I Suck At Art (Oh, Boy Do I Ever)

[sinkwriter]

I'm taking two classes this semester, which span 3 nights of my week. I have to take them; they're part of my web design curriculum. But these classes... I don't know, man.

They're primarily going to involve ART projects. You know, drawing and stuff.

I CAN'T DRAW.

I can't, okay? In these classes I feel like a kindergartener drawing with crayons amongst budding Michaelangelos.

I suck at it.

And I am perfectly willing to admit it.

I can turn a phrase on occasion, in that writery kind of way. I love to sing. I also enjoy taking photographs.

But art? Like charcoal and clay and chalk and colored pencils and watercolors and acrylic paint? I have come to realize that I do not enjoy it.

I enjoy it when OTHER PEOPLE do it. My friend Sonnett, for example, can paint and draw and be all crafty like nobody's business. I marvel at her works. And some of my classmates have been artists and painters for years now.

I, on the other hand, was not blessed with that particular talent, and I don't like doing it. I could sit down and write or sing for hours and never be bored. In stark contrast, I just don't feel inspired to draw. It's not an art form that drives me, you know? So I am fearful that this is going to be one very long, trying semester...

As I try my hardest to do these projects upon projects without tearing my hair out.

Tonight I have just finished the first assignment. I don't like the end result. I think it looks hideous and incomprehensible.

Then again, the assignment was to create an abstract map of Charlie Sheen's brain, so maybe it's supposed to be a scary and confusing place. That was my creative intent, anyway. *GRIN*

At any rate... I just want to tip my hat to all you true artists out there, the ones who are inspired to draw and sculpt and create in that way. You're amazing. I can't do what you do, and I will honor your creativity all the more now that I've experienced how truly difficult it is.

To creativity, in all its forms! May the muses always be with you. :)

Comments

[lostakasha.livejournal.com]

Boy, are you gonna wish you hadn't let me join this filter. ;)

Embrace the horror. Not of me, although there's plenty to embrace. Of the classes.

At least art is subjective, so you can make an unholy wreck of every assignment and chalk it up to your unique way of seeing..

I can relate, though -- put me in a class where I need to find the value of X, or figure out what time the train from Glendale will pass the train from Waukesha and how many perverts are taking whizzes behind the bench at B.F. Egypt station as the 3:10 whizzes by -- holy merde!

And you get massive kudos from me for giving up 3 weeknights to get closer to your dreams. You go, baby!

[pintsizeninja.livejournal.com]

Hah! An abstract map of Charlie Sheen's brain... I wouldn't even know where to begin!

I've tried to do art here and there over the years, but there's just no way. I can't even write well, let alone come up with ideas most of the time. I'm always in awe of a lot of people on LJ who are so talented with words and art.

I hope that the classes will be fun for you, as they're pushing your creative boundaries. :)

[bardsmaid.livejournal.com]

I'm with you, Sherry. I can't draw to save my life, so I'd be lost in a class like that. Hopefully there will be something useful you can take away from the experience, though.

[readthesubtext.livejournal.com]

I hear ya, Sherry. Drawing is a major pitfall for me, too. I'm truly terrible. In fact, I'm willing to bet that your creations look like fine art compared to mine. I mean, I struggle to draw 2D shapes. My idea of doodling is scribbling my signature over and over again. I hated art classes being mandatory up until Year 9 - they ruined my otherwise perfect GPA. Still, needs must. I'm sure you'll power your way through the course and the semester will probably fly by. I'm kind of intrigued to see your insight into Charlie Sheen's brain, though :P

Good luck!

[dacian-goddess.livejournal.com]

*hugs* This is why it's such a great thing that creativity comes in so many forms and with such diverse interpretations.

You don't have to like drawing, you don't have to be particularly good at it, because that's no impediment to you making it your own. And that's what matters. Even incomprehensible is in the eye of the beholder -- sometimes the most baffling, abstract works can convey the most. ;)

[seagray.livejournal.com]

Hey, I doff my hat to *you* for taking two classes over 3 nights a week. Holey moley, I'd be passed out on my doorstep! I took an "Antiques" classes a few years ago and that exhausted me and it was, like, nothing but listening, lol!

I think it's great that you're testing out the creative waters, girl! And, "Charlie Sheen's Brain," wow, now that sounds like a class with some fun to it. And, when you say you think your result was "hideous and incomprehensible," well, sounds like you nailed it!

May the Muses be with us all, in all ways!

[angryscientist.livejournal.com]

I totally get you. In the opposite manner, I've always been artistic and the two years of extensive art education (6 days a week, usually 6 hours a day) I took as part of my "preparation" actually ruined my inspiration for many years.

But I'm confused why they force you to do it when it's well known that most "designers" are pretty "meh" about art, be it drawing or sculpture. More abstract projects work just fine...