be liked, you create work because it is important, it helps you work thought emotions, you can't imagine not creating something, you are commentating on politics, and so many other reasons.
Because of how we are taught about artists in school, we learn to judge art in a very specific way. To bring this back though to my first point, art can feel very scary to people which is quite sad, I believe that if we showed the work made by the "masters" from when they where is school or before that we would truly understand that art is a passion and a skill which you learn not simply an easy product you create. For my drawing/painting practice, so much of it is centred around two ideas. First, to simply draw, it doesn't have to be up to any standard, if I can draw something every day to simply practice I find I feel so at home in my style and practice.
Second, really look, don't try to draw or paint what you want to see draw what is there or draw elements of what is there. If you are just starting to create a reliable drawing practice, you will be surprised by how much simply drawing what you see will change your perspective and enjoyment of the practice. With all this said, I am off to organize my studio. Wishing everyone a lovely day!
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