[fivre]

technical skill matters, and using that technique skillfully for realist interpretations is one of the easier bridges for neophytes to understand the technique

abstract interpretation within the confines of a particular medium is harder to appreciate if you haven't seen manifestations you can readily understand

[lacrimacida]

Plenty of people get bogged down in techinque and never evolve beyond that, choosing to acquire as many tricks as if it’s a numbers contest. But I agree that some time alone practicing some skill is an important part of the process, the only difference is in measure. Too much obsession with skill is harmful