Monday Motivator: What Makes an Artist an Artist
Monday December 10, 2007
"What makes one an artist? The science of psychology tells us that all of our actions have motives, that is, we act in the anticipation of some sort of reward. ... The hobbyist paints because the activity itself is pleasurable. The artist will paint even if the process itself is torturous; they are compelled to express something to the others that will see the work.
"We might further differentiate between an artist and a craftsman; the craftsman paints in order to sell the paintings, in other words, in response to a demand in the marketplace. The artist will keep painting even if nobody wants the paintings, and will even endure severe economic hardship in order to continue the work."
-- Carson C.T.Collins, aka Hamlet on the Painting Forum
I've been pondering on these distinctions for a while now, and come to the conclusion that, if I accept the distinctions, I have a bit of all three in me. I'd be a hobbyist when I'm mucking about with paint, particularly a new brand or new mediums, as then I'm primarily having fun (though also learning about what I'm using). I'd be an artist when I'm struggling away at a seascape (my current theme) that's just not getting where I want it to be. And I'd be a crafter when I'm creating step-by-step photos to go with an article or demo I'm going to publish. What do you think makes an artist an artist? Do you call yourself an artist when you're talking to other people? Or do you say you paint (and hope they don't think of decorating). Read the forum discussion the above quote was taken from, then add your own opinion to the thread, or in the comments below.
Image: © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc
Comments
I am an art painter… i call myself artist painter, I paint mainly to explore the mediums and image composition and to demystify things as much as I can since I feel I must transfer my knowledge.
I also offer private classes to serious students.
I did teach groups of 12 but I realy prefer private and semi-classes with no more than 4 because I feel my students can progress much faster.
When people ask what I do, I think, by the look on their faces, they assume it’s going to be something cute not requiring too much intelligence. grins.
I say, “I’m an Oil Portrait Artist, and I work in Classical Realism.” (ie.. no loop holes for them to assume I rub myself down with paint and slam myself into a canvas or something.) When they look confused, I say slowly, “Like Rembrandt or Michaelangelo,” but only because these are readily recognizeable names. Once, they stop breathing, I smile, bat my eyelashes, toss my hair and walk away. hehe….evil tina
To be an artist you have to be confident of yourself. It’s no good saying you’re an artist if you do not keep working at your craft. Do you say I’m not an artist but I like painting very much?
If you are a real fine art painter you must say it clearly… I like the way Tina says she does it!
There is nothing to ashamed about being a real artist… and say it. But I don’t brag people with this.
when they ask if I make a living out of it, my answer is YES. When they ask if a sell much, my answer is yes. when they ask if I have a name my answer is internationaly know… When they ask me anything my answer is always positive.
What I like best is when they ask how much for one of my paintings or how much for a class.
If you’re an artist you’re an artist no matter how you feel or how long you haven’t painted. You may be a little crazy but no other work will be as fulfilling and beneficial to you as painting.
an artist? would you call a beginner an artist or a painter? is art physical or spiritual.is it possible to paint even without physically painting. well i’ve been doing so for years now but finally this year had the confidence to physically paint the stuff i’ve been painting for years. so does this make me a painter now or have i always been one?
My granddaughter asked me once if i was an artist, i thought a moment and came up with an answer for her.. i said i was a painter, an artist is a painter who has finally sold a painting.
well, now i can tell her i am an artist.. i just sold my first piece..
An artist is one who suffers for what they create. When you witness an artist in the throws of creation, you will know the difference. it’s not about confidence, or sale, or even sense. an artist is an artist because of creation. The artist is the physical manifestation of a god of the world. Creating as they see fit, not to impress or sell. an artist isnt an artist for the fame, the parties, the riches, the expression, or even the history books. an artist is such for one reason: the compulsion to create, whether the experience is torturous or blissful. It seems simple in writing, but in reality it is so much more.