I have haters. Who doesn't nowadays? Our information is public, and we seem to want it that way. I make art that is satirical, and it's about the moment. I embrace the Internet, and used to fight against it. Back in the day, artists painted beautiful paintings. These paintings were made to be the main attraction. The public longed to see work, and it was a form of entertainment. Now, we have Marvel Studios making giant spectacles that are mega money makers. Not many care to go to the museum, gallery, or studio in order to view intimate work for fun. People still find cartoons and comics fun though, and those can still be quite intimate.
I have plenty of fans (more fans than haters). I know who likes my stuff, and I know who gets triggered by it. It used to bother me when I got the negative response, but now I enjoy it. I think I almost enjoy it more than praise. It means the work is doing something. I live with my work, so it doesn't register for me. For me it isn't alien or triggering. It's how I process my reality. When a person has a visceral reaction to my content that means that is has power. I understand with great power comes great responsibly, but I won't self censor... well, I won't completely self censor. I still have to get by living in the north east.
I recently had a radical leftist from the west coast leave me an angry message on one of my pics. I imagine that based on the time he wrote it he was probably high on meth, and looking to cruise for some young dancing partner. Either way, it was incomprehensible. The overall tone of the message was anger toward me, and the statement I made. I make art. Art is not about listening. It's about doing. Conversation is about a give and take. I do this often, especially living where I live. Plenty of people (especially Jiu-Jitsu folks) agree with me. The ones who disagree always feel compelled to tell me every time they see me. I think this has more to do with them, and their issues than it does with me. I have no need to tell these people that I think they're wrong. I enjoy most of these folks, and have discussed my point of view. Like I always say, I used to be a communist vegan. So, I get where they're coming from. They don't know where I'm coming from because they haven't been exposed to the information and experiences I have. I don't have any hate towards them. I see that most of their lives are filled with much pain, and they can't figure it out. I become a subject for them to project on. I'm cool with that. My art is about expression. I can't make everyone happy, but my art is for everyone, even the haters! I'm very democratic that way.