It’s ok if you don’t like my art….a few thoughts…

[Above: drawing in my journal done with a Conte pencil over Dina Wakley Media Line acrylic paints.]

I was recently reading some criticisms of my book and art. I'm okay with that (really, I am), when you put yourself out there you have to accept the good and the bad. I don't expect everyone to like me or like what I do. I just have a few thoughts in response. Not a defense, of sorts, but just thoughts:

• What I do is not fine art. I know it isn't, I've never pretended it is. What I do is solely about expression.
• I consider what I do "art for everyone." What I mean by that is what I do is perfect for you if you have the desire to create and express, but don't necessarily have art-school-quality skill. I don't have art-school-quality skill. But I do have a burning love for art, I love making it, talking about it, looking at it. I art journal so I can express, play, and improve my skills. I art journal because if I don't pour out my soul, I go crazy. I art journal to leave my mark.
• What I do is messy. I like mess, spills, grunge. Yep, I like mess. I'm good with it.
• Art is subjective. Yes it is, indeedy. What I do might not be art to you, and that's fine. It's art to me, and that's what matters. One of the great things about art is there are SO many types, kinds, styles. This is why I love mixed-media. The mixed-media community is generous and accepting of different types of alternative art, as well as different skill levels, without passing judgement.
• I'll finish with a little story. A few years ago I was at NAMTA, which is like CHA but for art materials. I was in the PanPastel booth watching a demo. The man asked me what kind of art I do. I said, "Well, I'm just a poser." He said, "Honey, we're all posers." I love that.
• I'm going to keep growing and playing and expressing because I love, love, love what I do. If you're along for the ride with me, thank you!