The Definition of “Artist”

“Those who dance are considered insane by those who can’t hear the music” – George Carlin

At one point or another, I’m sure you’ve debated with someone or yourself over what an artist really is.  What is the definition of an artist anyway?  Don’t bother picking up the dictionary and trying to look up the definition of artist.  I’ll save you the trouble.

Defining The Word, “Artist”
art•ist

noun.

1. One, such as a painter, sculptor, or writer, who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the fine arts.

2. A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill: You are an artist in the kitchen.

3. One, such as an actor or singer, who works in the performing arts.

Okay, so there’s the definition.  I guess I can stop writing now.

On second thought, the problem with trying to define the word “artist” is that, while it is possible to define, it can only be understood by other artists.  People who are not artists simply cannot understand art and why people are driven to create it.  They wonder what the big deal over art is.  How can one define a purely right brain function like artistic ability, when the concept of defining is done purely in the left brain?  It’s like trying trying to explain to the Sun what darkness is.

Through The Eyes of An Artist

When you are artist, it affects everything you do.  It would be a stretch to call every movement that an artist makes a work of art, but I would consider everything that an artist deliberately does to be artistic.

● An artist approaches a situation like arranging furniture differently than a non-artist.

● An artist is more likely to create an image for himself or herself than a non artist.

● An artist has a unique perspective on the world.

● An artist has a strong drive to share that perspective with other people through “works of art”.

Whether or not the actions of an artist are worthy of being inducted into a museum is irrelevant.  If that is your response to what I am writing, then you are missing the point.  I’m not trying to define what a “work of art” is. I’m trying to explain what an “artist” is.

Recognizing Limitations And Opportunities

● When arranging furniture, an artist may take more stock into size, shape, and color of the furniture, and may even delve into elements of Feng Shui.

● When clothes shopping, an artist will often ask himself or herself what message a piece of clothing sends, and whether or not it is compatible with what they want to say.

● When faced with the shortcomings of spoken word, an artist is oftentimes unable to express himself or herself by simply stating his or her opinion.

● When an artist is creating a “work of art”, he or she is not discouraged by the limitations imposed.  Instead, the artist understands that true “works of art” are defined by their limitations, and instead, knows that they are opportunities.

As you can see, an artist is an artist at all times, not just when she is in front of a blank canvas.  It affects the way that she looks at the world.  For her to suppress the artistic side of her would be like trying to hide the fact that she is female (Or male for that matter).  It shouldn’t have to be that way, and it violates her right to be who she was born to be.

If it is your desire to create art, then don’t let anyone stop you from doing just that.  As I said at the beginning of this article, non artists do no understand artists.  There is no middle ground.  It is their loss if other people can’t understand your artistic side.  You shouldn’t have to live a less fulfilled life on their behalf.  There is hope though.

Anyone Can Be An Artist

It’s true.  If you want to be an artist, then there’s nothing stopping you.  If you are not used to being artistic though, it IS a skill that you will have to develop.  Much like a muscle that you would train by lifting weights in the gym, artistic ability must be trained.  You can do this by allowing yourself to fall into an artistic mindset, and to get in touch with your inner artist.  This is necessary before you can ever hope to have any artistic ability.  It has to come from within, instead of learning it from other people.

Artistic Ability is NOT a gift from God

Artistry is, however, not something that you are born with.  We ARE born without our psychological blocks that keep us from realizing our potential though.  Genetically, some people are born to be artists, but they were not born lucky.  These people were simply born with the ability to be proud of their artistic side, and the desire to embrace it to the best of their ability.

Just look at a child, and their natural desire to create art.  Whether it be via coloring books, drawing, play-doh, or coloring on the walls, children don’t need to be taught to be creative.  It comes NATURAL.

What has to be taught is how NOT to be creative.

What has to be taught is how NOT to be an artist.

What has to be taught is HOW to become an artist again.

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