We know art when we see it. We aren’t afraid to call art “art”
and we’re not afraid to call others “artists” but when it comes to ourselves,
we hesitate to apply this title. We tell others “I enjoy sketching”, “I like to
paint”, or “I like drawing in my spare time” but the word “artist” very rarely
enters into the conversation.
I believe that part of the reason for this phenomenon is because
we, without even necessarily realizing it, believe that an artist becomes an
artist at the point of monetary or social success. If you make a living with
your work, THEN you’re an artist. If you have a large following on social
media, THEN you’re an artist. While financial and social success are both
important and gratifying parts of an artist’s life, they are surely not the defining
factors of the title.
This has been a struggle for me in the past, as I know it is
for many others. We know who we are. We’re those kids who could spend hours in
a coloring book, who have been creating since we were old enough to hold a
crayon. We’re those people who love the way an art studio smells and the look
of marked up table tops that tell the stories of past creations. We’re people
with color, composition and creativity in our souls…we are…artists.
Unlike most other occupations and pastimes, artists are not
defined by skill level, education, monetary value, or a following and this is
something to be celebrated! Simply put, an artist is uniquely defined as someone
who simply practices art. This opens the title to those who long to embrace it.
Choosing to call yourself an artist is powerful because it changes your mindset
and it begins to builds a trajectory of artistic pursuits for the future. You
will want to dig in more, practice more, learn more, create more, and share more.
If you are able to create a piece that even scratches the
surface of the piece of your heart you are trying to share, you’re an artist. If
you are able to create in a way that quiets chaotic thoughts and brings joy and
beauty to your day, you’re an artist. Choose, embrace, and enjoy this title and
all that it says about you, your work, and your future.
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