In one of his twice-weekly newsletters, in September 2006, Canadian artist Robert Genn, stated, “Artists need to live in the present tense.”

I cannot think of a statement that has more truth. Once a piece is created, it is past history. It exists as a moment in time, a vision completed, or a mission failed. At the very least, working through the decision-making process of creating art, has been instructive for the artist, consciously or subconsciously.

Art, like life, is a learn-as-you-go deal. We are never perfect, and we often do not live up to our own expectations. The necessity is to persevere and continue doing what we enjoy most, in spite of the critics, who, as it turns out, are sold a dime a dozen.

I have reached a point where I never show any unfinished work. When I used to do so, people have felt free to tell me what I should do, or what I could have done, or what I might do. Now, I don’t allow anyone to interfere with my mind-set, nor rob me of the joy I feel when I am creating.

Later, if my work is criticized and it is already a finished piece, any negativity belongs to the beholder, but I have not allowed some outside force to prevent me from wanting to finish the piece.

Yes, please live in the here and now, and be your own critic. You’ll never find a more discerning one. As artists, we need to be true to our own instincts, and to express ourselves now, regardless of what future critics might say.

Patricia Cummings

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