We spend years developing a style, a voice, mastering techniques and materials. We build bodies of work. At some point we begin imitating ourselves because that’s what our galleries and collectors expect. That’s where our work becomes predictable and mediocrity sets in.
Mediocrity is a mortal sin! If you want recognition, take risks. Sure, you will make mistakes and fail. And you learn. Look at the great inventors. They failed again and again, and learned from each experience.
I create art that satisfies me. If I wanted to focus on art I know will sell, I would become a factory producing the same thing day after day. I just can’t do that. Every piece I create has to be better than the previous by some measure. If not, it lacks distinction and therefore, interest. It’s mediocre!
In my student days at Pratt, every completed assignment went up on the wall when you entered class. The critique began, first by fellow students and then by the instructor. Our instructors were working professionals. They were not gentle. Nor were the other students. You toughened up quickly. Being called out for a poor concept or weak execution was painful, but valuable. Being praised for a successful solution felt momentarily great. But the worst was to be overlooked completely, ignored for lack of distinction. Mediocrity! Not worthy of a reaction is equal to invisibility.
“Give me life. Give me death. Give me anything but mediocrity.” I think Hermann Hesse said that.
“If it isn’t memorable, it isn’t finished.” I said that.
I might do 30 sketches before I move to 3D. Mistakes are easier to make and correct in 2D. Consider everything. Remain open to new input. Analyze and question your idea. Push it as far as you can. Question everything! Then move to 3D.
A journey of questions is very different than one of conquest. Questions are the path away from mediocrity and into distinctive work.
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