“Make a list of three artists whose work makes you uncomfortable. Then make a list of three specific things about each artist’s work that make you feel this way. Read the list back closely; ask yourself if there’s something about what these artists do that you share. Really think about this. It’s also a great way to discover how certain qualities might be interesting to you, might speak to you, even if you find them disquieting. Bad things can be great doorways.”

— How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz