Artists

Artists & Illustrators 25COLUMNISTAs a teacher, I get to work with lots of people fromprofessionals to complete beginners. Teachingsuch a wide range of abilities is easy compared tothe trouble I have in getting many of my students to acceptmy compliments about their work. Deflecting complimentswith a self-deprecating comment is very common, as anation we excel at modesty, but I think there are goodreasons to break this habit and start valuing otherpeople’s opinions.Setting up a circle of negativity with family and friends isall too easy if you are constantly dismissive of their praisefor your artwork. Meet their kindness and enthusiasm witha negative too many times, and everyone will either stoptrying or will start to believe your opinion and dismiss yourwork too. We all need the support of close family andfriends in those meltdown moments best hidden frompublic view. So be respectful of your loved ones’compliments in the good times and they’ll be there to pickyou up and dust you off in a crisis.Artists who show their work are likely to receive praisefrom strangers and learning to take a compliment withgrace is all partof the job. Peoplesay good thingsabout artwork forall sorts ofreasons, rangingfrom polite panicsimply becausethey are face toface with theartist, to aheartfelt need to share their delight in your work.Whatever the reason for the praise, it’s never a goodidea to reply by running your work down or asking forreassurance. I feel the urge to do both at times, but havelearned to take compliments with a big smile and a thankyou. If you keep it confident and without any negatives,you’ll both end up feeling enthusiastic about your work,and that has to be a good thing.I should also say that there are compliments that can bea challenge to receive with charm. My favourite came fromthe owner at the opening of his new venture. He turned tome and said: “love your work darling, so fabulous... Whichare yours again?” I was still able to say an honest “thankyou”; he may not have given me much of a compliment,but he certainly gave me a good laugh!http://www.lauraboswell.co.uk``````WHEN SOMEONE ADMIRES YOURWORK, DON’T WASTE TIME ON FALSEMODESTY, SAYS LAURA BOSWELLARTISTLEARNING TO TAKEA COMPLIMENTWITH GRACE IS ALLPART OF THE JOB``````LEFT Moorhenamong dog roses,reduction linocut,23x50cm25 Columnist.indd 25 08/06/2016 11:49