If you see a stunning statue while strolling through the streets of Athens, Greece, does it matter if the artist wasn’t a good father? Or didn’t pay his taxes? Would you stop enjoying the statue with that information?
If someone helps you pick up your groceries after they fell out of your bag while you’ve got two screaming kids in your arms, does it matter if they cheated on the SAT in high school? Or if they are a hardcore supporter of insert-rival-political-party? Would you not accept their help with that information?
Thanks to my invisible mentor Derek Sivers, I ripped the covers off of every book on my shelf. I considered burning them, but settled for tossing them in the trash. Because I don’t care who wrote the book. All that matters is their ideas and what I decide to do with them.
Michael Jackson is one of my favorite artists. My wife often has to snap me out of a daze after I’ve watched three hours of the “Pretty young thing” music video on repeat. And guess what? I don't support child molesting. But I can appreciate great music.
The examples may seem silly, but my point is not: what matters is what the art does to you, not the artist who made it. And I say that as an artist. If something I write is useful to you, that’s great. But don't let my personal pitfalls distract you from the message.
I ask people if they like a certain comedian, but often they have already dismissed their work because the comedian got canceled over some rumor from their personal life. That’s stupid.
If you can’t separate the art from the artist what you’re really saying is, “Since that artist isn’t perfect, I can’t appreciate anything they’ve done.”
But the act of consuming art is really about you and what you do with it. All that matters is how the art impacts you, no matter the source. Apply it to your own life in a way that works for you.
It was never about the artist. It’s about you.
Your thoughts? Please leave a reply below.
I agree with what you say. I do however look for more art by the artists I already like. So when I know I am headed to see a Raphael, a Monet, a Giotto, or a Velasquez, it makes me anticipate more and it’s extra special to recognize the techniques that make them
masters at their art:)
Ok, so here's a question for you. How about separating gigs from the company. I was recently approached to speak for a very large corporation that produces products I'd rather not see in the world, but they have employees in need of motivation and inspiration. Do I take the gig and help the people, or shun the gig because helping the people would enable the company to better deliver their product? The company is not asking me to modify my message, which is about being authentically human and empowering professional growth. But their bottom line is most certainly profit.