The Critic's Sting

Writings

THE CRITIC'S STING

Criticism shall always exist and constructive criticism is usually beneficial. Unfortunately most criticism isn't constructive but destructive. We have all criticised somebody throughout our life but it is those that do it for personal satisfaction or victory that bother me.

As long as I can remember I have wanted to act, fortunately I always had the full support of my parents. My brothers are another story, it seems they are born critics. The words they spat at me throughout my teens and early twenties were criminal to say to any young person with a dream. A lot of it, I assume, is misunderstanding on their part. When one doesn't understand, one criticises and makes assumptions.

Anyone treading an artistic path (whether it be acting, writing, art or music) is going to cop a fair deal of unsolicited advice. Julia Cameron uses the labels 'creative saboteurs' or 'wet blanket matadors' for these particular critics in her book 'Walking In This World.' She explains -

'Wet blanket Matadors like to employ an air of sad superiority, as if they have seen you and your like come and go countless times before. Their tone is that of a worried camp counsellor listening to an ill advised twelve-year old planning a picnic amid grizzlies.'

Later in the chapter Julia describes two types of creative saboteurs -

'No roundup of creative saboteurs would be complete without mentioning that art snobs come in two primary colours: Very Important People and Very Serious People. VIPs like their clothes labelled and their art the same way. When they meet you, they want to check out your creative passport is stamped in all the right places. Forget that you are a writer, do you have an A-list agent or mere talent? These people are about who's who and not what's what. If you're Beethoven, you better be able to prove it. Now let's look at their cousins, Very Serious People. The exchange here has to do with the notion that you are a mere artist, where as they are a lover of ART. Your work, whatever it is, pales in comparison to the 'great works' they ultimately know. Creative Saboteurs hurt us but they can be survived.'

Yesterday I spoke to a friend who is an amazingly gifted and active artist. For personal reasons he is currently receiving the dole and like all newcomers to government assistance, has to complete a job search training course. The Job Network organisation asks that you complete 100 hours of job searching in the space of 3 weeks, and not necessarily for the job you want but any job. Their role is to get you off benefits, and this I can understand.

What I cannot understand is the attitude that was shown when my friend mentioned that his real vocation in life was painting. 'Thats just a pipe dream' was the reply. A pipe dream? No sorry Mr Job Network Man, my friend is a painter and a fine one. His paintings are true art and his journey in life is to paint. I felt so angry when I heard this story, maybe because of my own sensitivity to criticism.

I personally would never attack someone for their chosen path, the action would give me no thrills. I would prefer to encourage and enquire as to their plan of action towards their goal.

Anything is possible, the proof is everywhere. Jack Johnson (the boxer), Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandella, Charles Bukowski - they all had something in common: a dream, a vision...

I hope their critics are stinging. After all one has to be fair!

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		Writings
		THE CRITIC'S STING Criticism shall always exist and constructive criticism is usually beneficial. Unfortunately most criticism isn't constructive but destructive. We have all criticised somebody throughout our life but it is those that do it for personal satisfaction or victory that bother me. As long as I can remember I have wanted to act, fortunately I always had the full support of my parents. My brothers are another story, it seems they are born critics. The words they spat at me throughout my teens and early twenties were criminal to say to any young person with a dream. A lot of it, I assume, is misunderstanding on their part. When one doesn't understand, one criticises and makes assumptions. Anyone treading an artistic path (whether it be acting, writing, art or music) is going to cop a fair deal of unsolicited advice. Julia Cameron uses the labels 'creative saboteurs' or 'wet blanket matadors' for these particular critics in her book 'Walking In This World.' She explains - 'Wet blanket Matadors like to employ an air of sad superiority, as if they have seen you and your like come and go countless times before. Their tone is that of a worried camp counsellor listening to an ill advised twelve-year old planning a picnic amid grizzlies.' Later in the chapter Julia describes two types of creative saboteurs - 'No roundup of creative saboteurs would be complete without mentioning that art snobs come in two primary colours: Very Important People and Very Serious People. VIPs like their clothes labelled and their art the same way. When they meet you, they want to check out your creative passport is stamped in all the right places. Forget that you are a writer, do you have an A-list agent or mere talent? These people are about who's who and not what's what. If you're Beethoven, you better be able to prove it. Now let's look at their cousins, Very Serious People. The exchange here has to do with the notion that you are a mere artist, where as they are a lover of ART. Your work, whatever it is, pales in comparison to the 'great works' they ultimately know. Creative Saboteurs hurt us but they can be survived.' Yesterday I spoke to a friend who is an amazingly gifted and active artist. For personal reasons he is currently receiving the dole and like all newcomers to government assistance, has to complete a job search training course. The Job Network organisation asks that you complete 100 hours of job searching in the space of 3 weeks, and not necessarily for the job you want but any job. Their role is to get you off benefits, and this I can understand. What I cannot understand is the attitude that was shown when my friend mentioned that his real vocation in life was painting. 'Thats just a pipe dream' was the reply. A pipe dream? No sorry Mr Job Network Man, my friend is a painter and a fine one. His paintings are true art and his journey in life is to paint. I felt so angry when I heard this story, maybe because of my own sensitivity to criticism. I personally would never attack someone for their chosen path, the action would give me no thrills. I would prefer to encourage and enquire as to their plan of action towards their goal. Anything is possible, the proof is everywhere. Jack Johnson (the boxer), Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandella, Charles Bukowski - they all had something in common: a dream, a vision... I hope their critics are stinging. After all one has to be fair! back to Writings index © 2007 Vanessa de Largie