Sunday, February 8, 2015

Art and criticism

“Absolutely they can criticize,” actor Bradley Cooper said, in response to a comment from interviewer Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air, regarding the criticism following the release of the movie “American Sniper.” “That is what art is about, really, you create it and then it is for people to own, it is not for me to own.”

Cooper played the role of Chris Kyle, America's most deadly sniper. The interview aired Feb 2, 2015, on the two-year anniversary of Kyle’s death.

His comment about “owning” art was one that struck a chord with me. How do you feel about releasing a piece of writing into the world? Does creation mean ownership? Legally, yes, but does your work have a life of its own after its release that you cannot expect to control?

Write soon,

Mary   

12 comments:

  1. I think the actor's comment is fantastic, and it has given me something to think over for a while. I actually have considered things I write as mine for sure. I know what I wanted the serious pieces to say, to represent for me, so I have never thought much about what others might do with "my" tales.

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    1. I hadn't really thought about it either, but art does take on a life of its own. Artists really do bring something new to the world!

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  2. Blogger ate my comment. This is my 3rd try. Hopefully it's a charmed one...

    I think once our story is published/our painting is on display, it belongs to everyone, and is available to be admired or criticized.

    I also think if we're truly artists, we welcome any discussion of our work (although certainly it's nicer when we get swooning instead of jeering). When our art is critiqued, it makes us more reflective about our craft.

    Thanks, Mary, for a thought-provoking post...

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    2. The third time was a charm! I hadn't thought about ownership by anyone who experiences it, but I do love the fact that art can create strong reactions, even though they aren't always the strong reactions you may want. His comment really stuck with me, and made me think, which is what art should do.

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    3. P.S. Sioux, something weird is going on here - Blogger ate two of your comments, and published my response twice! Hmmm.

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  3. When an author gives permission for the world to see his/her creation, there must always be the expectation that there will be people who don't love it. Not a pleasant thing to experience, but that's the reality.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  4. I usually write and release, hoping that my published work impacts others positively. Realistically, I know that isn't always the case. I recently sent my aunt and uncle a story about removing glue gun off the shelf. They called to say they liked the humor but asked if I really did steal the glue gun. I told them to read again. They had formed an opinion. I used to worry about what people would think of me, as the author, but now I only consider what they think about my work.

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  5. I think writing something and having it published is like sending your kids to school for the first time. You created them and worry about them and hope they do well and are well liked, but you know they're in God's hands.

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  6. I agree with Donna's comment - well, everyone had good comments - you do hope your writing does well when you've released it, but it is out of your control.

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  7. Oh, and meant to tell you also that I'm a coffee drinker, however, I like tea too!

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  8. I like the comments, too, Lynn. Thanks for sharing, everyone.

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