It's very hard for me to understand those who slam others and make negative/RUDE comments about others work. You can't even call it "constructive criticism" - there's nothing constructive about it. Who do they think they are? Do they think they are extra special? Their work may be extraordinary - but would you really want to give them the time of day, let alone purchase their art? It's time to stand together and boycott negativity!
This is a great site that Connie had a vision of bringing like-minded individuals together, to get acquainted with and interract with those from all different mediums of the art world, from all parts of the country. There's a lot we can learn from each other, and for some this apparently encompasses how to be nice! We are not in junior high here. We are grown ups who have respect for one another. NEWS FLASH: the many jewelry artists who demonstrate such creativity in their work, and the wonderful photographers who take us to amazing places thru their lense, are no less-valued than those who paint! I guess that there are "elitist's" in the art world too. Perhaps these superior individuals should create their own website to go where they don't have to mingle with every day people. As for me, I love everyday people and people who love people who love people who...
I know that I am not a Van Gough. I can't sing either, but that doesn't stop me! I love art festivals and I love seeing the creations of others. I wish I could buy it all. I am blown away by the things that you create. You are ALL amazing!
I am not as gifted as most of you and I didn't discover crafting until I retired, so I have a long way to go to catch up. But I love pinecones and seeing what I can create with them. My work is selling, and it's always a thrill when someone likes something that I made enough to spend their money on. Somehow this awareness humbles me, yet I have observed that there are some who are very egotistical about people buying their work. Just goes to show we are all different. Some are more accomplished than others, but none are BETTER.
We are the AFI family of artisans and crafters who love doing shows and the comraderie that we share. We are here to inspire, support, and learn from each other. If you are one of the lucky ones with an inborn, God-given, special ability then you have much to give to this website and to other struggling artists. Don't sabatoge yourself by spreading negativity and demeaning others. Let's boycott negativity on AFI!
Comments
I have read and re-read this entire blog three times now in a effort to understand everyone's points of view. As Americans, we should be so grateful for the First Ammendment. As Michael said, in Rome of old, in todays Libya, Eygypt, Yemen or Syria death comes daily to those who speak out, ask a question or are sometimes even silent.
Speech is never free even here. Every act has some consequence whether we have convinced ourselves otherwise through years of denial or not.
Newton's Third Law: Every action has an equal... reaction.
Munks, we may not be a "family" but we are a community. I hear your passion and understand better why you feel artists have the onus to speak out. I simply feel that God requires me to behave the best I can in all situations. He commands me to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." So I believe in manners and civility as Spiritual mandates for me.
I did find a Harvard professor who wrote a book: Choosing Civility.
Here are his 25 points.
1. Pay Attention
2. Acknowledge Others
3. Think the Best
4. Listen
5. Be Inclusive
6. Speak Kindly
7. Don’t Speak Ill
8. Accept and Give Praise
9. Respect Even a Subtle “No”
10. Respect Others’ Opinions
11. Mind Your body
12. Be Agreeable
13. Keep It Down (and Rediscover Silence)
14. Respect Other People’s Time
15. Respect Other People’s Space
16. Apologize Earnestly and Thoughtfully
17. Assert Yourself
18. Avoid Personal Questions
19. Care for Your Guests
20. Be a Considerate Guest
21. Think Twice before Asking for Favors
22. Refrain from Idle Complaints
23. Accept and Give Constructive Criticism
24. Respect the Environment and Be Gentle to Animals
25. Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame
Source: Choosing Civility: The twenty-five rules of considerate conduct
P.M. Forni (St. Martin’s Press, 2002)
Just got back from the studio and caught this conversation. What a hoot! I am a passionate defender of free speech, whether I agree with said speech or not. I believe how we use that freedom depends on our individual levels of education, emotion, and "home training".
I also believe that this site would not be near so entertaining if there was not a passionate clashing of opinions going on all the time. When Munks responded to my first comment (two weeks ago) I was ready to spit nails - hopefully in his general direction. Then I calmed down and looked again and realized he has a wicked sense of humor, (especially if he is commenting about someone else)! So now I try to get past that first emotional response and look at the intent behind the comment. If I still don't like it I use my God given right to ignore it.
Thanks, Munks, for what could only be called a very tedious listing of all of those good points. It's hard to spell those old timey words, especially if you have to fight spelchek every step of the way! But, thanks, again.
I'm still going to squash any fleas, ticks or moskitos (18th cent. variant spelling) if and when they try and land on any of my body parts - and I'll do it public; though I'll throw a towel over my head so no one can see who is so crude and rude in public.
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