The evil of shame

Shame might well be the most powerful depressant out there. It strikes me that shame is the core tenant of out ill thoughts and feelings. As an artist, sharing an idea or a thought is often difficult, because to open up, to express your feelings on a subject, and be met with something negative, such as rejection, or criticism, feeds the monster that is shame.

There are things we do for which we should rightfully accept shame. We should hold our hands up where we have clearly done wrong. But to merely live honestly and truthfully and suffer the effects of shame… that is a curse which we all appear to suffer, yet no one deserve.

Shame isn’t always the visceral emotion it can be described as. Shame can be subtle. Shame, and to some extent, guilt, exist because we feel as though we have acted in a manor which means we do not belong. We are clearly not accepted in this group.

Artistic and creative expression is difficult because shame can hold an artist back. Shame is a debilitating thing. For the most part though… we choose to feel ashamed.  I myself often become my harshest critique, asking how my art fits in, asking how I fit in.

There is no easy road away from the pitfalls of shame. Humility is helpful. But perhaps the greatest cure to the illness of shame is truly the acceptance of others. Whether en-masse or between individuals, having respect for the opinions and thoughts of others is truly the gift that can keep on giving. So, I ask you, be honest, but be fair. Separate your opinion from your bias and do not criticise an artist, only their art, and in that criticism, remember… there are merits to all forms of expression, even is poorly expressed.