artists and lions

So I'm in this art class.

Why? Not sure. I am in a phase now where I like to pretend I'm an artist. It really is starting to wear on my time and my budget however. Even though I did recently con my mother into buying me a shiny new 100-pack of colored pencils.. seriously it was like Christmas in March.. for a few days.. now I really want water colors. I am refraining myself though. But I am seeing Momma again next week....

Anyways, this class meets just once a week, but for 3.5 hours.. it is exhausting. It isn't the work that's tiring, I mean, I haven't been overly pleased with any one of my pieces, but hey, I'm just a pretend artist anyways. My classmates are exhausting. Most are art-majors, which, yes if you were wondering it is Very intimidating. They are all so incredibly conceited! It is like they are all always adorably a mess--very stylish and unique, but their personalities are all exactly the same! I've sort of caught on to a few of their "rules":

1.) If their artwork is actually really good, they will say how bad it is. They will point out the flaws, say they want to throw it away, say "ugh, I can't even look at it." I know this doesn't sound like conceitedness, but think about the context: These people know art. They know when it is good. They point out the flaws only to make it sound like this perfection is not even perfect enough for their capable hands.

2.) If their work is bad, they will talk about it like it is really good. They will fight tooth and nail with any objectors until they make you think they made it bad on purpose. But they didn't. Your critisism is just and they know it. Everyone knows it. But, in their minds, they think their words sway you otherwise. And you smile. Because it is a rule. We all follow the rules.

3.) If another artist's work is really good, they will find fault in it. And voice it. And the artist will stand up for themselves even though they "can't even look at it" because it is so "bad".

4.) If another artist's work is really bad, there are two possible options,

a.) if the artist is a pretend artist, like myself, they will be very nice and encouraging. Like you are a child. They say all nice things. Or better yet, they will find some small detail and turn it into some complicated symbolism that is very profound but very obviously did not come from the artist, so they end up looking, again, like a genius.

b.) if the artist is one of these people I am describing now, the others will tear them apart. Kick them while they're down. Pour salt on the wound. Take candy from the baby. Advantage must be taken of this point of vulnerability. Obviously. If you are a lion.

Those are my observations after.. 8ish weeks. They drive me crazy a little bit. I stick with this shy little Chinese girl named Tse Na. She doesn't speak english very well and I don't speak Chinese well.. at all. But I believe we share this bond as bunnies against the lions. I do enjoy the class for the same reason I enjoy annoying drama-queen shows like Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.. the clothes! and hair and accessories and just style in general.. really.. If I wanted to boost the lions' egos even more (which I don't think would be safe outside the jungle) I would definitely take their photos and start a fashion blog. Beware Sartorialist.. I've got options.