About the critic…

You have already met the medium of choice for the critic.  It may have been, or currently is, an acquaintance, your best friend, the person across from you at a four-way stop, your neighbor, a coworker, your family, your doctor, your teacher, your coach, or even yourself.  You are surrounded by critics, telling you what to do, what to say, how to behave, and what your future should, or shouldn’t be. 

I’ve felt controlled and trapped by these critics for as long as I can remember.  I was shaped from infancy based on a critical interpretation of my every intention, action, and reaction.  This in turn shaped my perception of the same.  A list of impractical expectations was subconsciously carved in stone, giving all the power to personal defeat, labeling every unmet expectation as a personal failure.  I used these external factors in my life to develop an internal approach for every scenario I faced.  I relentlessly molded myself to be what the critic wanted me to be.  Satisfying the critic was always my greatest intention.  I was consumed when I tried to meet the critic’s expectations. 

Through the power of self-awareness, I illuminated the darkness.  This enabled me to take control and no longer hide from where the critic has taken root, while beginning the work to Conquer the Critic.

About the artist…

When the critic is driving my artistic expression, the art I create is inauthentic and unoriginal.  By working to Conquer the Critic my creative self-expression reveals my authenticity, and my creations are the direct pathways to experiencing life from my authentic self.  My self-awareness is the most dominant component of my authenticity, while my creative part of self is the most dominant behavior of my authenticity.

I value and source the challenges in my experiences for creative focus and objectives.  I feel fulfilled when I encounter my own inner darkness and challenge my limitations.  I question the driving force behind my actions which help me to be more caring.  When I embrace vulnerability and seek connections I find safe people who are interested in and care for me.  I begin to see myself as worthy and accepted; which allows me to behave authentically without seeking validation. 

My soul will always be open to the discoveries creative expression can reveal.  Faith and hope guide me.  I have faith that what I need will be provided to me at the exact time I need it.  I find confidence through the expression of my creativity.  It establishes my hope for future possibilities; I am eternally connected to and defined by my creativity.  My creative spirit will never retire.

However, a challenge arises when my creations are finished far from perfection.  Imperfectly created to exist, as an unexpected representation of everything I did wrong, as seen from the perspective of the critic.  The battle of learning how to Conquer the Critic is the sole facilitator of authentic creation for me.  My awareness of the limitations imposed by the critic broadens my creativity.  When I give myself permission to lower my resistance to imperfection and be curious about what it can teach me, the critic releases its restraints and I thrive.  Wholehearted radical acceptance of the critic is a precursor to seeking healing. 

I enjoy the anticipation of seeing my scribble art fabric collages come to life, although the creative process greater fuels my creative spirit than the final product does.  The process of exercising the freedom to be in control facilitates endless possibilities for me.  Without creativity, I lack passionate views of my reality.  My vision is limited, as if peeking through the keyhole of a door.  I can only see so far in one direction without opening the door.  The process of creation opens the door and allows me to see clearly in all directions.  I value the lessons I have learned using my creative processes.  I continue to discover that with intention, effort, and trust, my creative process will reveal my authenticity.

I invite you to begin the journey to Conquer the Critic.  I encourage you to bravely step into your darkness and seize control.  There you will need to permanently install a lamp post, to illuminate what you have concealed out of fear of reproach, as this action is inadvertently holding your authentic self, hostage.  This is an ongoing journey, where we will continue to embrace our imperfections, celebrate our individuality, and strive to discover and share our authentic light for all to witness.  We must appreciate the circumstances of our darkness, in order to, discover and share the circumstances of our light. 

I will continue to harvest my experiences.  I will continue to fertilize new growth when I cultivate my creativity. I hope to inspire you to do the same and Conquer the Critic!