Random People on the Internet

"Winter Blue", 20x20 mixed media on wood. Prints available on my website. 

 I've been making generous use of the block button recently. There was a time when blocking someone wasn't something that came to mind when I got a negative comment online. But with a growing audience, the occasional critical comment has become something else entirely. From people telling me to "give up and just get married", or that my work is "unoriginal" ( or better yet... "complete crap"), comments from random strangers has become something I've had to actively deal with, to make sure they don't mess with my head.

Comments on social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can provide valuable insights and perspectives that we may not have considered before. On the other hand, they can be hurtful, offensive, or simply unproductive.

Here are some tips for dealing with random comments on social media:

Take a deep breath and remember that it's just the internet. It can be easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and take things personally, but it's important to remember that these comments are just words on a screen. They don't define who you are as a person.

Consider the source. If the comment is coming from someone you don't know, it's likely that they don't know you either. They may not understand the context or perspective that you're coming from. If the comment is coming from someone you do know, try to consider their intentions. Are they trying to be helpful or are they just trying to start an argument?

Carefully consider whether or not to engage. If the comment is inappropriate or offensive, it's okay to just ignore it. There's no obligation to engage with every comment that comes your way. It's perfectly fine to delete it and block the person... sometime that can be the best course of action. However, if the comment is well-intentioned and you feel like you can have a productive conversation, it could be in your best interest to consider responding. I've developed a few friendships with artists in other parts of the world that started with simply responding to a comment. And engagement on a social media post tells the algorithm that your content is interesting to your followers, and shows it to more people. 

Stay calm and respectful. Even if you disagree with someone's comment, it's important to stay respectful in your response. Avoid personal attacks or insults, and try to focus on the issue at hand. Getting angry and having a comment war doesn't achieve anything, and can affect your state of mind.

Take a break if you need to. If you're feeling overwhelmed or distressed by the comments you're receiving, it's okay to take a break from social media. It's important to prioritize your own well-being and mental health.

Overall, it's important to remember that random comments on social media are just that – random. They don't define you, and you don't have to let them get to you. By staying calm, respectful, and taking care of yourself, you can effectively deal with random comments and keep your social media experience positive.

Dealing with a lack of motivation

Sometimes a small project you can work on for short periods of time is a way to get going. I can do anything for 5 minutes is my reasoning... and I usually work away for an hour or so. 

I haven't done any work in a few weeks. Nothing. No painting, no drawing, not even a sketch. I can't seem to get myself into my studio. I figured I needed a break and let myself be a slug for a bit. But now, if I let it continue I could find myself in a full on block, so I need to take some action. 

As an artist, it is not uncommon to experience periods of depression and lack of motivation. These feelings can be especially difficult to cope with, as they often interfere with the creative process and can lead to a sense of disconnection from your work. However, there are ways to manage these feelings and continue to produce meaningful art despite the challenges.

One effective way to cope with depression and lack of motivation is to establish a daily routine. This can include setting aside dedicated time for your art practice, breaking larger projects into smaller tasks, and setting achievable goals. A routine can help provide structure and give you something to look forward to each day, which can be especially helpful when you are feeling low.

Another helpful strategy is to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to about your feelings and to provide perspective on your challenges. Do you know other artists? There's a pretty good chance someone you know has experienced a similar issue. Joining a support group or online community of artists can be a great way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles.... particularly if where you live doesn't give you an in person group to access. 

Taking care of your physical and mental health is also crucial for managing depression and lack of motivation. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. It may also be helpful to try stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. For me, getting outside is key. Canadian winter is not exactly known for sunny days, so if the sun is shining I make a point of getting out in the sun for at least 20 minutes. It really does help.

Finally, it can be helpful to focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, both inside and outside of your art practice. This could include hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring you a sense of peace or relaxation. Sitting at home in front of the television doesn't work for me, even though it seems to be my go-to activity these days. 

Remember that it is okay to take breaks and take care of yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. It is important to be gentle with yourself and to remember that it is okay to seek help when you need it. With time and effort, you can find ways to manage your depression and lack of motivation and continue to create meaningful art.