We all love to hear how well we are doing. Whether it is in our schoolwork or just behaving well during those dreaded family outings! Trying to be perfect constantly is hard work. Why should we strive for perfection in our art? Do we seek praise for our technical ability or just to prove to ourselves that “ we are worthy of praise”? I love spotting those little imperfections in art, nature or even myself. That cowlick in my hair that I have come to accept. My left eye that sways a bit to the right. These are the things that make me, ME!
As a child my youngest son could snap his toes like others snap their fingers!! Very annoying ….but a clever imperfection. Looking at some very old paintings in galleries, the cracks in the varnish adds to the mystique of the piece. I am sure the artists would not be pleased. Even the Pyramids and columns in Egypt were at one time painted fabulous bright colours. Today we only see the “imperfect version” and could not imagine them so elaborately painted.
I find in my art work that making mistakes ALWAYS leads to new ideas! But…..there is a difference between “sloppy” work and “imperfect “ work. We cannot create “imperfection”. It just happens……almost meant to be. Leave it alone!