*Sigh* It can be intimidating.

I am sorry if this insert sounds like a pep-talk to myself, because thats kind of exactly what is going to happen, so bear with me.

Knowing a lot of people within the tattoo community gives you a glimpse of some real new-age artists that are out and about, and I dont necessarily mean their tattoo work either.  Everyday through networking I see amazing paintings come from some of these guys.  Uuuuhmazing.  Artists like Shawn Barber, Carlos Torres, Carlos Rojas, (just to name a couple that I can think of at the moment) do some seriously amazing paintings. 

These are the guys that I was talking about.  You know, the people that have done it already and are doing it better than you ever could. Remember?  That is very intimidating to aspiring artists.  It almost makes you develop a 'why bother' syndrome.  I admit that sometimes just seeing other peoples' art makes me feel incredibly inferior.  Oh, but then I remember things like 'pop art,' 'cubism,' and 'abstract expressionism,' and things of that nature that I know are very well respected forms of artwork, but nothing that I personally can call amazing.  I also think there is a HUGE difference between Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.  I think everyone can agree on that.

With that said, there are many many many unknown artists out there who are amazing. And I think each can be amazing in his/her own way.  Although some art may not be to my taste, I can certainly still appreciate it. A difference of opinion does not make something bad or good.  And sure there are some un-official rules in art, but like someone once said, “To blossom forth, a work of art must ignore or rather forget all the rules.” - Pablo Picasso. 

If Picasso can understand this concept, I dont understand why there are so many hoity toity people out there who think that their criticisms is what decides the fate of 'whats hot' and 'whats not,' and what can or cannot be labeled as 'art.'  Isn't it ALL art?  Who is to say that you did it wrong, if it came from your heart, and from your mind, and from your soul?  Who is to say that you didn't follow the rules?  Who is to say that your art... is no good?  Who am I to say that? Who is anyone, to be able to say that to me?   The correct answer is nobody.  You dont have to have a fancy degree and have attended an art institute to be an artist.  Training does not hurt anybody, but even a chimpanzee can be taught to slap some paint on a canvas with a brush.  Art is about feeling, and emotion, and painting whatever it is you desire to paint. 

I guess the main bullet point in this powerpoint would be; it doesn't matter if there are people out there better than you.  There will always be someone better than you.  So do what you love.  Make that thing you call 'art' happen and don't let anyone discourage you or take away what you are passionate about.   Its not about them.  Its about you.  Its about you.