Attitude Towards Art: Creative Freedom

For all of us who are busy creating art, there will be critics who will tell us that what we're doing is "wrong". They may even tell us that "you're not supposed to do it that way" or "you have to do it this way". I've been told by established artists: "You must paint only one style." "You can't use comlementary colors." , etc etc. etc.! Wow! How restrictive is that? Where would we be in the art world if we stuck to a rigid set of rules? There would be no impressionism, no modern art, no fauvism, etc. That being said, do I believe in having boundaries? Yes! I seriously doubt that a piece of art made by defecating paint onto a canvas is "ART"! (Yes, it's been done and people have paid loads of money for this work!). So, in everyday art, one must be free to reject some of what we've been taught so that we can be "pioneers" and "explorers" in using new techniques and styles, while still maintaining a professional demeanor and lifestyle. So, how do we maintain this "creative freedom"? Where does it come from? I've read many books and attended many classes but find that the "lightbulb goes on" creative moment is still the best. Why not try out new media, mixing them, and trying new ways of putting them together. Use a Q-Tip instead of a paint brush, try adding alcohol to the water based paint and see what happens. What do you have to lose? You have much to gain! Open yourself up to asking questions. Do I have to do it the "established" way? After mastering the "established" way of painting, branch out. Attack a creative problem using a variety of attacks. Change up the: texture, movement, subject matter, media, composition, lighting, contrast, etc. Art need not be all a"right brain" endeavor! Use the left side of your brain to "problem solve" the solution. Throw away your pre-conceived notion as to how is "has" to be done and open up your mind to new ways of accomplishing the art problem! I think you'll be surprised as to how it will turn out!