An Historical Downpour is a feature of A Rain of Frogs. It isn’t common, but once in a while I feature something I wrote on a different blog under a penname. Enjoy.
Originally posted as “In praise of different” at 11:01AM on August 9, 2004.
As a followup to my last space-filler, I’d like to point out another seeming oddity in the creative-critical relationship. It’s one that drives me nuts. It seem that the more talented the artist, the more praise they receive.
So what, you say. I can see it in your faces. So what? SO WHAT? Yeah, uh, so what? Its not a big thing, just a funny observation. The more talented the artist, the more breathtaking the creation, the more praise and encouragement we shovel on. Which is good. It really is. We should be encouraging our talented artists.
But what about the less talented, or the ones who are a few rungs lower on the ladder of experience? Shouldn’t we be making even more of an effort to encourage these up-and-coming artists? Remember, if a piece of art creates an emotional response, it has succeeded in its primary purpose. Because that’s what art is.
We need to encourage our less visible artists, to push them to make us feel in different ways. I for one am tired of emulation, and am ready to be truly stunned by some individuality. Note I said individuality, not brilliance. Not talent. I want something completely different. Not anti-establishment, because that’s just a negative value of status quo. I want different (maybe I should take a look at the plank of a website I’m publishing this on).
And I’m ready with my criticism and encouragement for all those up-and-comers who are willing to take a chance and show us their stuff even if it isn’t as polished as the work of the “greats.”