Paint Ugly

We have been robbed of art.

How many people refuse to become artists?

Or perhaps, more accurately, we have offered it up freely.

Not works of art – we have not given those away.

We have forfeited the right to practice art.

We still listen to music.

We still view paintings.

We still read books.

We still watch movies.

We still experience art – perhaps now more than ever before.

But who truly practices it?

It seems that only a few do – specifically those whom we believe excel in their chosen craft.

The common thought appears to be that if art is to be done, it must be done well, at or near a professional level. If not, then the sketch is unworthy of being traced onto canvas, and the song should not be strummed on a guitar. Perhaps this is less of a belief and more of a doubt: doubting oneself. People seem to feel that if they express themselves through art and it falls short of some arbitrary standard, it means not only that the art isn't enough, but that they, as the artist, are a failure as well.

And so, people believe they can’t sing, paint, or write because they believe they cannot do it well enough. And the painting is left to the painters, the singing to the singers, and the writing to the writers.

But art was never about being good.

It is about being authentic.

It is about learning how to take genuine thoughts, observations, and feelings, and expressing them in a creative way. And then it is about finding the courage to show the world … or maybe just family and friends.

Why share art with others?

It was never about being good.

Not good enough - by what standard?

Because it is real.

Because the art YOU create cannot be created by anyone else.

It is unique.

It is bound to you, the artist.

If you forfeit the right to practice art, you rob those around you of experiencing your creativity and connecting with you through your craft.

So, sing strange notes.

Write labyrinthine stories.

Paint ugly.

You are an artist.

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Thank you for reading Chisel&Feather!

Meeting my nephews, not killing ladybugs, and American muscle: Click here to read more personal thoughts by Coren.

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