Liz R. Derksen - Artist
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Derivative ?

8/19/2015

18 Comments

 
Picture
This is kind of a first for me.  I've never had a nasty comment on my Facebook page, but today I received one and I have to admit I feel like I was punched in the stomach.  

Someone referred to my work as "derivative", and "poorly done at that".  Wow... that hurts.  

The first thing I did was look up the word derivative to see what it meant:

Derivative:
  1. 1. 
    (typically of an artist or work of art) imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason.
    "an artist who is not in the slightest bit derivative"
    synonyms:imitative, unoriginal, uninventive, unimaginative, uninspired; 


I was shocked to read this definition.  I wonder who this person perceives me to be imitating?  People have commented that my paintings remind them of several different artists ... Emily Carr, Ted Harrison ... someone even said it is like "Group of Seven meets Picasso", and although I admire all those artists... i believe my style is completely different from any of them.... although I can see an influence.  

The thing is... I don't know enough about other artists and their styles.  I've not taken art history classes, and I haven't travelled and visited art galleries much.  I paint images from my mind that are inspired by where I live, and hike, and play... also from memories, and just thinking.  One thing I have heard consistently about my work and usually from people who are interested in art is that my work is unique, and they haven't seen this type of work before.  

Anyways.... it is up to me how I choose to handle this.  After checking out this person's Facebook page, I can see that his focus is usually on the negative aspects of life.  I see no interest in art or the good parts of life.  I'm saddened that he felt it was important to put me down but you know what... I chose to put my work out there to the public so I have to learn how to handle the good with the bad.  I could just really use some (((HUGS))) today.  :)




18 Comments
Deborah
8/19/2015 01:19:33 am

Your work is outstanding.This person does not have good taste..If I could come and purchase your painting it would be in a heart beat.Your work is amazing.You are very talented and please keep up the good work.You put a smile on my face when I see your art work.Beautiful

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 02:08:34 am

Thank you Deborah

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Roni
8/19/2015 01:23:28 am

Liz,

I feel sad for those people who only wish to find the "faults" in others and what they do. They must not have contentment in their own lives. Never fear....you ARE content girl.

content

adjective
1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

I can attest to that for sure.

Hugs kiddo!
Love you

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 02:09:12 am

Thank you Roni

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Catrina
8/19/2015 01:30:17 am

BIG HUGS my friend. I love your work and admire the courage it takes to put something so personal out there before the public. Keep creating your beautiful pieces.

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 02:09:35 am

Thanks Catrina :)

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Jenny
8/19/2015 01:51:49 am

So sorry that you got sideswiped-people who find fault in others and brazenly express it frustrate me so much. We need to recognize that those comments come out of their own hurting lives. You are an inspiration to me and countless others and you will b able to work this away.😉 I walk by my "Happy" everyday and are cheered!! Would you like to borrow it back? Lol 😊

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 02:10:04 am

Thanks Jenny :)

Reply
Jeanette
8/19/2015 02:30:36 am

Liz, with my abstracts I hear "my 3yr old granddaughter could do those....oh and for a lot less", so while I sympathize with your horror at your particular put down...gotta let it go.

I love your work, it is unique, and it is happy work!

If this idiot posted on your timeline you can delete the comments. I find this works very well for keeping me a happier camper.

hugs on hugs on hugs

Reply
kelly C Perry link
8/19/2015 03:20:00 am

No worries, think that comes from people being jealous and nothing else to complain about. Your pieces are great. Had that happen to me a while back someone said you should be creating prints as they are stronger than your paintings. However my paintings are much more satisfying as they are me working through things in my life.and bring me peace. So do I care, nope but deep down it still made me step back and look at it. Then I again began to paint.

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 05:39:38 am

Thank you everyone for the comments and the support. I really have some good people in my life. :)

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Ruth Wiebe link
8/19/2015 06:05:12 am

The word "derivative" has become derivative in and of itself, in that people who lack the knowledge to critique specifically use it to mask the fact that they know nothing.

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 10:24:59 am

Thanks Ruth ... love you. :)

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Merle Duncan
8/19/2015 08:32:36 am

My mother used to say "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all. Well...I can say that I love your art. As to your critic I won't say anything because it's not nice. :))

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/19/2015 10:25:48 am

That is so true, and my Mom used to say it to us as well. Thank you :)

Reply
Lynda
8/20/2015 06:01:48 am

I hear you Liz. We've had negative comments in the past at the cafe, and it feels so painful.

Like you say, you are 'out there' and this will happen from time to time. Can't please everyone all the time....... etc etc

Sending lots of cuddles - your work is amazing :)

Reply
Becky
8/26/2015 11:04:20 am

Liz I love your work....it is a breath of fresh air, I never wait to look on fb to see what you are working on mext. I am a professional freelance photographer. I have had rude people make remarks about how I shoot at times...such as " my God does it take you that many shoots to get a good one?" Theses are usually ignorate people that know NOTHING about digital photography and think photography is all about just pushing a button on a camera...but words do hurt...just keep this in mind that people that make negative comments on your work usually know nothing about art...or manners

Reply
Liz Derksen
8/26/2015 11:30:51 am

:) Thank you for taking the time to comment Becky :)

You are right ... probably don't know much about art, and do not have good manners. :)

Reply



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    Liz R. Derksen is an artist living in BC.  

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