To All of the Art Haters

I am sorry that I am a creative person and I enjoy making things. It's not for everyone. I think why I love it so much is that is makes me feel like a special unique person and it's something I have to do. It's something, that I can lose myself with and I will never ever get bored. I don't need to justify what I make to you because you don't understand it.

A lot of the time it is very hard for me to say that I am an artist because in my life I run into a lot of people that don't really understand what that means. They look at me with eyes of judgment and I can tell, they don't really understand. Outside of the art community, I don't really talk about my art. I know that with being any sort of creative, that I should wear my craft as a badge of honor, but it's hard. I think it's hard to wear the badge with pride and admiration because it is a difficult path.

 Sometimes I think making art is the easy part but everyone once in a while I meet a person who looks at me like what? You don't have a cookie cutter job or not a cookie cutter person. and I think, big surprise, I don't want to be a cookie cutter person. It took me a really long time to say that I am an individual and all of the good and bad things is what makes me Erika. People come in all shapes and sizes inside and out. When I meet someone who casts those eyes of judgment, I feel this overwhelming need to prove my worthiness. which is dumb. like really dumb.

My whole goal with making art everyday this year was completely for myself and I wanted to be more brave about sharing my work and learn more about myself as an artist. I have been truly touched that people who reach out to me daily because they say I inspire them. I don't really know the whole point of this blog post but I just want to say that we are all special unique snow flakes and making things that should be applauded and admired. People should not have fears or feel judged because people don't get it.

I grew up in a world were art wasn't really encouraged. Yes my parents are creatives in a way like they enjoy gardening, fixing things, and even building things, but they don't really enjoy art the same way that I do. and that's ok. I do share my little victories with them but overall they don't really understand my journey.

This week I had the luxury to run into a lot of people who do not understand what I do. like a lot of people. If I say that I am an artist and they look at me like I just turned into a complete monster or some sort of light turned off. I feel sorry for people who don't understand the beauty of what it's like to make art. I feel sorry that they are so full of negative energy and nothingness, that they can't open their minds to exploring new and amazing things. Granted I don't get and love everyone, but I deep down I believe everyone is artistic. Even if it's something unconventional like through cooking or styling or maybe gardening or maybe even fitness. It's something deep down that drives them to love their craft whatever it is because it just really annoys me that because someone doesn't understand my chosen craft, that it makes me a terrible person and something that they can't wrap their minds around.

So if you have ever felt this way, I just want to say. You are a creative and talented person and deserve to make things. Whatever medium you choose. To all the haters out there, that have the power to make you feel small and that you don't matter. They are DUMB. plain dumb because it's their problem, that they can't be open enough to learn something new and see that you're an amazing value and your contribution to this world is something extraordinary.

This was probably more of a pep talk for me but I hope it encourages you to get out there and make something.

The art (the best part) is part of my making art everyday project and this is day 164. To read more about this awesome project click here.