So what I am wondering is this:
Is an attempt at artistic expression still worth something if what you produce is crap? Are you better just for having tried, or if the result is no good does that invalidate the whole attempt? I mean what good does it do for me to paint if the result has no value? What is the point of writing if you just get garbage out? I'm not sure I can say I am a better person for having tried. Or if I am it must be in some way I don't yet grasp.
On the other hand if I don't produce anything at all after awhile I get all cranky and jittery. Plus I have to say when I am standing there with the brush in my hand, or the keyboard under my fingers I feel GOOD.
But really if nothing really comes off it I sort of feel like I might as well just be jerking off. Same quick high; same result.
Is an attempt at artistic expression still worth something if what you produce is crap? Are you better just for having tried, or if the result is no good does that invalidate the whole attempt? I mean what good does it do for me to paint if the result has no value? What is the point of writing if you just get garbage out? I'm not sure I can say I am a better person for having tried. Or if I am it must be in some way I don't yet grasp.
On the other hand if I don't produce anything at all after awhile I get all cranky and jittery. Plus I have to say when I am standing there with the brush in my hand, or the keyboard under my fingers I feel GOOD.
But really if nothing really comes off it I sort of feel like I might as well just be jerking off. Same quick high; same result.
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
If you focus on the process of creation. from the actual sitting down to write at the comp or gathering of the paint and brushes and focusing your thoughts and allowing them to pour out of you onto the screen or onto the canvas then you have a piece of yourself there before when you have finished. To judge that as "good" or "bad" nullifies that it's a part of you, expressed. You've just judged yourself, which will inhibit true expression.
If you focus on the actual piece and that it must look or be a certain way, you've forced yourself into a mold, and anything short of perfection won't fit the mold. This of course means you're just not good enough and should stop attempting at this exact moment because you'll never fit a mold. (none of us will, bytheway. even if we pretend we're cheese left in the fridge too long and grow green fuzzy coats.)
my recomendation, pick up a book entitled writing down the bones by natalie goldberg. Read it, all of it. It's yummy food.
Also, start letting you be you. Realize where you are inhibiting your natural tendancies to be yourself and becoming that which someone else wants you to be. Let that awareness flow into your expression.
Kisses,
~Figment
ps. I'm a horrible "artist" for the sake of art, but that doesn't stop me from doing that which I enjoy. Those who call it crap don't get to see much of it.
kisses,
~Figment