Challenging the critic

Over the years in conducting several workshops on exploring art and the inner critic, it has been revealed that many people struggle with challenging the inner voice that blocks them from freely connecting with and accepting their creative voice through art. The critic or the inner dialogue that we have as human beings often tends to be more critical than what criticisms others place on us. We tell ourselves that we are not good enough, that we can’t draw that we lack the skills to express ourselves in art. These are not true!

The conventional wisdom here is that while “craft” can be taught, “art” remains a magical gift bestowed only by the gods. Not so. In large measure, becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice which makes your work distinctive. (Bayles & Orland, 1993, p.3)

Bayles, D., & Orland, T. (1993). Art & fear: Observations on the perils and rewards of art making, St. Paul, MN: Image Continuum Press.

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