A few thoughts on art*:

If it doesn’t immediately conjure an image then it doesn’t have one, yet

If it takes you to an uncomfortable place that feels lonely, forget it

If it reminds you of your childhood keep it

It it calls to your attention a specific political event that you didn’t know about, respect it

If it is made in kindness you will never know

If it is made without kindness you will never know

If it makes you feel inadequate, less intelligent, less sensitive, abandon it immediately, leave

(If someone tells you that feeling that way is part of maturing your taste, leave the conversation)

If it is challenging to understand fully, work harder, ask questions, ask more questions

If it costs more to be able to see it than you pay to take care of your basic daily needs, don’t go

If it is reserved for someone else, don’t fight for it, let them have it, whatever it is, let them have it

If the amount of time it takes you to get to it starts to feel like an odyssey, keep going, find a way

If the opinion you have of it is second-hand, gossip, make the assumption you haven’t seen it

If you learned about it in school, or through a parallel process, give it a chance, a quick chance

If you learned about from someone you admire and trust, give it a longer chance

If it makes you want to make things, cherish it forever

*These thoughts also apply to love