Subject: Struggling to Enjoy Art Class
I really want to love art class, but honestly, I’m finding it tough. Art has been a passion of mine for years, yet lately, my enthusiasm has been fading with every session. It’s disheartening because I feel like I’m starting to resent something that once brought me so much joy.
Take our recent project where we created animals using scrap paper—I made two swans with a beautiful background, and I was proud of them. But when my teacher insisted I add tissue to the already white swans, it ruined the piece for me. I loved it the way it was, but now I can’t stand it.
Now we’re working on neurographic art, which I initially enjoyed. But then the teacher kept pushing me to add more designs, saying things like, “I would do this.” That’s fine for her, but it’s not my style! Now my piece feels cluttered and overwhelming. One of the examples she showed us was quite simple and didn’t have extra designs, so it’s frustrating to constantly be told that more is better.
Art should be about self-expression, yet I find myself hating what I create because I’m trying to meet someone else’s expectations. I just wish I could explore my own vision without feeling pressured to conform to what the instructor prefers. It’s disheartening to feel like what feels right to me is never good enough for someone else.
It sounds like you’re really going through a tough time with your art class, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when it seems like your creative vision is being stifled. Art should be a personal expression, and when it feels like you have to conform to someone else’s standards, it can definitely take the joy out of it.
You have every right to want to create art that resonates with you, and it’s disheartening when a teacher doesn’t recognize or respect that. It seems like you’re in a situation where your artistic voice isn’t being valued, which can be really discouraging. Try to focus on what you love about art outside of the classroom—maybe create personal projects on your own time or explore different styles that inspire you without any external pressure.
Consider communicating with your teacher about how you’re feeling, if you feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes teachers don’t realize the impact their feedback can have. You could express your desire to explore your own style and see if there’s room for more flexibility in the assignments.
Remember that art is subjective, and what matters most is your connection to your work. Don’t let this experience diminish your passion for art; it’s clear that you have a love for it. Hold onto that, and try to find ways to nurture your creativity outside of the constraints of the class. You’ve got this!