The biggest tragedy found in the art community is the one sentence that stops its growth.
“But I’m not good at art.”
Over and over I hear people refuse to create simply because they don’t think they are good enough at it. It breaks my heart to hear the disappointment and disregard these people have towards anything creative because at the end of the day art is for everyone.
There are many reasons someone may choose to not create, casually or professionally. Sometimes when we humans recognize others’ skills, we find ourselves yearning to match their level. When we cannot quickly or easily achieve these skills that take lots of time and practice, we can often feel demotivated. Motivation and the lack of it are massive factors when it comes to creating or not but more so is self love and security.
With the comparison of one’s skills to another comes a feeling of insecurity in one’s own ability. “I can’t even draw a stick figure” or even “I can’t draw a straight line” are often uttered as reasons someone won’t draw. Here’s the thing most people don’t know however: you don’t have to be able to.
Art goes beyond competition or good and bad. To label an art piece as inherently bad is to simply give an opinion and opinions are, by nature, subjective. You may hate your art, others may love it, or vice versa. The same artists you may look to in wonder and amazement at what they can do might be putting themselves down as well. It’s important to recognize that there is no gold standard to art in any media, you are the only one who can set your goals!
I used to wonder if the art I was making was good enough but then I took a moment and wondered. “Good enough for who? Or what?” That’s when my thinking shifted. I want to one day become an animator but for now, the only person I’m drawing for is myself.
“But what if I’m not interested in art as a career, or even to be great at it?” I hear you ask, and to that I say there are so many benefits to creating! Art can be incredibly therapeutic, being a way to express yourself and process emotions. This is the base of Creative Arts Therapy. As per the CO.’s message, Creative Arts Therapy requires no skill to be effective and helps countless people both in a professional setting and at home.
Art is a magical and truly human thing that anyone can create at any skill set, any background, any age. Art can be private and kept just for yourself, art can be loud and shared to everyone you know, art can be technically skilled, art can be uniquely yours. It’s all still art. You don’t need to be gifted, you don’t even need to have hands! You, yes you, can make art. So hum that tune, sing in the shower, doodle on your page, paint a picture, mold some clay, dance, be creative and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Have a wonderful day and keep on being you!
-Markus
CO-OP Student
