Separating the Artist from Their Work
My favorite podcast is called The Dollop. In it, two comedians talk about non-mainstream history. However, it was a rocky start because they laughed at their jokes, and if you are a MASH television show fan, you know the damage that a laugh track can do. It took about ten podcasts to ignore this fake behavior.
A recent podcast explored a popular minister who got into trouble. As they discussed this person’s fall, one host revealed he was a talented musician. Late in his life, he released another record, which became popular.
The other host joked that people should not have purchased that album because of the controversy. So, the other host quipped, “Hey, separate the artist from their work.” This statement has been rattling around my bonkers mind, and it seemed like a good article topic. Or is this another budget therapy session? Yeah…
The idea is that a dreadful person can still make positive artistic contributions to society, and here are some examples: Francis Bacon, Kevin Spacey, Steven Seagal, Chris Brown, J. D. Salinger, and Neil Gaiman. All of these people are talented artists, but they deeply harmed the people around them.
Essentially, the statement is asking us to give these people a break. In other words, we should disregard their personal life and focus on the gift they have given.
The two artists I wanted to concentrate on are Steven Seagal and Neil Gaiman. Growing up, I enjoyed Steven’s early films. They were loaded with great lines and over-the-top action. And Neil, what a wordsmith! Such powerful stories. I wish I had 10% of his creative ability.
Late in their careers, it became public knowledge that both men had deplorable personal lives, leaving a trail of misery. I find such destructive behavior to be completely unacceptable. But what about their work? Should I still enjoy it?
Well, as the statement goes, we should place their personal lives aside and enjoy their creations. Yeah, no. Both men are monsters who should be behind bars. And their art? Deleted from history with a vengeance. However, there is more to this topic. What about art intended to offend?
Some art is controversial, dubious, contested, disgusting, pornographic, hateful, offensive, or fearful. Artists do this to jog our minds, spark insightful discussions, shake up society, attract negative publicity (because they believe all publicity is good), or because they are bored with traditional art. While I generally do not like this type of expression, I certainly see that it has value and should not be universally condemned.
Still, that was not quite the thought that made me want to write this article. What about separating me from my art? Indeed, several people have reacted negatively to my books or articles. So, instead of a bad person with good art, I am a good person (in my mind) with (potentially) bad art. Still, I am asking people to separate the two.
A good example occurred in a recent article when I discussed the lack of books or films about Covid-19. I wrote it without intending to be mean or controversial, nor did I request writers to enter this story territory. Yet, people were offended. And if I indeed crossed a line, readers have a right to be offended. I certainly get offended by awful material.
Well, I learned a lesson and will not write about Covid-19 again. That is fine, but the question remains. Should the people I offended give me a break? Separate me from my art? If these very words offend you, will you give me a break? My real question is: Do I want you to give me a break? Do I want to hear, “Hey Bill. Good people make mistakes. It is fine. Keep writing.” Can I go on without hearing this?
Honestly, I am struggling with an answer. Society presents tough questions, and we need tough answers. Meaning we must be tough people in order to keep society moving. Yet, we must be ethical and not tolerate those who bring society down. Yet, my article offended. Umm… A cook must break eggs to bake a cake, meaning people will always be offended.
Artists release material and get unexpected reactions. The problem lies in the next step because the offense cannot be undone. Pick up the pieces? Ignore the criticism? That sounds like a cop-out.
My answer is that I am not sure I want people to give me a break. What I do know is that I feel bad for the few people who were offended by my work. Well, writing this article has given me a lot to think about. Fortunately, there are biking and hiking trails nearby to ponder this topic.
You’re the best -Bill
August 13, 2025
A recent podcast explored a popular minister who got into trouble. As they discussed this person’s fall, one host revealed he was a talented musician. Late in his life, he released another record, which became popular.
The other host joked that people should not have purchased that album because of the controversy. So, the other host quipped, “Hey, separate the artist from their work.” This statement has been rattling around my bonkers mind, and it seemed like a good article topic. Or is this another budget therapy session? Yeah…
The idea is that a dreadful person can still make positive artistic contributions to society, and here are some examples: Francis Bacon, Kevin Spacey, Steven Seagal, Chris Brown, J. D. Salinger, and Neil Gaiman. All of these people are talented artists, but they deeply harmed the people around them.
Essentially, the statement is asking us to give these people a break. In other words, we should disregard their personal life and focus on the gift they have given.
The two artists I wanted to concentrate on are Steven Seagal and Neil Gaiman. Growing up, I enjoyed Steven’s early films. They were loaded with great lines and over-the-top action. And Neil, what a wordsmith! Such powerful stories. I wish I had 10% of his creative ability.
Late in their careers, it became public knowledge that both men had deplorable personal lives, leaving a trail of misery. I find such destructive behavior to be completely unacceptable. But what about their work? Should I still enjoy it?
Well, as the statement goes, we should place their personal lives aside and enjoy their creations. Yeah, no. Both men are monsters who should be behind bars. And their art? Deleted from history with a vengeance. However, there is more to this topic. What about art intended to offend?
Some art is controversial, dubious, contested, disgusting, pornographic, hateful, offensive, or fearful. Artists do this to jog our minds, spark insightful discussions, shake up society, attract negative publicity (because they believe all publicity is good), or because they are bored with traditional art. While I generally do not like this type of expression, I certainly see that it has value and should not be universally condemned.
Still, that was not quite the thought that made me want to write this article. What about separating me from my art? Indeed, several people have reacted negatively to my books or articles. So, instead of a bad person with good art, I am a good person (in my mind) with (potentially) bad art. Still, I am asking people to separate the two.
A good example occurred in a recent article when I discussed the lack of books or films about Covid-19. I wrote it without intending to be mean or controversial, nor did I request writers to enter this story territory. Yet, people were offended. And if I indeed crossed a line, readers have a right to be offended. I certainly get offended by awful material.
Well, I learned a lesson and will not write about Covid-19 again. That is fine, but the question remains. Should the people I offended give me a break? Separate me from my art? If these very words offend you, will you give me a break? My real question is: Do I want you to give me a break? Do I want to hear, “Hey Bill. Good people make mistakes. It is fine. Keep writing.” Can I go on without hearing this?
Honestly, I am struggling with an answer. Society presents tough questions, and we need tough answers. Meaning we must be tough people in order to keep society moving. Yet, we must be ethical and not tolerate those who bring society down. Yet, my article offended. Umm… A cook must break eggs to bake a cake, meaning people will always be offended.
Artists release material and get unexpected reactions. The problem lies in the next step because the offense cannot be undone. Pick up the pieces? Ignore the criticism? That sounds like a cop-out.
My answer is that I am not sure I want people to give me a break. What I do know is that I feel bad for the few people who were offended by my work. Well, writing this article has given me a lot to think about. Fortunately, there are biking and hiking trails nearby to ponder this topic.
You’re the best -Bill
August 13, 2025
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