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The Art Snob
By Pywrit | May 6, 2008
One of my favorite types of people one encounters when dealing with art is the “art snob”. We’ve all met them. They are in every facet of art from artist to seller to buyer to looker. Basically, the art snob is someone who has an opinion and anyone who does not share in their opinion “has no knowledge of art.” Whether in photography, painting, sculpture or writing, these people exist.
Now, here is the problem with art snobs. Most of them are highly educated. Most of them have studied a great deal about art. All of them are very closed minded. And they are disallowing themselves from the enjoyment of art as an artform. Their biggest problem is they have a narrow opinion of what defines art and anything that is not dead center is not art. Alas, the truth could not be further away from these poor people. Unfortunately, they do exist. So how do you handle them?
The answer is simple: either ignore them or continue to antagonize them. In the time I spend of photographer forums, I have seen a lot of newcomers ask questions only to have some art snob blast the poor person for no other reason than they have nothing better to say. It is sad when an artist becomes a snob. Why? Because it generally means that the artist has little belief in their own abilities. There is also the territorial instinct. The artist snob sees someone who is competition and instantly squashes that person. And, of course, there is the “I’m too good to actually spend time helping you improve so I’ll waste my time being mean.” Photographers especially can get very mean.
It is my opinion, and that is all it is, that a true artist relishes the role of mentor. An artist/mentor is much like a parent. There is no surer way of continuing your style than bringing up someone in your own methodology and style. Sure, the student will eventually develop his/her own style, but your teachings will always reflect in that style in a small way.
I keep this in mind any time someone asks me for help - on anything.
Topics: On Photography |