It has been posed in the form of a question in these forums.."Is skinning an art?" Many have replied, and it would seem the overwhelming response is "Yes, it is."
"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."
Pablo Picasso.
I think this best describes the ‘art’ of skinning. It’s not just a matter of having a command of the ‘software or program’ you choose to create with, but having a vision to begin with, and the ability to execute it, to be able to bring it to realization, to life. How long did it take for photography to be truly considered an art form by the artists who toiled in ink, paint, and other mediums?
"Back in the earlier part of the 20th century, there was a group of now-famous photographers that called themselves the "f64 Club," who prided themselves on the fact that they shot pictures at f64 to get the sharpest possible photos possible. Why was this unique? Because in those days, photography wasn't considered an art form unless photographers manipulated their photos in the darkroom to "blur them up" so they would look more like paintings. Photography, it seemed, was "too perfect" for the critical art world, so to be considered valid, your photos weren't allowed to be too sharp. The f74 club was a small group of mostly San Francisco photographers that challenged the idea and went against the grain by making incredibly sharp photographs. And, well, the rest is history."
Dan Heller- Photographer
How long did it take the critics to acknowledge photography as an art form? I would guess as soon as they realized they ‘could’ voice themselves on it- and people would listen.
Which brings me to the subject of criticism, particularly criticism in WC. I have noticed a rash of rather ‘harsh’ criticism being thrown about like rotten vegetables at a rowdydow. Something of note is that, a lot of these remarks are made by individuals who have made no contributions of their own, in the way of skins or wallpapers.
"Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship"
Zeuxis (400BC)
You could spend hours trying to define ‘art’ in any form or medium. Defining some other things, are a little easier.
Criticism- function: noun
1 a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably b : a critical observation or remark c : CRITIQUE
2 : the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
3 : the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history
Meriam Webster Dictionary
I especially like the part.."usually unfavorably". If you look up 'review' and 'critique', you will find that they eventually refer back to ‘criticism’. Now , let’s try another word, as it may apply.
Constructive- function: adjective
1 : of or relating to construction or creation
2 : promoting improvement or development
The question this poses to me is this. Should comments made on ‘skins, etc’ be only that of a constructive nature? Of course, if we followed this, would something like ‘Nice work." be out of context? If we allow one, do we allow the other? (Example; This is garbage.) Then there is that whole freedom of speech thing.
It is difficult for a lot of people to take/accept criticism in any form. I feel for the ‘first- time artists’ who have chosen to put themselves’ out there’, as it were, and find harsh and sometimes hurtful criticism discouraging. As a community, I have seen many members at WC rise in defense of these ‘artists’ and it feels good to be part of such a community.
As for those that choose to continuously assault whatever work they see fit to on a whim, all I can do is offer my sincerest condolences. I can only assume it’s your inability to appreciate anything that may be different, beautiful, or just expressive that frustrates you to such lengths that you have no alternative than to unleash a swill of unconstructive, unsupportive, and unintelligent criticisms.
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain- and most fools do.
Dale Carnegie
To the artists that continuously brave these ‘fools’, I admire your determination and constant effort and willingness to put yourselves ‘out there’. To those who would assault these artists without having contributed…
"Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it’s done, they’ve seen it done everyday, but their unable to do it themselves."
Brendan Behan
Though I believe ‘everyone’ is ‘able’, it’s just that some are to caught up to realize it.
"Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow that talent to the dark place where it leads"
Erica Jong
I challenge you to find your courage. Put yourselves on the line. And discover for yourselves the ‘agony and the ecstasy’ of being an artist. Even when my work is not found appealing to some, or just plain rejected, there is a reward. Whether it be in satisfaction of having created something that only one person likes or frustration that forces me to re-examine what I was trying to say or do, and try again.
Criticism is prejudice made plausible
HL Mencken
You don’t have to hide behind such a transparent ‘plausibility’. The ironic thing is, you might find how quickly any effort you made would be accepted, welcomed, and appreciated. You may succeed, you may fail…but at least you could say you tried. It seems to me, saying you tried is much more intelligent and noble than the harsh and rude things you have chosen to say so far.
A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world.
Edmond D Concourt
I think most artists can agree with that last quote. It doesn’t mean we like it. It’s just a fact. Like the existence of the ‘fools’ mentioned by Dale Carnegie. But we do not need to exist together in such a hostile an unconstructive way. You know who you are. I challenge you to find your own creativity. Explore it. Express it here. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like some of the things you saw. Be a part of it.
If in the end, you can’t or won’t, then I challenge you to find a more constructive way to express you opinions. A more encouraging way to voice what you feel. You may not…will not..like everything you see…but shouldn’t your goal be to encourage the artist in the end to keep trying, in hopes that something you like will come forth?
I look forward to seeing if you have the courage and/or the class to accept my challenge.
