if I expect too much from the people to whom I show my art.

In person, I hesitate to hand somebody my card, give them my website, or show them my portfolio.
Online, I'm slightly less hesitant, but it's still there. The primary reason I show more people online is mere convenience; all I have to do is supply a URL.

In person, if somebody compliments me, I smile and/or say "thanks". Sometimes they ask me while I'm not working for Disney or something. Hah. Disney.
Online, I usually reply with "thanks" and sometimes try to add more to my sentence. It really depends on the comment.

There are, I suppose, several reasons as to why I come across this way. Some may say I act ungrateful, unappreciative, distant... you know... that sort of thing. I do appreciate feedback or else I wouldn't even respond.

You see, the thing is, each drawing that an artist does was started (most often) from a blank piece of paper/canvas. People glance from one to the other with speed that makes me cringe and are often soon to locate the most detailed/technical/"superior" drawing and select it as their favourite. I think it's safe to say nobody but the artist appreciates all of the art for what it is. Do you think I draw a picture primarily because I want to see something detailed? Heck no. That's crazy. My art has meanings that I don't expect anybody to fathom. It only seems superficial to those with a superficial eye. Who else can appreciate the fact that each drawing is NOT an addition to the previous drawing and not to be individually compared to other drawings? Who else can appreciate the true expressions behind the collection of colours and shapes? Who else knows how much work went into developing the drawing? Indeed, who else but the artist? I'm forgetting why I'm writing this journal. Oh well.

I'm not trying to imply that the ideal world is where everybody has complete appreciation (I use that word lots) for all artwork. I'm guilty of not appreciating the artwork of others and trying to locate the most technically/subjective/objective appealing image to me. But perhaps that's just the way it is? It's like having friends. We're not all everyone's best friend because everybody is different. An artist's best artist friend is his or herself because the art is by them, for them, from them, and usually about them.

It's sort of frustrating when people say "show your art to the world!" Why would I do that? "So you don't waste your talent?" Gee, thanks. By showing it only to the one person who understands it, it's being wasted. "But some people just like to see it. There's nothing wrong with that." Sure, but it's not like I am doing it for their viewing pleasure. I would rather receive no feedback than misinterpreted, unappreciative, or uneducated feedback. "That's selfish." And yet I still show my work to people regardless of what I really want. Can nobody appreciate this?

It also bugs me how people try to force themselves into what I like to call "the equation". My art is by me, about me, for me, and understood by me, so where do other people come into that? Yes, sometimes it's for another person, or to an extent understood by another person, but who has the right to demand anything other than that? God has a right because He gave me my skills but none of you are God. Go Treijim, you're on a roll (of arrogance)!

BUUUT having said all of this, I show my artwork despite the constant (unavoidable) disappointment. When I start to feel like this, I begin to hope with a fierce passion that somebody out there gets something authentic out of my art -- even if they never tell me. I begin to hope that somebody will leave a comment reiterating everything I like about a personal drawing of my own. I think that would honestly make me cry. But I know it's practically impossible. I say all this and still expect nothing from you all. Yes there is a sense of expectation, but such a sense is not an obligation on your behalf, nor is it of fair consequence if you fail to meet my seemingly unreasonable hopes. I constantly put myself into a position for likely disappointment and unlikely pleasure because of my slight hope that somebody will get something out of it.

It's funny how it sort of goes both ways, though. If it's fair to expect me to show appreciation for your feedback (regardless of assumed value of content), is it not then only fair to expect you to show appreciation for my response to your feedback (again, regardless of its value)? Who governs what is valuable and what is not? How much can interpretation spoil what could potentially be a satisfying interaction? What is the ideal position for this crazy cycle of appreciation to begin at? Does it start when you comment/fave, or when I submit work? Or when I join the site? Or when I put more "effort" into a picture? Or after I've replied to your first response? I dunno. Something to think about, perhaps.

Perhaps you're thinking I'm making a big deal out of nothing or that I'm being selfish or whatever. Whatever you think, I encourage you to be honest and polite. Not honest and rude. Not dishonest and polite. Certainly not dishonest and rude. Please share your thoughts. I would like to discuss this with people. I'll try my hardest to respond with gratitude

My advice on art

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