Art for the Masses?

I don’t get it.  I don’t like that.  That’s not art.  Anyone could do that.  How is that art?  These are all comments or questions that come up when art is put out there for the masses to critique.  I have actually stood by at an art opening where some of my work was featured and had a man turn to me, not knowing I was the artist, and commented, “I don’t get this at all.  This kind of art is something I don’t understand.”  I turned to him and said, “That’s okay.  You don’t have to get it,” and walked off without another word.  Meanwhile, I was biting my tongue not trying to tell this guy to blow me.  I took the high road.  It had to be done. 

As an artist, I can honestly say that I’m not creating my art to appease the masses.  I’m creating for my own selfish satisfaction.  I enjoy creating and I like the often organic evolution of the creative process.  Even when I’m not actively creating, my brain is dreaming up what I’d like to explore next.  All that being said, I love to share my creativity, but I’m not thirsty for approval.  I’m happy to put my art, and myself, out there.  If people like it, great, if not, it’s okay.  Everything is not for everyone.

I don’t know where I would be if someone told me I could no longer create.  I’d be lost.  With this most recent surgery I underwent to remove tumors inside my spinal cord, I was at risk to lose the function of my limbs and bowel and bladder.  My first thought was immediately my girls and husband and my second thought was creating my art.  I started dreaming up ways to continue to create despite losing ability.  Plenty of disabled people continue to create art despite physical or mental limitations.  I knew I could do it too!  Fortunately, I made it through surgery with my function intact and my ability to create lives on.  I’m one lucky girl!

Xoxo,

Inger