"She didn't defend herself as an artist."
I watched Finding Vivian Maier (2013) a few years ago on MUBI. I don't know why it's on my mind today. It just happened.
There's one quote that I don't remember exactly, but it lingered in my mind, fragmented, so I searched and found the documentary's subtitles, and then pinpointed it. Here it is:
Some people's character prevents them from pushing that little bit you need to push to get the work seen. You know, she didn't defend herself as an artist. She just did the work.
I am not even an artist, or trying to be one. I just resonate with it. I also don't know if this quote is praising her or criticising her. It can be both.