Art is hard. It's hard because the world around it sees it differently. So much so that when I find myself mid-creative process, I either have doubts or am aiming to please others. That's why when I was presented with "33 rules to take you from clueless amateur to generational talent (or at least help you live life a little more creatively)" by New York art critic Jerry Saltz, I was ecstatic. In 2018, Saltz received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, which could be a pretty solid indication he knows something about Visual Arts.
As I perused the article I gathered a general sense of something I didn't expect, Genuity. Saltz actually seems like a down-to-earth person, and perhaps It's a stigma that critics aren't the friendliest of people. From the get-go, Saltz reminds the reader to not feel embarrassed. Lesson 1 emphasizes the point of how vulnerable it feels to create and present art to others, he likens it to "getting naked in front of someone else for the first time." His takeaway from this lesson is that we don't get so wrapped up in pleasing others and trying to be smart, but simply create art and put it out there without worry.
Another point Saltz highlights is the significance of Imitation. Lesson 3: "Feel Free to Imitate" affirms the reader how normal it is to borrow elements from other artists; to reference material from elsewhere. However, also finding a unique twist to place on these borrowed concepts. This is where individualism takes place. It's all about taking inspiration and blending that into your own creative thinking.
I will certainly find myself referring back to Jerry Saltz's wise words and practical thinking from time to time. I'm thankful for this article and his demeanor towards artists seeking advice. In a field so intimidating, a helping hand goes a long way.
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