For once, I have a lot to say. The understatement of the week would be, "when it rains, it pours". The ol' life here on earth isn't doing so hot. Delving into this would only seem redundant and like I never have anything positive to say, so I'll say this:

I art because I need to. I photograph things because I must. I draw, I write, I role play because it is important to me. I cannot live without it. It is my saviour, whether I am good at it or not. Art is my therapy. Chances are, if you see a lot of works from me sprout up of late, it's because something has frustrated me beyond my normal sphere of comfort. Even though I post it here, and I know I'll get grief for this, I don't post it to please people. I don't do it to gain watchers or attention. I do it because I HAVE to.

That said, I welcome good critique. Being here nearly 4 whole years now I can say that the large number of people who think they are being helpful are only being hurtful. I'm not a mind reader for pete's sake, so if you say something like "Shouldn't this be different?" or " I don't like this..." why not take the extra step to combat your negativity? I don't like this "because of XXX" is more helpful to an artist to understand your perspective. It may not change my opinion remotely ( and I have very strong opinions, to a fault some might say ) but it will help me understand what you are saying. If you don't comment to be understood, why open your mouth? My grandmother, endless source of comfort and inspiration that she is, wrote down only a couple of quotes in her journal before she passed. I think it plainly stupid to disregard experience, so I will share it with you.

"Before opening one's mouth- pause and ask yourself - "Is it helpful?" "Is it kind?" If the answer is "No" the wisest thing to do is to keep your mouth shut."
-G. Bryner

Her other quotes are from women she admired but are relevant and are worth posting here:

"When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die."
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

If you offer critique, it is wise to sit and think if that is what you actually wish to offer. Thinly veiled insults are unhelpful. Kneejerk reactions like "awww omg cute" are appreciated but similarly unhelpful. Offering good critique is an art form, and finding it on this site is kind of like delving around to do underwater construction without scuba gear. Here's where I'll open up the floor to you: If you have a question about one of your pieces, or would simply like good critique, hit me up ANY TIME. I'll do what I can to help you. And while you're at it, I highly recommend these how to's:



There is also an awesome and interactive club for people of ALL experience levels to come and have their work critiqued. ( Note, critiqued, not ripped to shreds) Go and join and make sure you have them added to your watch list.


Yes, I talk about art a lot. Stay tuned for an upcoming DeviantArt Middle Earth Stock Challenge. (because why should Harry Potter have all the fun? )