An Artist
The Making of An Artist
What, you are an artist?
Yes, I am an artist.
How did that happen?
I don’t know. One day I started painting. Then I painted more and then even more.
But does that make you an artist, I mean just painting?
I don’t suppose so.
So how did you become an artist?
Oh my, what a good question!
Well, I really never considered I was one until a prestigious gallery accepted me. Then I felt I was bonafide. At least, that is what I thought. Even though I had already sold some of my artwork, I truly never felt I was an artist.
So, this gallery accepts you and now you are an artist.
Well truthfully, I don’t believe that being accepted by a gallery makes you an artist.
Wait, I am confused.
Me too!
Okay, then are you an artist or not?
I communicate through my creations of abstracts in oils and acrylics. It is part of who I am. Sometimes, I try to leave that part behind and not paint, but in the end I long for the paints, canvas and excitement waiting to evolve. It doesn’t matter if I sell any paintings or a thousand paintings. My expression with paints and bringing life to a canvas is what I do.
So, what is an Artist?
The question of what is art has long occupied theorists and philosophers, but the issue of who or what is an artist is no less vexing.
What does it mean to be an Artist? What is the definition of an artist?
Throughout history and even now, there are numerous papers, theories, studies on this subject; most often by universities, scholars far more knowledgeable and intelligent on this subject than me.
Here is the Origin of Artist:
French artiste, from Old French, lettered person, from Medieval Latin artista, from Latin ars, art-, art; see ar- in Indo-European roots.
Let’s look at a few definitions of artist from a simple google search:
Artists (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.
“I aspire to be this form of artist”
2) A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill.
“I am still working towards the exceptional part”
3) One, such as an actor or singer, who works in the performing arts. “Definitely not me”
4) One who is adept at an activity, especially one involving trickery or deceit: a con artist.
“Definitely don’t want to be this type of artist”
5) Anyone who uses their creativity to express themselves. Whether they believe they are an artist or not.
“This one sounds like me”
According to the French, Naturalized American Painter, Sculptor, Chess Player and Writer; Marcel Duchamp; an artist defines art; and it seems increasingly true that nowadays artists also define who and what they are.
I really think an Artist is a Communicator. I communicate and connect with the world through my canvas. My voice is the expression of abstract energy through color, texture and movement using oils and acrylics. It is me communicating with you.
The label Artist is not as important to me as my inner desire to express my true self through my contemporary abstracts. I would paint regardless of whether I had the label / title “Artist”. My sister, Cleo expressed it best: “Her artwork speaks of her passion in life and spirituality!”
“Art has a voice – let it speak.” ― Rochelle Carr
So, I will call myself an artist. I will continue to speak my inner creative voice while focusing on quality, craftsmanship, uniqueness of my artwork.
“The true artist has no pride; unhappily he realizes that art has no limitations, he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and while, perhaps he is admired by others, he grieves that he has not yet reached the point where the better genius shall shine before him like a distant sun.” — Beethoven
Dare to Feel,
Red
Dream. Believe. Create. Succeed.
See more of Red’s Creations in her gallery.
Follow Red www.facebook.com/StrokesbyRed or www.instagram.com/strokesbyredartist
Red (Linda Harrison)
