The term artist invokes images of many things: a painter hunched over his canvas, an actor in full costume, or a musician strumming a guitar. Each of these images embodies a facet of the complex role that an artist plays in society. Artists are the creators of our world, offering beauty and meaning through the mediums of music, visual art, theatre, literature, or film. They play an important social role, challenging norms and reflecting societal issues, fostering discussion and dialogue. They are a vital part of our culture, contributing to the preservation and enrichment of our heritage.
While it is possible for anyone to create art, to truly be considered a true artist takes a great deal of hard work and dedication. The hard part is not necessarily in the creation of the work itself, but in defining the intent and purpose of the art. There are many people who think that they can call themselves artists simply because they have created a piece of artwork, but it is not necessarily so. What makes a person a true artist is the desire and intent to create, and to push themselves further each time they create something new. The most successful artists know that the process is more than just creating the work, but also in learning and growing with each new project.
A lot of people have the misconception that a real artist spends every waking hour in their studio creating art. While that would be great, it is not realistic. Even full-time professional artists must take care of other tasks including answering emails, booking shows, looking after clients and financial management.
The definition of artist is quite broad and encompasses all creative arts, from painting to theatre, writing to music. The one thing all forms of art have in common is that they are designed to convey a message or emotion. This is often achieved through a combination of the use of colour, shape, form and texture in each creation. Artists understand that they need to work with the materials at their disposal and use these in a way that will convey their ideas in the most effective manner.
Artists have a passion for their craft and they are able to translate that into a finished product that is both meaningful and beautiful. They are able to find beauty in the most mundane of places and make others see it as well. In doing this they help to enrich our cultural heritage and provide a way for us to connect with each other, as well as ourselves.
Artists are a special breed and should be celebrated for their contributions to our society. Artistry is not just about a particular medium but it is a mindset, a way of thinking and an ability to transform our world with creativity, imagination and beauty. It is no wonder that artists are the flag-bearers of every artistic and scientific revolution! If we want a better world then we need to nurture the arts in our schools and in our lives.