Lesson 8: Now, Redefine Skill
Artistic skill has nothing to do with technical proficiency, mimetic exactitude, or so-called good drawing. For every great artist, there is a different definition of skill. Take drawing classes, if you wish; learn to draw “like the masters.” You still have to do it in an original way. Pollock could not draw realistically, but he made flicking paint at a canvas from above, for a time, the most prized skill in the art world. You can do the same — your skill will be whatever it is you’re doing differently.

Lesson 12: Know What You Hate
It is probably you.

Lesson 19: All Art Was Once Contemporary Art
Never forget this, that all art was made by artists for and in reaction to their time. It will make you less cynical and closed off and more understanding and open to everything you ever see. Please do this! It applies to all of us.

These three lessons really resonate with each other under the discussion of judgement. After practicing for a while I developed tunnel vision over what is and isn’t good art. Recognizing the difference in skill level is a large hurdle that is very difficult to overcome and forget. Every human is different, it’s a saying that is said so often yet the greed for our aspirations will always be insatiable and the words will be taken for granted. Based on the themes of lesson 19, art is subjective. What catches the eye of somebody might not always catch somebody else. The same message can be interpreted in any which way, forcing a single message to be understood discourages new perspectives. Being closed minded doesn’t allow oneself to grow as an artist or as a consumer. I’m always so enamored witnessing teachers give sound advice and criticisms based on the key elements rather than skill level.  When it comes looking at the content and critiquing it, it’s difficult for me to discern what could be the defining points of contention as I just accept the work as is, I won’t properly try to understand it in the moment. That’s why I find their patience is admirable, waiting for students, waiting for growth, to even waiting for yourself to preserve. Our own pace feels too slow, everyone else is growing so fast, it’s easy to regret, pity ourselves, and lose sight of what the purpose of art really is. It’s for the artist.