Everyone has their own relationship with art. For some people, the relationship is nothing more an an acquaintanceship. They see Art every once in a while from across the room. They think Art is okay, but don’t give the whole thing much more thought than that. They know other people know Art better, and they’re fine with that.
Some people like Art pretty well, but they’re content to stay friends. Art drops by once in a while for a chat and some tea and then they both go their separate ways. These people know Art is around when they need Art, but Art isn’t an obsession or the central focus of their lives.
Some people love Art. They want to be with Art every second of every day. They live Art, they breathe Art, all they want is Art. They work with Art all the time and never wish to be separated from Art. (Such people are very lucky if they get jobs doing what they love. The stereotype of the starving artist does have roots in reality.)
Some people see Art as a teacher who helps them create a bag of tricks and techniques. Art is a helpful companion who is there every step of the way to guide their hand and help them improve. Art shows them ways to proceed and develop their skills.
Me?
Me and Art are engaged in a fight to the death, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let the bastard win. Art never lets me improve or teaches me a technique without me beating it out of Art first. Every success I have comes from knocking Art unconscious and then rifling through Art’s pockets for abilities. Art comes easily to some people, and it was like that for me, once. The problem was Art only was easy because I didn’t do it right. It’s easy to draw a picture when you don’t know or care about correct anatomy or proportions, or creating a good composition, or using realistic painting techniques. Once you realize that you lack these things, though? That’s when Art becomes a struggle.
I could end this fight with Art if I wanted to. I could stop caring, and Art and I could hang out normally again. But I won’t give Art the satisfaction. I’m going to kick Art’s ass, and then I’m going to make an awesome drawing, and Art is going to have to sit there and watch it happen.
(In other news, I have nearly recovered from the swine flu. Hurrah!)