Bloody hell-2020

Here we are in March (almost April) of 2019 and I suddenly realized that 2020 is almost here.

Remember when 2000 was just a concept that would happen someday? Now we are TWENTY years on the other side.

The worst of it is-we are in much worse shape than ever on so many levels/

There are things that REALLY bother me-one is the vacuous, blind, unicorns and daisies way people offer "SUPPORT" -WHY is it wrong to say good for you for trying now here are a few ideas that you might consider to improve your work?

I went to school for a long time to learn how to help people improve and move forward with their art and design skills-I sat through MANY critique sessions where my work was blasted and dissected on a badly lit wall in front of a classroom of people who loved the fact that I was under the gun and not them-often at the merciless whims of a teacher who, unable to cope themselves had now turned to blasting others in some misguided retribution for the imagined abuse they had endured while they were in school.

Critique can sting, especially if you let your ego get in the way but it shouldn't be evisceration or public flagellation for the entertainment of the mob; it should be honest but tempered with kind encouragement and support.

No one learns or improves from a group of people saying JAW DROPPING or Stunning over a piece of work which is neither.

These day a LOT of people are colouring pages or projects that require time and patience but no particular talent other than perhaps staying inside the lines and picking colours…

In our childhoods these sorts of things sometimes were stuck up on the fridge door to encourage us to do more and work harder-or a teacher might have bulletin boarded it-with an adhesive star or two.

The new fridge door is Facebook (and pinterest) where roving bands of sycophants leave brief, turgid comments like the aforementioned "JAW DROPPING"----this meant to make you feel that you have created something special

 and wonderful-wouldn't it serve a better purpose to say I really like the colours you used and how the have balance-the choice of that muddy brown may have not worked for me but good for you for standing by it and posting what you've done.

You don't hurt people to make yourself feel better-you honestly and gently say what your feelings are about what you see and maybe offer a suggestion about what might improve the work and why OR why not say "it makes me feel... Happy? Encouraged?

Those of us who sell our original artwork get blasted everyday sometimes offhandedly sometimes between the eyes.

Most commonly you post something for sale and it doesn't sell-That is just like saying WHY would I buy that?

Less common but it often happens-some "do-gooder" messages you to say, "Did you see what so and so said about your artwork?" and then adds a link to the comment to make sure you see it.

People will find a way to make sure you know how they feel and that's why this rainbow connection school of support is so sad and empty.

I like the THUMBS UP emoji.

It's nom-commital but says, good for you, keep yourself out there, way to go...and lets the poster know you have seen their work.

I would love to see every person that attempts to explore their creativity be a success and I will tell you from experience nothing is more encouraging than a pocket full of money.

When I was selling my art work as ART-I had a friend who I often traveled with and/or shared booths with who was very willing to tell me exactly what they thought of my work---it always delighted me that a piece they specifically did not like sold first.

Much better than flipping them off or punching them in the face.

My opinion is not going to make anyone change whow they comment on facebook posts-but my fans, friends and followers know that when I comment-it's honest (for better or worse)...I do not say I like something unless I dod and I often point out WJY I like a specific thing hopinf that others will benefit from the onservation.