It is another grey or is that gray Sunday in the Midwest United States. Here on Grey Street all the colors mix together… Thanks Mr. Dave Matthews for another song quote to be used in an introduction for a blog that starts without a title. I have a subject, but no title. We shall see how it goes. Like all things artistic it starts with a little something, then the something gets larger, then you have something you were not quite expecting, but the practice of getting there was more fun than the little something you started with. Then there are the people that make fun of the something you created, sitting on a stump, chair, or bar stool. They create some rationalization to justify their criticism and cruelty, yet do nothing of similar substance… why? Herein lies the subject, the cruelty that comes from creation.

Art is a subjective exercise. How one goes about making art, whether it is sculpture, music, painting, mosaic, tapestry, writing, or performance the act of creating the art is much more meaningful than the criticism that comes from those on the other side. Creating art as written by Kurt Vonnegut is the experience of “becoming.” The power of creation, reflection, and self-expression empowers from within. This is what drew me into a career in music. The performance of someone’s musical score. A creation without substance or form, except in sound and a written scrawl on paper that means nothing until the performer acts upon that score with their person: interpreting, exercising, and executing obtuse information into art: good, bad, or somewhere in between.

Then there is the criticism of that art. The effect of another’s perception on what they just experienced through their perceptions. These words and feelings have profound affect on the person who just created it. It can promote more work or it can quell the artist’s future work. These perceptions can be cruel. We are all guilty of them, but some come from a place of malice. Remember Yoko Ono? How many “critics” blasted her work because they were more upset with John leaving the Beatles to pursue art with his wife? How about Taylor Swift? How many people are responding to her politics or her perceived popularity? Is it jealousy? Is it from a place of bias? Is this the measure of one’s humanity?

How about those music critics? Art and music judges for contests and shows? Literary book critics and newspaper columnists? Then there are the movie reviewers. It is amazing to me the profit to be made critiquing and destroying someone else’s creation. I’ve read many a column where the author was a mildly successful practitioner of the art they critique. How about that for a hint of ironic hypocrisy.

Yes, I’ve been guilty of all of these actions in my life as a musician, reader, art enthusiast (abstract expressionism primarily,) food and movie critic in my own mind. However, something happened once I crossed the half century mark when it comes to the arts. I started thinking about the artist more than their art. I really started to dig into the creative process or motivation each artist uses to make their work. I found myself being less of a critic, and wanting to understand or encourage people more. I began to understand my own human frailties, ego, arrogance, and pride played out poorly as a teacher, musician, and artist. Despite all of my successes in these areas, I wonder honestly, how many people did I discourage in the arts? How many people worldwide are discouraged from the arts by half-baked professionals motivated by jealousy and prestige? Has this helped the developed world be a better place?

I’ve seen this transformation within myself take place as I watch or cease to watch competitive music activities like Drum Corps International. When I watch these performances on video or audio I really don’t care who “Won.” I just enjoy watching the participants bring a design to fruition. Their act of musicking is spectacular. When I go to the art museum and a piece of art that causes me an emotional response upon viewing it (positive or negative) I dig into the artwork to look at the process the artist used for creating it. This is what draws me into abstract expressionism. The process of this art is almost more artistic than the product that I am looking at. As a teacher I am focused more on the growth than I am from the perfection of the performance. The artistic growth of the practice is more important to the spiritual and artistic development of my students. Less polish does not lessen the “becoming.”

What about my own artistic practice? I do not perform or conduct anymore as the tinnitus affects my ability to evaluate intonation effectively. I do not compose or arrange music as having a drone ringing in my head prevents me from imagining music like I used to. When all of this started, I mentioned to my wife that I should just write a book or catalog all of my thoughts and perceptions of the world’s hypocrisies in one place. She encouraged me to do so, and a few years later I finally listened and created a blog space. This is my new creative space. My new process of “becoming.” It is a place I enjoy coming to and turning a blank white screen into some kind of narrative. This has been a nice substitute for my creative intentions. I’m composing… in a sense.

What about the critique or criticism? Well, I really am not going to worry about it. This is my space. I like expressing a thought or an opinion, make social commentary on stuff that makes no logical sense to me. If someone does not like it, that’s fine. If they do, great. I’m not a great writer, but I am enjoying the practice of “becoming”… …some kind of writer.

My recommendation for others, keep on becoming the artist you want to become. Reflect on everything you do. Keep practicing the craft you enjoy. It is these small things like creation that make us all more human. Capitalism doesn’t make us more human. It makes us a commodity. The act of expression brings about empathy, compassion, collaboration, and community. Try to bear that in mind when you criticize an artist’s work in any forum. Consider their age, their gender, their identity, and their value as a creative force in this world. Perceive them standing next to you. What could you say or ask that would help you understand their work? How could you help them be better? This is where I see or want to see art criticism. A place where malice doesn’t exist, and a promotion of “becoming” is allowed…