Perfectionism

     One of the things that an artist struggles with is to achieve perfection in their work, whether it is their story, painting, or even music. But what he fails to realize is that art above all, is not perfection but expression. It is expressing your mind onto the canvas, not trying to create a wowing effect on the crowd. In fact, when you see it in the grand scheme of things artists who are renowned in our time are people who didn’t create for the sole purpose of achieving greatness but to simply express an idea that they had.

     Maybe the fear of failure drives us to achieve the level of perfection. We are so scared of failing that we do not want to fail. So afraid of making mistakes that we do not want to make ‘em at all. But then, how does one learn their lesson. They say, practice makes perfect, you learn by making mistakes.

Everyone loves a ‘rags to riches story’ of people who became and succeeded against the odds, or those who just caught a lucky break, like Jim Carrey, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and so on. Take for consideration, J.K. Rowling (no introduction necessary), who simply started writing because she had an idea. And that is all it takes, a simple idea, which if you believe in, will carry you a long way.

     

     Perfection in art is another very important issue, because when it comes to art, who gets to say what is right and wrong? Is there such a thing as perfection when it comes to art? When art is subjective, how can you determine that which is perfect and that which is not? The answer is simple, art is not perfect, and it is that which makes it so wonderfully. All it needs to have is an artist’s sincerity. That, in itself is enough.