"Anyone can do that!"

As an artist, it's pretty exciting when someone takes the time to comment on my art. Sometimes it's in person, or a few handwritten words in an event guestbook, or on my Facebook page. Most of the time people stay silent if they dislike something, and the great majority of feedback is positive. That feels nice, but doesn't represent the entirety of viewers' reactions. But once in a while, I get a negative comment, such as "It's easy to do that, what's the art in that?" And after the initial sting subsides (it lasts less than a minute), I celebrate. The person who forms a negative opinion and takes the time and effort to share it represents a milestone in one's art career. It's not every day that you capture someone's attention with your art. Especially when the piece evokes such a strong reaction of disdain that the person feels compelled to share their experience of it with you. Throughout history great artists have been criticized by their contemporaries, art critics, and the public. An artist's work cannot be pleasing to all people, all the time. It may seduce, or fall flat, or even repulse. But when there is a reaction of any kind, the art is speaking and it is alive. Celebrate criticism. Thank the person for their thoughts. They may not feel as "nice" as the kind words, but whenever there is discussion about your work, it is an asset to your art career.