Do you ever feel that human nature works against you? If you say no, please share with me your secret! One of the most common aspects to human nature that competes against my end goal every day is self-comparison!
According to Psychology Today:
Social comparison theory states that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others they perceive as somehow faring better or worse. People sometimes compare themselves to others as a way of fostering self-improvement, self- motivation, and a positive self-image.
I agree with that statement.... to a point.... I feel like too often, people compare with the INTENTION of building themselves up but in the end are left with an overwhelming feeling of being inadequate in whatever goal they were trying to achieve. I'm learning that it's really a matter of perception.
I belong to an amazing Facebook group for Wildlife Artists. The purpose of the group is to allow artists to share, comment and appreciate the creations of artists around the world. The support I've received from the members of the group have been nothing but positive and encouraging. The only negative experience I've had is self-inflicted. There are currently over 3,000 members in the group from all over the world. The styles of art range from hyper-realistic to abstract, but are all of the wildlife content. You can imagine how many photos are shared daily! So many times, I have looked at them and thought, "Wow! I'll never be that good." Of course, that thought is quickly combated with the realization that my emotions would be better used in uplifting the person for their hard work, rather than feeling down on myself. (Insert face + palm moment here...)
It's important for me to say, this is not a "woe is me" post. It's simply an inside look at how a lot of artists feel. Why? More often than not, artists of all types, are perfectionists. We are constantly picking apart our work and finding things to change and/or improve. Our art is never truly finished.
In 2016, I tackled one of my biggest (literally) projects... a 3'x3' painting of an African Elephant.
It was a project that continuously evolved as I progressed. Just when I thought I had a plan, it would change. Just when I thought I was capturing my vision, I'd go a different direction.
Months after my first brush stroke, I THOUGHT I was finished and I titled the piece, "God's Giant".
In all honesty though, I was disappointed with the outcome and I just couldn't quite put my finger on what was off about it! I was accepted into an art showing and this particular painting was the one that I showed. Even under the gallery lighting, something felt dark and lifeless every time I looked at it. That dreaded inadequate feeling started to take over.
Determined not to let my self defeat get the best of me, I dived into research on the quiet African giant. I researched their skin, ears, tusks... everything about their anatomy and suddenly it struck me! The eye! It had no life! So there I was, several weeks after believing I had completed this piece, with paint in one had and a brush in the other.
Within just a couple hours, I had completely reconstructed the most visible eye. I stood back and all of those inadequate feelings melted away. I had finally brought the vision in my mind to life.
I supposed I'm trying to not only give insight into the thought process of an artist, but to encourage those that get that feeling to just keep going. Don't let it defeat you, let it motivate you! If you don't feel like you're done, keep going!
And always remember, art if a reflection of you and no other. So make it you and run with it!
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