Why did my question & opinion offend so many?

Question

My 1st question asked; Was if anyone could recommend a good adhesive frisket film/paper for airbrushing that won't bleed through onto the painting? My answer I received was rediculous! So I asked another question; Is there anyone into fine art?, explaining that I only wanted to hear from REAL artist. My response back surprised me! I didn't mean to offend so many of those who have no natural-born gifted artistic talent! I have a Masters degree in Art but I'm proud to say I wasn't a taught Artist. Why is it so hard to admit there really is a HUGE difference in the creativity, style, proportion and talent between a gifted and taught artist? I have no complaints against a gifted artist who hasn't took any classes to learn all the technology of it all, because it all comes naturally for them anyway! At least, with me it did. Those taught artist have to take classes to learn the technology, because they can't learn it on their own. Sorry! The truth hurts sometimes!

Answer 1

.Hi, getting my MFA in a few months. I can't really help with the frisket thing. Dick Blick or Pearl Supplies (Mail order places) might be able to help. I have heard of people using sticky-back shelf liner as a cheaper substitute. I also know that many automotive airbrush guys will just use the edge of a paper or piece of cardboard, and just hold it in hand and move it as needed. Re; the rest, I blame Post-modern relativism that says "everything is art" yeah, whatever. I don't necessarily associate a degree with good art. As you know, many great artists haven't been to school. But, truth be told, MANY HAVE, and trained very hard to develop their skills. I just think that people are getting used to hearing that they are "great" and "valued" and all the other P.C. warm-fuzzy stuff. They make stuff as a hobby, call it art and aren't ready to accept the possibility that they may suck, and that their "art" belongs on a refrigerator door.

Answer 2

I can understand why people were offended from your previous posts, as this post I find offensive myself! It is arrogant and ignorant, I would say, to assume that art is only ART if you have a degree and go to school to learn the "technology". Wow, tell that to some of the masters--did Michaelangelo or Picasso have degrees? Does the lack of one make them any less talented?
Whatever you learned in university can be learned by anyone else, anywhere they chose, if they have the gumption to do so and the resources. Even the so-called "technology". A piece of paper doesn't make you any more talented than a high school drop out, I am afraid.

Answer 3

When I write this, it isn't to be offensive to you.

It may be your writing style that makes you appear to be cocky or arrogant. Combine that with your refusal to use 'spell check' and you come off as an unreliable "expert" with a Masters degree in art.

In the statement above, you write that "the truth hurts somtimes". You might want to ask a question without using statements like, "I'm proud to say I wasn't a taught Artist."

If you genuinely want a real and truthful answer, you don't include emotional adjectives to describe yourself or put others down that you claim have 'no natural-born gifted artistic talent!'.

Art covers many mediums. Your artistic genius must be in the hands and not in the head because your writing is horrid.

Thanks for reading and good evening.

Answer 4

Even the natural born artists are taught...whether it is by instruction, reading, or the trial and error of their own experience.

I have natural talent, but respect those who go to school for it. I would like both.

People are sensitive to critisism, so many who have talent will never get to exercise it because they gave up as kids when they got embarressed about how something came out.

All artists usually strive to get better and be appreciated, so a comment that touches on deep lying insecurities is bound to get a negative reaction.

Don't worry about it as long as you got your answer.

By the way, I make a very good living doing art work, but since I have no formal education, I wouldn't know the answer to your question. It's just sticky paper to me. Get my point?

Answer 5

My life drawing teacher in college explained it to me this way.

You will never get anywhere if you know you're good but you don't tell anyone. If you're good, admit it, and don't be modest.

Modesty will earn you nothing but scorn from outsiders. Sure, some other artists will be able to judge your work fairly, but non-artists can't judge between real art and ****. Therefore, they will judge the ARTIST themselves. If you come off weak and say your stuff isn't that good, that will bias their opinion.

This is because most people, and I don't mean this to be offensive but realistic, most people don't know jack about art and the difference between creativity and repetition.

"Taught" artists as you call them just replicate art. They don't create it. You could say the same thing for MOST musicians, and most writers.It's not even about the technology, it's about the IDEAS a person has. Most people's ideas are bland and rehashed versions of past art. Sure, they can be rendered with amazing technique, but it proves very little if it's not fueled by new ideas or powerful emotions.

Answer 6

Ditto what Tiger B wrote.
You do come across as a very young snot with an inflated ego.
Taking instruction in art does not diminish the talent of an artist. It expands their capabilities and understanding. I think you would know this since you say you have a masters degree in Art and talent up the kazoo!.

Answer 7

I think you should get to know many more artists of different social backgrounds, training backgrounds and professional/amateur backgrounds and looking at a lot more art work before making such blanket statements about the creative capacity of such a diverse group of people as artists.

You may have a good grounding in academia, but the world and art community at large has a lot more to teach you.

Answer 8

Hello Genie, I think the answer is...you come over in your writing as more than a tad arrogant. That usually gets backs up straight away. Lots of good advice given so far in how to tone this down a bit - if you want to, that is. I'd say it's quite fun getting such a varied lot of answers, even if some of them are a bit reactive. Better than getting no responses at all, don't you think?

Answer 9

I looked at your questions. The way you pose your questions - you make it sound that you are already better than everyone else. You sound like you already judging and categorizing those who try to help into "talented" or "not-so-talented". Try to be a little more humble when asking a question. You have a chance to show how deep your current knowledge of the subject in the "details" field. Ask, say "serious answers, please" thus showing appreciation to everyobody who genuinly tried to help to the best of their knowledge. If you think they gave you information that you already know - well, good for you, say thank you anyway, next time ask more detailed question.

Answer 10

Well, I personally don't feel offended about your question/comment BUT, let me tell you this:

If you have to defend to the whole world what your credentials are as an artist then maybe you are missing the whole point of what art and being an artist is all about.