Reactions

I get so many different reactions to each of my types of work (I'm sure most artists get that, if their friends are honest!) that it's often hard for me to follow my own sense of aesthetics. As most people do, I love compliments and aim to please, but that becomes difficult when no one is around with my same exact sense of what is beautiful-- even my twin sister! My husband likes a more modern style of art with geometric shapes and bright colors, while I like flowing curves and hue subtleties, so his feedback--while always welcome and valid-- is often contrary to my own style.

Some comments come from the observer's personal idea of what they like, and some comments are good objective reactions to the line and form and color. I am getting better at ignoring the first type, since I need to make work I believe in rather than what I think will sell or what I hope other people will like.

However, I have found that almost anyone, no matter their personal style, can give insightful feedback as to form and whether something "works". My current problem is that I don't get enough regular in-depth feedback on my work since I rarely have visitors. I am able to bring my visions to life, but without the feedback I doubt I will improve as fast as I did when I could ask someone to take a look twice a week.