Hangin’s too good fer ‘em

There’s nothing quite like displaying your latest blood-sweat-and-tears in the hopes of reaching and connecting with another human spirit, only to have a ill-tempered person take aim and fire, and then tear into you as though you were a cannibalistic pederast.

“Angel of Pain” — acrylics on artboard / 13 by 20 inches

When I first uploaded “Angel of Pain” to my website, a ‘net sniper fired off a rather scathing e-mail to me [bravely using his wife's online i.d. and e-mail address]. Since a deeply emotional reaction was jerked out of him, I felt I could consider the painting a success.

But after pissing all over my work he proceeded to slash at my character. This personal attack completely destroyed the credibility of his ‘critique’.

I feel so sorry for his wife, a very nice lady who quickly apologized to me for her husband’s lack of tact [as soon as she discovered he'd appropriated her e-mail account]. I only got lambasted, but she has to live with him.

Fortunately for artists, these piss-and-moaners aren’t professional art critics who actually know what they’re talking about. [Whew for that.] They’re just chronic complainers, who don’t stop at criticizing the artwork — they assault the intelligence and character of the artist.

They dish out diatribes with presumed impunity, getting extremely personal with it. Sister Wendy, who pompously spoke ill of dead artists, readily comes to mind. And then they have the balls to insist the targeted artist ‘not take it personally’ –

What is that, a disclaimer? Is this an attempt to disown responsibility for their snipings? Are they sociopathic, or just plain rude?

Just damn.

So if someone doesn’t like my artwork? Fine. Dandy. Say so and say why,…

… just have the good graces to leave me out of it.

- Ryl