Tension is Good

Advice from someone you didn't ask

When I first started teaching full-time, I began observing, with more attention and interest, how other faculty approached their classes. Some were rigid, with extensive rules, notes, and benchmarks to achieve, directing students in every aspect of their course journey. Others were much more laissez-faire. They used general guidelines, interesting topics, or challenges, but with few dictatorial rules.

I watched as students gravitated to certain faculty, placing themselves into a camp where they felt comfortable — and dreaded the inevitable class from a professor who didn't match their approach.

There is so much tension in art, so many contradictory voices, that it can often feel confusing or frustrating for those navigating — much less paying for — the privilege of being an art major. I even had one faculty member explain that in his class, he purposefully contradicted all advice, rules, instructions, and art historical reasons between his seven assignments. He wanted to keep students off balance, to force them to deal with the inherent contradictions of art — and, well, of life.

I once heard that this kind of tension is good. Like when we string a guitar or harp: the opposing pulls on either end are what bring forth the music. I like that idea.

You don’t have to agree with everything. You don’t have to become an acolyte to whatever stream of art making is running through the culture. But you also don’t have to constantly paddle against every current of art you disagree with. And it might just be to your benefit to be curious about it or to try it. It doesn’t mean you convert, but it might give you insight.

I appreciate those who are totally dogmatic in their approach to their work, art, and interests, but I am also deeply suspicious of those who cry that their artistic way is the only one and all others are apostate or wrong.

So I guess my advice is to be curious. To be open. To listen and look. And in the end, develop what feels true to you. Work in the way that makes the most sense to your circumstances, and take the advice of those who feed your energy and inspire you to continue on.

We are all here to tell you what we think. But in the end, you are responsible for the work you make.