We will discover the nature of our particular genius
when we stop trying to conform to our own or to other
peoples’ models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our
natural channel to open.
SHAKTI GAWAINThis is why many a great student film is never sent off to
festivals where it can be seen; why good novels are
destroyed or live in desk drawers. This is why plays do not
get sent out, why talented actors don’t audition. This is why
artists may feel shame at admitting their dreams. Shame is
retriggered in us as adults because our internal artist is
always our creative child. Because of this, making a piece of
art may cause us to feel shame.
We don’t make art with its eventual criticism foremost in
mind, but criticism that asks a question like “How could
you?” can make an artist feel like a shamed child. A well-
meaning friend who constructively criticizes a beginning
writer may very well end that writer.
Let me be clear. Not all criticism is shaming. In fact, even
the most severe criticism when it fairly hits the mark is apt to
be greeted by an internal Ah-hah! if it shows the artist a new
and valid path for work. The criticism that damages is that
which disparages, dismisses, ridicules, or condemns. It is
frequently vicious but vague and difficult to refute. This is
the criticism that damages.
Shamed by such criticism, an artist may become blocked