WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ARTIST?
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As one year comes to a close and another is about to begin, I find myself asking bigger questions – questions that help me to look back at my year to know what I want to create moving forward. It’s a form of recommitment and recalibration, which often brings insights that lead to more clarity.
What does it mean to be an artist? What makes what I do unique, special, meaningful?
These are the types of questions I like to reflect on as I consider my art-making. Answering them reconnects me to the deeper meaning of why I do what I do. I then find I am better able to navigate some of the more challenging aspects of creative work, as I reaffirm the deeper purpose of art-making in my life.
As the world changes around me, and external circumstances affect where and how my art can be shared, seen, and purchased, these anchoring questions hold me in a solid place. It is a place that always supports my intention to make art, regardless of what is happening elsewhere
As I explore some of the thoughts I have about what it means, and takes, to be an artist, I like to write a letter to myself about what I have come to understand, and I offer that to you as well. It is how I see the purposeful work that artists do:
We dance with the unknown and we feel its weight alongside its intrigue. We ache for our art, and we simultaneously resist showing up for it. We juggle endless decisions and possibilities to make something significant and meaningful. And we do all of this because we can’t not do it. We are driven by a passion that only other artists understand, while being laid bare at times, exposed and vulnerable. We share our art because we must. We know that art needs to be seen, experienced, and the creative energy that makes the work needs to flow outward into the hearts and minds of others.
We are change makers, meaning makers, and sensitive witnesses to the world around us. Art has the power to change us, and as artists we carry that responsibility as best we can – lightly and with reverence.
Thank you for being an artist and for being committed to understanding your inner workings. You are so needed. When you clear the way for your art to be expressed, you are adding such value to our lives. Beyond likes, shares, art sales, and accolades...your work matters because you matter – we all matter. You remind us of that by your drive and commitment to making art, even when it isn’t the easiest path to follow. Thank you for being a source of inspiration.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
What purpose does it serve in your life and the life of others?
What would you like it to mean for you?
Would shifting what art-making means for you, offer you a path to receive more value from your art-making?
This short version blog post is a part of my Mindset Moment series, an accompanying edition to my bi-monthly blog post. My intention for these Mindset Moments is to speak to some of the common challenges artists face with their creative work, and how a mindset shift can make a difference.
They are short reads, with a suggestion or writing prompt that you can work with…as well as an invitation to join in the conversation, sharing your experience and insights.
You can join the conversation by leaving a comment under this blog post, or on my social media posts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, wherever you find me.
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