I’m an artist myself and I can be pretty critical of art. There was a time when a friend of mine asked what I thought about a drawing he saw online. He said that it looked bad, but I told him it looks cool and that’s all I said. He was shocked, because he thought I would be more critical since I’m an artist. After that, he changed his opinion that it looks rather good now that I said it. Which was confusing, because it was fine that he had a different opinion. But it was all because I was an artist.

When an artist releases their art for the world, it’s for the people to decide. However, some people only specifically listen to what someone else has to say about it. They may think they’re going the right path of art by following someone credible or experienced enough in the field, but they’re missing the whole point of art. Art is subjective, it is meant to be interpreted and understood from your perspective and opinion; forming your own thoughts is what art is really about.

Art is a medium where someone portrays their character or thoughts. For example, the Starry Night by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. It conveys a moment Van Gogh experienced himself, despite the painting just being a silhouette and the stars. Lucas DiBlasi from the Pitt News states, “Your experience of the piece and its meaning to you is the most important thing about any art.” An artist creates art because of their interpretation of something, and your interpretation of their art piece should be what it’s about as well.

Artists and art critics are well-versed and experienced in their field. They speak on the subject and what they say can be taken into thought. However, believing them can change your opinions about art. It’s not to say you can’t agree with an opinion. But when you believe in an opinion, it is not your own thought; which may conflict with your true feelings about art. Do not let others influence you on what art is supposed to be. Art is what you feel.

Some are inclined to believe what an artist or critic has to say to feel they’re following the right way to interpret an art piece. But having your own different thoughts or feelings is already better. There is no right way to interpret or think about art. Feeling great about or being severely angry at an art piece is still your own self opinion. Self opinion is important, because it is able to communicate your own thoughts and feelings, just like what art is.

Everything about art is making a piece of expression. Either that can be through painting it or understanding it. Listening to your heart and what your mind thinks is what makes art beautiful, because it is your own. Form your own opinion and be true to yourself about art.