Are you an Artist?
I just attended an exhilarating conference in Detroit hosted by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, titled: Rust Belt to Artist Belt III. This conference originated in Cleveland and we were fortunate to have it here in the Motor City this year.
I am not writing to tell you about the conference but about the attendees. There were approximately 300 people in attendance representative of all mediums such as: graphic designers, landscape designers, architects, photographers, fashion designers, sculptors, painters and at least one jewelry designer…me!
I had the opportunity to mingle at the parties and during the breaks and I came up with an ice-breaking question, “Are you an Artist?” It was a simple enough of an inquiry, so I thought, but it provoked an emotional response that I did not anticipate.
“Me? An artist?” most replied with a look of confusion and self-doubt. One woman, in particular who held a Masters Degree of Fine Art, could not answer yes to this question.
Wow! This made me realize that most artists lack confidence.
But why?
If I ask my seven-year old niece if she is an artist she would say yes. I think the difference is, in her mind, she believes she is an artist. I am not sure if adult artists have lost that confidence along the way or if external forces like juries and judges have intimidated their beliefs. Or, are they comparing themselves to the esteemed and extolled?
I do not have the answer to why but I do know that if you want to succeed as a creative individual or own a creative business you must be shameless in announcing to the world that, you, are an artist!
My kindergarten teacher told my mother that I was going to be an artist when I grew up.
So I kept drawing. Then I painted. Then I was an advertising artist. Then I became a video producer. Now I am a jewelry designer that primarily beads with a little wire wrapping thrown in for fun.
Maybe it just takes one person to believe in you even if that one person is yourself.
In my heart and soul…I have always been an artist. Are you an artist?
Comments
Several years ago I began responding to the 'What do you do?' inquiry with a simple 'I'm a professional artist.' Made a huge difference to the interior landscape of who I am. For years I told people I was an illustrator, I still am. But now that I claim the title of professional artist it's made a very positive difference in my outlook and trajectory.
Go for it, proclaim yourselves as an artist. Be brave. See what a difference it will make for you and how others respond to you. It's a good thing.
That's exactly my point. It is not the issue of not having ANY inspiration in my studio. I find that creating with others allows for support, critiquing, ideas when you're stuck with something. Another set of creative eyes sees a piece much different. There are times Roxie, when I must work alone. As my work is quite spiritual in nature it is necessary for the energies to not be disturbed by others. I host a local creative group, we work together once a month on a specific craft/art form which is taught by a guest instructor. It is wildly popular, for several reasons. It creates fellowship, it allows those who do NOT consider themselves artists to create art, it encourages those who are dabbling in creation to investigate it further for themselves.
I thoroughly enjoy getting with my girlfriends, many of whom are artists themselves and creating, laughing, yacking, eating and generally having creative fellowship.
I do visit art shows for several reasons - mainly to check them out, see how I might fit in, talk with other artists, become inspired. I am also inspired by all things natural in my life, so I spend time outdoors with nature.
I understand artists are naturally reclusive, and I am not certain that it is a creatively healthy aspect to being an artist! Just my .02 and humble opinion of self-need!
Hi Karin...That is a great question! I had never asked that of myself before.
I work mostly alone and would automatically answer that is where I work best. However, I have had a different energy in a group setting and now that I am really thinking about it, I have been more creatively challenged. Maybe it's just more disciplined?
I think I need that interaction from time to time and afterwards I can take some of that energy back into my studio.
I have to work alone all the time, but I love to have a fellow artist and friend over to work on art, but most of the time, artists create alone. Ceramics/Clay is lonely in your own studio, but it is all yours!!! I make sure I go to art openings and exhibits and shows if I am not showing, to meet artists and exchange ideas. I always check the show schedule and check out the clay artists' websites, always getting inspired. I try to buy something from at least one or two of the artists to show support. I was in a clay group at the Pasco Arts Council and I loved it, but I would take the clay home to work alone and then bring it back to glaze and fire, but for intricate glazing I would have to do that at home also. The carting back andforth was a burden, but I still keep in touch, I am still a member and I visit the class occasionally getting inspired and showing my support and encouragement. They come to my home studio adn we have potlucks and art fellowship . I am a member of 4 art groups and do exhibits and shows with them. Would love to join more. Opportunites are out there, just keep the inspiration going by checking out all you can. You will not get dry or stale then. Music can always inspire while you work too...
Okay.. I have a question! As an artist, do you prefer to work in a setting alone or in a creative setting with other artists - much like a studio class some of us took in college?
I myself, love having other artists around. The aspect of working in a group setting, mostly with other women, allows my creative energies to flow stronger and deeper than if I am working alone. Not that my flow isn't strong already, it's just different. I get a creative charge working with others, both on a personal level and on a business level. I find sometimes that the constant working alone allows or promotes my creative juices to become dry and stale.
Hi Christine,
I wonder why any of us as artists would find it presumptuous? Unless perhaps we are calling ourselves "ridiculously talented artists"..."or..."highly esteemed artist". :-)
I'll never forget a disappointing experience I had in college when I received a lower grade than I had deserved [my opinion] for disagreeing with my art history professor when she told me I was not right in what I liked about a painting. How can I not be right about what "I like"?
Anyway, I am really happy to hear that you were born to be an artist and are now back where you belong!! Happy creating.
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