and I am pretending I don't care.
"Impervious"
5" x 5"
Mixed Media on Canvas
A Facebook friend who is actually my older sister's cool, high school, boyfriend posted this status update yesterday.
"I am finding the key to success is the precarious balance of 'caring more than anyone else' while simultaneously 'not giving a shit'."
-Gary Nadeau (who turned into a cool grown up too)
I'd been thinking so much about this that it was a painfully sweet relief to see it posted so susinctly on Facebook...like popping a zit. The throbbing pressure of catering to your critics is so tempting to pick at. Ignore it and go through the day humiliated, pretending you don't mind or start focusing on it and make a permanent scar.
I read the autopsy results on "Painter of Light" Thomas Kinkade this morning. I was always both appalled and impressed with his audacity. He professed to not care about how the art world viewed his work and relished in the adoration of his fans. I marveled at his bravery even as I slammed his schlocky work and marketing. Apparently he cared a great deal and never found the balance between caring more than anyone else and not giving a shit. I suppose focusing on your admirers is equally as perilous.
Perhaps this is why the creative process is such a lonely journey.
I'm sorry, Thomas, that your life wasn't as full of light as you professed.
Rest in Peace, Maurice. Thank you for sharing your dark side.
Time stop picking and get back to work.
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