The Truth About Being an Artist: Is It Really for Everyone?
Being an artist isn’t for everyone in the professional sense, as it often requires a combination of skill, passion, and the capacity to deal with uncertainty and subjective evaluation. However, on a fundamental level, everyone can engage in artistic expression as a form of personal fulfillment or communication. Whether one pursues it as a hobby, a form of therapy, or a career can vary greatly depending on individual inclinations, circumstances, and definitions of success.
What It Really Means To Be An Artist
Being an artist often means living a life dedicated to creation and expression through various mediums, interpreting the world subjectively, and sharing that perspective with others. It entails a deep engagement with one’s chosen form of art, whether it’s painting, music, writing, or any other medium. An artist is typically someone who not only creates but also reflects on the human experience, communicates emotions, and may challenge or inspire others. This identity can shape an individual’s lifestyle, values, and the way they perceive and interact with the world around them.
The Definition Of Being An Artist
Being an artist is defined by the commitment to a practice of creating, whether it’s visual, auditory, performance-based, or otherwise, as a means of expression or communication. It encompasses a willingness to explore ideas, emotions, and perspectives through a chosen medium, and to share those expressions with the world. The definition can be both personal and societal, with artists often seen as individuals who innovate, provoke thought, and contribute to cultural landscapes.
Are We All Artists Deep Down Inside?
Whether everyone is an artist deep down inside is a philosophical question that hinges on how broadly or narrowly one defines “artist.” Some philosophies, like the concept of “creative living” espoused by various thinkers, suggest that everyone has the potential for creativity in their approach to life and problem-solving. In this sense, the capacity to envision something and bring it into being, whether it’s a meal, a garden, or a personal style, could be considered an artistic act.
On the other hand, if one reserves the term “artist” for those who engage regularly with the arts and identify strongly with the creation of art as a primary mode of expression, then not everyone would be an artist.
The notion also taps into the idea of “art” as a fundamental human impulse, the need to make and appreciate forms that resonate with emotional and aesthetic experiences. From this perspective, the capacity for artistry is intrinsic to being human, but the development and recognition of it vary greatly from person to person.
Persevering While Pursuing The Artist Dream
The question of whether to pursue art without evident talent depends on one’s goals and reasons for engaging with art. If the pursuit of art brings joy, satisfaction, or a sense of personal fulfillment, then talent, as traditionally defined, need not be a barrier. In fact, many aspects of art can be learned and improved upon with practice and dedication.
On the other hand, if the goal is professional recognition or commercial success, then the individual must realistically assess their progress, the feedback they receive, and their willingness to continue despite potential setbacks or slow development. It’s important to balance passion with a practical understanding of one’s own abilities and the demands of the market.
In any case, giving up entirely might not be necessary or beneficial. Instead, one could adjust their approach, seek instruction, explore different forms of art, or simply shift the focus from external validation to personal enjoyment and growth. Art, in many ways, is a personal journey and its value doesn’t solely rest on public acknowledgment or innate talent.
How Important Is Talent?
It’s perfectly okay to be an artist even if you consider yourself to be bad at art. The value of art is not solely determined by skill or public acclaim but also by the process and personal satisfaction it can bring. Engaging in artistic activities can be a way to express oneself, to learn, and to grow. It can also serve as a therapeutic or meditative practice, fostering personal well-being.
Art is inherently subjective, and what may be seen as “bad” to some may be seen as raw, authentic, or innovative to others. Many renowned artists were not recognized in their own time or were critiqued for going against the grain of what was traditionally considered good or skillful art.
Moreover, the process of making art often leads to improvement over time. Therefore, if you enjoy creating, and it is meaningful for you, that is reason enough to continue, regardless of your current skill level.
Underappreciated Artists
One prominent example is Vincent van Gogh, who struggled with poverty and mental health issues during his lifetime and sold only a few paintings. His work received little attention and was often criticized for its unconventional techniques and bold colors. It was only after his death that van Gogh’s art gained recognition, and he is now regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western art history.
His story illustrates how the value of art can change dramatically over time and how artists who were once overlooked or undervalued can later be celebrated.
Vincent van Gogh only became famous after his death due to a combination of factors including the changing tastes in art, which later came to appreciate his unique style, and the efforts of his family, particularly his sister-in-law Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, who worked tirelessly to promote his work and organize exhibitions. Over time, the emotional intensity of his art and the dramatic elements of his life story captured the public’s imagination, helping to build his reputation as a misunderstood genius.
Paying The Bills
Making a living as an artist is generally not easy. It often requires not only skill and creativity but also entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and adaptability. Artists must navigate the challenges of inconsistent income, market demands, and intense competition. Many artists find themselves balancing their creative work with other jobs to support themselves financially. Success in the arts can depend as much on networking, marketing, and business acumen as on talent and artistic ability.
Starving Artists
The stereotype of the “starving artist” paints a picture of an individual who sacrifices material well-being for the sake of their art. It suggests that artists are often so committed to their craft that they live in poverty, struggling to sell their work and make a living. This image is rooted in the romantic notion that true art requires suffering and that financial struggle is a common and perhaps even necessary part of the artistic life. It reflects the real challenges many artists face due to the unpredictability of the art market and the often precarious nature of income from art alone.
Social Media’s Effect
Social media has significantly altered the perception and consumption of art. It democratizes access, allowing people from all over the world to view and interact with art that they might not otherwise see. Artists can now reach a global audience with a few clicks, which challenges traditional gatekeeping by galleries and institutions.
Art on social media is often consumed rapidly, which can change the focus from contemplation to immediate engagement. The visual nature of platforms like Instagram or TikTok lends itself well to the visual arts, but it also means that success can be tied to an artwork’s immediate visual appeal and shareability.
Moreover, the feedback loop created by likes and comments can influence artists, potentially leading them to cater to trends or popular styles to gain followers and visibility. The metrics of social media success can sometimes overshadow the deeper value or meaning of the art.
In this environment, the concept of what constitutes art can broaden, as social media blurs the lines between traditional art forms and more commercial or entertainment-oriented content. It has also given rise to new forms of digital and performance art, creating subcultures and communities that transcend geographic boundaries.
Conclusion
The conclusion on whether art is for everyone hinges on the distinction between art as a professional career and art as a form of personal expression. As a career, not everyone will find that being an artist suits them, due to the demands of the market, the need for resilience in the face of uncertainty, and the challenges of making a sustainable income. However, as a form of personal expression, art can indeed be for everyone. The act of creating, whether or not the outcome is deemed successful by others, can offer a profound means of personal fulfillment, communication, and emotional exploration.
Therefore, while not everyone may be cut out to be a professional artist, the potential for artistic expression resides in everyone. In this inclusive view, art is a fundamental human impulse, a way of seeing the world, and a mode of communication open to all, regardless of innate talent or formal recognition. The joy and the transformative power of art need not be confined to those who seek to make it their livelihood. It can enrich anyone’s life, offering a space for creativity and reflection that is as unique as the individual themselves.