Gloucester from a Car Park
©2009 alli woods frederick all rights reserved
I was at a local gallery for an awards ceremony for a photography contest I had entered. As I milled about enjoying the other photographers’ work I noticed an older married couple examining my entry “Gloucester from a Car Park.” Out of curiosity, I inched closer in an attempt to overhear what they were saying (yes, I know eavesdropping is wrong, but don’t judge me. Curiosity was killing this kitty) and overhear I did.
“Oh my,” said the wife. Í don’t like this at all.”
“Really? Why not” inquired the husband.
“It’s so…dark. It’s just too dark. I don’t like it. I just don’t like it.” (pause) “It’s too dark.”
“Huh. I really like it.”
With that last remark the wife walked away with a scowl. The husband looked at it a moment longer, shrugged his shoulders and walked away.
I found this conversation very informative, somewhat confusing given that the subject matter is far from controversial, and oddly reassuring.
At the risk of sounding egocentric, the work I create, I create for myself. I create pieces that I find pleasing to my eye…that tell a secret story to my soul. I am fully aware that my aesthetic and subject matter aren’t to everyone’s liking and tastes and the couple’s conversation made me realize that THAT’S OK. Naturally, as an artist (for we do tend to be an insecure and emotional lot…my own fear of rejection can border on pathological at times.), I would love nothing but positive feedback and reassurance from everyone that lays eyes on my work, but this will never be the case. Does this devalue my work? Does it mean I’m not talented enough? Does this mean I’m not good enough? Nope. Not a whit. The only thing it means is that art is subjective and people have differing tastes.
I know it can be tempting to trade in your aesthetic vision for images that are more marketable and follow the current photographic and artistic trends. When you are struggling to sell a piece or even get your work out there to be seen the temptation can be great indeed. What benefit will you reap in the long run? If you abandon your true artistic vision then what happens when the trend on which you’ve built your career dies (which it inevitably will)? You have to ask yourself, is it really worth it? It can be lonely being the only fish in the pond, but all that space and freedom gives you room to play and grow. It gives you the freedom to experiment, to make mistakes, to learn. Build! Grow! Create! Be bold! Be daring! Be yourself!
We’ve all heard it time and time again: follow your heart. Stay true to your passion, stay true to what drives you to create and you cannot truly fail. Your market might be a niche market, but the market is out there. Me? I’m weird and I know it. My tastes and interests are pretty far from the mainstream a majority of the time and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am learning to appreciate criticism as much as praise. I am finding my way. I am finding my niche. There are few things more beautiful, more powerful than genuineness and sincerity. There are others who will appreciate your vision. There are others who will love what you create. Be genuine. Be sincere. You are not alone. I promise.
