Passions of an Odd Chick

Friday, September 12, 2008

Perfectionism


My dear husband doesn't think I should download any drawings or paintings on my blog unless it is my best work (he didn't like my giraffe). He doesn't get that it's a sketch, usually at night when I'm tired. I always wish they were better but if I only showed my best work I would never blog much at all with art. Don't get me wrong, he's very proud of my blog and has even been moved to tears at some posts and he is my greatest fan as far as my art goes. But, he won't let me get away with mediocre work and I'm glad about that.. he really helps me to be a better artist... always a better person. But sometimes, just drawing everyday and sharing it most days, along with my heart in words and stories, is the best artist I can be. It is what it is..... at least for today. And that's good enough for me... but I wonder, should it be?
I'm curious as to how others deal with creative work and perfectionism.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

We are kindred spirits today :)
I posted something to my blog today about the very same thing .... and I was already planning to mention how much you inspire me to NOT strive for perfection :)

Thank you for being your less than perfect human that you are (not pretending anything) ....

Hugs, Kimmie

Vicki Holdwick said...

I found your blog via kimmie's blog and I second her sentiment. I have never thought I had any artistic talent at all. Now in my mid-50s I am trying to play and enjoy art and I find I like it and I am better at it than I thought. BUT...it is not only NOT PERFECT, it is quite amateurish, but I try to quiet my inner critic and share it with friends and family.

Thanks for being you (warts and all NOT).

BTW, I think your giraffe is fabulous!

L'Adelaide said...

I don't always put my BEST art on because most of it is not my "best" in my opinion and I don't work on just one thing at a time, making just one thing perfect...they are all over the place, like yours, doodles and journals, paintings, experiments...it's part of the whole process I think....mine anyway....it's nice your husband takes an interest in your blog :)

Donna Mulholland said...

I think something of the artistic process and life is missing of we only post what we think is our best, especially on a blog.

If it was a show or a website to sell art, that would be a different kettle of fish.

My 2 cents.

Odd Chick said...

all of you comments leave me with a such a good feeling about this blog community - that we really get that art is life and life is art and that no one has anything to prove because we are all part of it - the greater picture .... or painting .... i should say

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I think the process is often more important than the product. And by posting things that you're not entirely happy with, you allow us to share your process, which I think is very vulnerable and cool and brave.

Anonymous said...

I love to show my NOT so perfect work to encourage people that even experienced artists do 'ordinary' work sometimes & that NOT every piece that we do will become the Mona Lisa.....BUT you never know as you begin your work - which one will BECOME the Mona Lisa! BTW - I ADORE your giraffe! hugs x Keron

Jeannelle said...

I think the motto of blogging is "blog whatever YOU want to blog"!