The Artist Effect

As some of you may know, I am an artist as well as a writer. For the past few months I've been doing more art than writing due to an exciting illustration project...more to come on that in a few months.

I also recently read a biography on Jackson Pollock, famous drip-painting/action-painting artist from the 40s and 50s. (You can see some images of his work here ) Pollock was notorious for seeing the work of other artists and instantly saying that his work was better and more innovative. Though many people remember witnessing these outbursts (most often when Pollock was drunk) he still questioned himself. He would often ask if what he was creating could even be considered art. He couldn't sketch - couldn't draw realistically at all - and he noted to his friends that if he could draw a hand, he wouldn't be creating his drip-paintings.

Pollock, called the greatest painter of his generation, contributed so much to modern art. Yet he was also questioning whether his art was worthy.

I think this mindset amongst artists - musical, visual, or literary - is common. I call it the Artist Effect. This Effect causes all of us to question ourselves and the worth of the things we create. If you've ever had that sinking feeling while rereading your writing or looking at your painting next day, when you say, "Wow, this isn't nearly as good as I thought it was," that's the Artist Effect.

The Effect often sucks. You doubt yourself, your worth, and your ability to ever create something another human being would want to view. It is in the thicket of the Effect that artists tear their canvas from the frame, and poets shred their newest verse. It's not fun to be under the Effect, but it seems to be an important part of every artist's life. Without internal struggle, nothing would improve. Without Pollock questioning his artistic ability, he wouldn't have pushed to create his drip-paintings. Without your sinking feeling, you wouldn't have the mindset to come back to your writing with new eyes - revision eyes. The Artist Effect is what makes it possible for us to push through what has been done before, and create something new instead.

The next time you look at your writing or art and think it's the worst thing ever created, step away. It's natural to feel sad, to beat yourself up a little, but don't let it get too strong. Walk away from it at that moment, settle down, and come back in a few hours or the next day. The shock of your horrific writing will have worn off and you can look at the piece anew. See what the real problems are: Too many cliches? Not enough sensory detail? Did you forget an entire story line? Fix them. The Artist Effect is like the artist's conscious. It lets you know something is wrong. But at the same time the Effect is beneficial, you can't let it take over. For example, don't turn to alcohol like Pollock did. Instead, listen to, but then rise above your inner critic to make your work the best possible.

For an illustrated, comical interpretation of the Artist Effect, check out this post on my Pinterest.