Critics, Clowns, and Creative Defiance
In my podcast Flower in the River (Ep. 29), I talked about a complicated trio: Critics, Clowns, and Creative Defiance. Why this theme? Had a chat with one of my former students at Loft Literary Center (Minneapolis) and got inspired. She penned her thoughts, got published, and then — out of nowhere — she got slimed. Her prose was spot-on, which makes me think she attracted a clown who couldn’t resist. We often make ourselves clown fodder whenever we put our creations out into the world.
Now, in the creative cosmos — where artists, writers, and performers dwell — two archetypes often linger like shadows: the critic and the clown. They might seem like doppelgängers, both lobbing feedback to those brave enough to put themselves out there. But make no mistake, their roles in our artistic journeys couldn’t be more divergent.
The Rockstar Critic
Hold the phone — critics aren’t your arch-nemeses. They’re the unsung rockstars of your creative realm. These folks dissect your work like a chef fileting a fish. They challenge the status quo and point out where you can amp up your game. Ever heard of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena,” popularized by Brene Brown? Well, that’s your critic. They don’t just sit back — they roll up their sleeves and jam with you. You walk away with something — a killer riff, a plot twist, a brushstroke — that elevates your craft.
The Armchair Clown
Now, picture the clown if you dare. Perched way up in the nosebleeds, lobbing popcorn at the stage but never daring to pick up an instrument. Quick to heckle, these folks deal in laughable extremes — your work is either the Holy Grail or straight-up garbage. No gray area, no nuance, and certainly no encore. They’re not in it to help you tune your guitar; they want to hear their own voice over the din.
Mastering the Art of the Arena
Navigating this Wild West of feedback? It’s all about sharp ears and a sharper wit. Cherish the critics who vibe with your work and offer you gems of wisdom. They’re your backstage crew, making sure you shine when you step into the spotlight. On the flip side, learn to spot the clowns. Their cackles and jeers? Mere static on your frequency.
Don’t let all feedback muddle into a chaotic remix. Distinguishing the dope beats from the noise is key to your evolution as an artist. Learn to high-five your critics and mute the clowns. That way, you leave room for encores, not interruptions.
Creative Defiance (The solution? Maybe)
From grade school scoldings to adulthood, I’ve often been told, ‘You can’t do that.’ My reaction? Doing it anyway. I called it creative defiance. But let’s clear the air: Not all “can’t-do” advice is created equal. The GPS for life’s challenges is legit advice that comes from people who care. Then there’s petty mockery, the annoying road noise, just trying to drown out your drive. Knowing the difference is key.
Now, I’m not saying to completely ignore the critics or the advice-givers. Sometimes, that advice might be the reality check we need. But other times, the chatter is nothing more than an echo of other people’s limitations. Whether up against well-intended guidance or snide remarks, my goal remains the same: Prove them wrong. Success? It’s a mixed bag, but taking the leap always outshines sitting it out. So here’s my invitation to you: Dare to navigate life’s roadblocks with creative defiance, and be mindful of when to take a detour or accelerate full throttle.
Note: this piece was originally published on Medium.
Bye-Bye, Buffoons: The Un-Sending of the Clowns
