Challenge - Criticism

This challenge can be done digitally or hands-on. Have fun!

I was reading through a book of Mini Messages (cross stitch patterns), and came by one that just jumped out at me.

"To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."

I kept going through the book but went back to that little "mini message" again and again. I think we have all wanted to do or say something that wasn't looked upon as "politically correct" and kept it to ourselves out of fear of criticism. I also think we have all at some point stayed away from trying a new technique, or even color scheme in our art, because it was different from what we normally would do or what the mainstream is doing that we just didn't feel comfotable doing it. Just because we worried about what others might think about us or maybe even say to us (criticism). Because of this we are never really showing the world who we really are.


For this challenge I would like you to look deep inside you and think of something you would love to say or do, but never have simply because you thought others might think less or differently of you because of it.

Make an art journal page.

If you are not comfortable about doing this, remember that you don't have to share your page with anyone but yourself. Scrapbooks are for others, art journals are for you.

If you are stepping out of your technique and color comfort zone, there is really nothing to do but just DO! Don't worry about what others think. This page is for you. Not your family or friends, just you.

If your fear is in the journaling (something you have feared saying or journaling about out of fear of criticism) one thing you can do is hide your journaling on your page. At least the first time around. Make the challenge into a two parter. Today make a page where you journal about what's on your mind. Talk about anything without fear of someone judging you. Then paint over it. Finish your page. Think about how it made you feel to write what it was that you never have had the courage to write before. Feel better? No one will ever see it! No criticism! Now when your page is done start a new page. Repeat the process, but do not hide your journaling. You can blend it in some, but do not hide it. Finish your page!

Remember this does not necessarily have to be about "political correctness", it can also be about changing your style in your art. Maybe a secret about you. Or just a feeling. Anything that you feel you have never been able to express because you feared criticism.

Art journaling is about looking in to your heart and soul. Into those corners where you have hidden away feelings, thoughts, and maybe that dark side of you that you wouldn't normally  let out.

This is where I normally would ask you to post your page to our Flickr Group but because of the nature of this challenge I will leave it up to you if you would want to or not. No pressure!

REMEMBER: Art Journaling is not about the beginning or the end. It is all about the process. The Journey!