Art is all around us – it’s in the music we listen to, the paintings on our walls, the sculptures we see and the design of unique objects and spaces. It’s also in our everyday life, in the way we communicate, in the words we use and the emotions we feel.
But what exactly defines someone as an artist? There are many different opinions and criteria to define this title, such as the amount of time one has spent creating or whether they have achieved a certain standard of quality. But I think the key factor is simply this – an artist takes something out of their head and brings it to life. This could be an image, a character, a story, a melody, a shape or set of movements, an environment, a recipe, anything really! And then they share it with others.
It is important for artists to remain open to new ideas and to have a wide range of skills. This allows them to experiment with different mediums, techniques and forms, and helps to communicate their artistic vision. Their inspiration might come from a variety of sources, such as personal experiences, cultural influences or historical context. They also need to have a flexible approach and be prepared for failure.
Another important aspect of being an artist is networking and building relationships with other art professionals, collectors, curators, galleries, potential collaborators and other stakeholders. This can be done through social media, attending art events and building connections in their community. This is crucial to helping them gain exposure and connect with potential opportunities, funding and support for their work.
Finally, it is essential for an artist to be confident in their own creative abilities and not be afraid of rejection or criticism. This can be difficult, but is necessary if they want to pursue their art practice in the long term.
Being an artist is hard work and requires a lot of dedication, commitment and passion. But it’s also rewarding and inspiring to be able to turn your ideas and thoughts into something physical and visible for other people to enjoy. The challenge is to find the balance between the disciplined training regime and the flexibility to play around with new ideas; between real life and fantasy; and conservative principles and rebellious attitudes. But if you’re truly passionate about making art, then the hard work is worth it!