The Decision to Share Unfinished Art: Embracing Authenticity and Continuous Growth

As an artist, the decision to share your work is a multifaceted one. Whether or not to share a piece that you are not completely satisfied with can deeply impact your artistic journey. This article will explore the factors to consider when deciding whether to share such work, emphasizing the paths to growth, authenticity, and community engagement.

Growth and Learning

Sharing work that you are not entirely happy with can be a crucial part of your artistic development. It provides an opportunity for constructive feedback, which can help you understand different perspectives and refine your technique.

“Both tasks can be lots of a learning curve or experience and better if you are not in a hurry to share.” This quote, attributed to a Quora citation, reminds us that haste can undermine the valuable learning process. If you are looking to grow and improve your skills, sharing your work can be a stepping stone, even if the finished piece is not your best.

Authenticity

Art is subjective, and what you might perceive as flaws could resonate with others on a different level. Sharing your work, even if it’s not perfect in your eyes, can showcase your authenticity and vulnerability as an artist. This can lead to a deeper connection with your audience and fellow artists, fostering a sense of community.

“First of all are you drawing professionally? If so, whether or not people like your drawings, always seek to be better.” This sentiment, which you mentioned, highlights the importance of continuous improvement. Even if you don’t love a particular piece, the effort to make it better is part of your artistic journey.

Community Engagement

Sharing your art can open up dialogue and lead to support and encouragement. This engagement is invaluable, especially during periods of self-doubt or creative block. Engaging with others can provide motivation and new perspectives that can inspire you to continue growing as an artist.

“Art is often about the process not just the end result.” This is a key point to consider. Even if you are not satisfied with the final piece, the process of creating it can be immensely rewarding. The joy and satisfaction derived from the creative process can outweigh the disappointment of not meeting your own high standards.

Personal Satisfaction

If the act of sharing brings you joy and satisfaction, it might be worth it to let go of your perfectionism for a moment. Art is often about the emotional and psychological benefits, not just the visual end result. If the process of sharing helps you feel more connected to your art and to others, it can be a valuable experience.

“On the other hand, if you feel that a piece doesn’t represent your best work, you might choose to hold off on sharing it until you feel more confident.” This balance is crucial. Curating your work and waiting for the perfect moment to share can ensure that you present your best, but it can also lead to missed opportunities for growth and connection.

Conclusion

Ultimately, deciding whether to share work you are not completely satisfied with is a personal choice. Consider your goals as an artist and how sharing aligns with them. Sharing works in progress can offer invaluable learning experiences, showcase your authenticity, and foster community engagement.

Embrace the journey, seek to grow, and remember that your art is a reflection of your unique perspective and experiences. Whether a piece is your absolute favorite or not, the process of creation and sharing can be profoundly enriching.