Have you ever read a book, looked at a piece of art, or watched a movie and thought, “I can’t believe that piece of trash is a success?”
Yeah… Me too.
But, I don’t think people like things because they are “technically” likable or well-made or it meets some spec. or standard.
There’s usually some other underlying personal reason.
Maybe it reminded them of something familiar or nostalgic. Or made them realize something important… ya know? That sorta thing. So, me thinking it’s garbage will never hold a candle to someone’s personal reason.
Understanding that how people react to what you create, often times, has little to do with how “technically right” you made it, makes it easier to be free to create whatever you want without worrying about what anyone will think.
Because while you might have control over knowing how to make something “technically right” – you don’t have control over what someone’s personal reason is for liking what you created SO much.
And ya know what? That’s a good thing.
It’s good that our personal reasons are kinda sacred like that.
Because art doesn’t really exist without our “personal reasons” and the surprising ways that Artists, unknowingly, reveals them to us.
No specs or standards necessary.
It kills me when over-marketed crap gets viewed while great art gets ignored. But, this is just the way of the world. Perhaps it’s one of the side affects of having a combination of art for art’s sake and art for capitalism’s sake.
Amen to that, Ethan. And often times, you can kinda tell when it’s just popular because of marketing and nothing more. Sadly.
Kind of funny; I love this post, but I read it from the reverse perspective. It really made me understand something about my own work. Often times, I’ll post something, simply to keep schedule, but not be happy with it. More times than not, those posts get the most positive feedback.
Even as an “artist”, ones own work can resonate with others even more than one’s self. Thus explaining the above phenomenon. This article made me put two and two together.
Thanks! You silly artist, you.
-Stewart
Lol, thanks, I’ll take ‘silly’ as a compliment :D
I know what ya mean about other people resonating more with ones own work… what other people like is never what I expect them to like.
Appreciate your comment!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried watching movies based solely on critics’ recommendations only to be disappointed. More often than not, I’m able to enjoy them, but I’ve still seen more than my fair share of clunkers.
The films were technically very well made, but they simply did not resonate with me at all. And I’m finally enjoying the freedom of looking for art that I’m more likely to enjoy instead of what a panel of experts finds appealing.
It’s a balancing act. I still like to know which pieces are technical and show extra skill. But I completely agree with you. Without the personal connection, it’s nothing more than something I’ll glance at once.
Me too – I admit, I love knowing all about the technical stuff, and using the right tools too! Like anyone else, I prefer to work with the best, but it’s not necessary of course. I guess the technical stuff is like a foundation and we build from there.
Thanks for your comment!
I love this one, Denise! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all that jazz. I think most of us want acceptance and approval, so it’s hard to detach from other people’s opinions of our work, but it’s critical to being able to “ship.”
Thanks, Sarah!
Yeah, lord knows I need attention, even though I don’t like to admit it. Chris brogan wrote a post recently about creatives being needy. Creating is more fun when we share it with others and even better if it resonates with a few people too!
This is so important to remember from both sides — both from an artist’s perspective and from someone appreciating art. My favorite kind of art is the sort that combines the two, where the artist’s personal reasons for creating it and my own personal reasons for loving it intersect, somehow.
I think it gets tricky when outside forces are involved: when museums display collections of art, or when critics give a book or album a thumbs up or down, that sort of thing. Suddenly the choice isn’t personal but cultural.
Cultural – yes! You’re so right. That could even be a whole ‘nother blog post.
Thanks for adding that, Erin!
I’d love to read that whole other blog post! :) I think the clash between personal and cultural taste is a rather large issue for me. I hadn’t thought about it until I read your post, but…hmm…
Our personal reactions to art are a sacred moment. To revere that response in yourself as well as others is healthy and respectful. Yet, it is only a moment and our responses can differ greatly when our emotions and circumstances are different. Unfortunately, it is also impacted by the negative peer pressure of culture which Shanna mentioned.
I think art should be about the viewer and not about the artist, but it must, obviously, first impact the artist before it can make it’s way to the viewer. What is interesting to me is how some artist have managed to make an impact on multiple generations and cultures with multiple paintings. In their works we seem to find the merging of skill, quality, and vision which impacts viewers across the span of history. I believe reaching this level of art involves considering the viewer….. we may not need to “worry” about what they think, but what they think must be considered because they will be the ones viewing it long after we are gone.
Good point, John. I think taking others into considerations will lead to more thoughtful choices when creating, as well.
Thanks for your comment!
Hi Denise
I have been back and forth on a blog just recently, with it I realize my opinion is not necessarily popular with countries that have not grown to equal rights.
It would be nice if some would at least ponder options instead of being closed minded. But there again it is “personal reasons”. So I lay to rest the issue.
The world is big and we all have opinions about everything under the sun. In the end we will never always agree, even if the majority do agree, there will always be a few that won’t.
I think we should first create for ourselves, what we can be proud of and what we can wake up in the morning and say I did that! If we only create for others and not for as you say “personal reasons”, we somehow loose ourselves when the dust finally settles.
It would of course be nice to see in our live time the impact we have on the world. But even if that is not possible, at least we should try. Maybe some will admire us and some may despise us but at least we did something.
Interesting post. Happy New Year…have a great 2013
Mary
I appreciate your opinions, Mary. And I think you should continue to share them :) I agree with your thoughts. I don’t think any of us will know what impact we have on people. So much gets realized after someone is gone. But, like you said.. the point is too keep creating and trying.
This made me think of the historical popularity of certain artists and certain pieces of art. Don’t ask me why, because I’m not an art historian and don’t really think about traditional artwork. This could really apply to anything.
What I fail to understand is why someone or something continues to be popular year-after-year. Just because it was great in 1586 or well-received in 1999 shouldn’t automatically mean it has the same impact or relevance today. Yet most societies and cultures continue to appreciate the same things year-after-year without reflection on whether they should retain their historical status.
Assuming this doesn’t change (even though I would like it to), that’s a good thing as a creator. Even if your creation isn’t a hit right away – or even while you’re still alive – it could be the bees knees in future generations. Maybe the stuff we’re generating right now will be long-term hits, eh Denise? Until then, I agree we shouldn’t worry about creating for “success” or popularity.
‘Things that continue to be popular’… you mean like Christmas? Sorry, I had to say it. This past Christmas I was in the store in the crowd of frantic shoppers, looking at all the junk merchandise people make for that holiday, and I was thinking….. I can’t believe people still celebrate Christmas after all these years? I mean, if you’re celebrating it for religious reasons, what does any of that commercial nonsense have to do with Jesus? If you’re celebrating it for the sake of tradition, then why not innovate a little, and start a new tradition? So much hype for one day.
I personally, loved your post about birthdays. I bookmarked that one.
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/expressing-feelings/
That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Knowing something doesn’t resonate with you anymore, regardless of how “traditional” it is and changing it to something that works with your personal values.
I could talk about this topic all day, Joel. lol. But, I’ll stop here!
Appreciate your comment!!
Yeah, like Christmas. :) I don’t have much use for the religious or commercial traditions of the holiday as an atheist.
I like Nickelback.
There. I said it. :D
I think they write terrific songs, and every single one makes you want to get up and dance. In addition, unlike most pop songs these days, their songs still contain stories, instead of just a series of catchy hooks.
But for some reason it’s become trendy to ‘hate’ Nickelback, even when you have no particular reason to– it’s just understood that Nickelback is lame and no one likes them.
That’s what your article make me think of. I’ll let you be the judge of whether *I* have the personal reasons or other people do. :)
There are lots of things I like – music, movies, etc.. that make me feel like I’m the only one that likes it. That’s partly why I wrote this post. Sometimes I do have a personal reason and other times, I think it’s what you said – it becomes a trend to dislike something and everyone follows.
Thanks for your comment!