Something stuck me yesterday , and I can not seem to get it out of my head. I was talking with someone about art and they had mentioned that their mother was an artist " you know a real artist, she makes $40,000 for her work ". I was struck by a few things. Do we measure an artist by how much money they make for their work or by the content and process?
As artist , we are constantly questioning are method and validity....... how can we not? Does success mean we must get our work to that high price tag ( which I surely hope to never see, my god!!! ) or is it knowing that someone else has found a connection to what it is you have worked so hard at making?
It is so strange the perception that people have around what "Art " really is and what makes you a real artist . I do not have a studio per say and I do not sell my work for large amounts of money and yes I do find inspiration in the simplest of things....... but I feel that in my heart I live my truth and hope that somehow that translates ..... it is real ......... and sometimes it is art.
Talk to you soon,
Courtney
5 comments:
I've been thinking about this a lot lately too, what it really means to be a 'real' artist. It's quite easy to start sticking labels on like 'makes a living out of it', 'takes ages to make each piece', or 'has loads of qualifications'. I am still struggling with it - worrying that I am not a 'real' artist and what I make isn't 'real' (ie valid) art, but I found a really nice quote the other day; "Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us." (Roy Adzak) And perhaps if you're doing what you love, and it touches just one other person, you don't need to attach a label to it.
Tara.... you are sooo right! Love the quote . I think I will post it in my workspace.
To me, "art" is the production of a collage, a painting, an "art" quilt, a sculpture, a song, a dance, etc. The creation of art is the communication between the creator and anyone else willing to look. After a piece is created, it is a product, whether it is sold (for $1 or $40,000). It becomes art again when a connection is made between the piece and a viewer (or buyer).
Children are artists when they create from what is inside of them, although they don't even know it.
"Art" is a personal interpretation. It is all REAL.
Hi Courtney,
I love what you said about being an artist. I invite you you to view and hopefully comment on the posts I have about what it means to be an artist. I'm pretty sure you could relate.
Beautiful art work you have!
you ARE a REAL artist and don't let anyone tell you any different. being an artist is found in the heart and soul. it does not have a price tag and can only be measured by the joy it brings the creator and those who view it. i found that when i stopped concentrating on selling my art that i truly started to grow wings and fly creatively. good for those who sell their work for big bucks but for me i much prefer the quiet, simple way i'm doing it now.
and just so you know, i greatly admire your work. it does elicit feelings in me and makes me strive to continue creating and growing as an artist and a strong independent woman. keep it up, my friend, keep it up!! ((hugs))
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