Art Lessons by Larry Weiss

Am I a real artist?



How can I tell if I’m an artist yet? What do I have to do to become a real artist?

My students have asked these questions, and more. In the spirit of “there are no stupid questions”, I will try to answer.


In Ghana, and perhaps other places, they have no word for artist. In that society, it is assumed that everyone is an artist. I agree.

 

In America, we call anyone who sings on a stage an artist, but we imply that singing in the bathtub, is somehow less. Some think that dancing in a tutu is artistic, but on a dance floor, it falls short.


Everyone agrees that artistic ability and creativity are intimately linked. Nevertheless, people do not necessarily see that everyone is creative.

 

Here is a list of some creative acts:


  • Writing on the walls just before the new paint job.
  • Dancing in your underwear.
  • Re-arranging stuff on your dresser.
  • Selecting furniture
  • Making yellow circles in the snow
  • Saying something funny.
  • Making up a lie.
  •  

    You get the idea. We are all artists.


    Now, if you are asking about being a painter, that’s very different. It’s a skill that you acquire, and never stop acquiring.

    So being a painter is journey, not a destination.

     

    Edgar Degas said it best.

    Painting is very easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do.

    And I say.

    Infuse every part of your life, every move you make, everything you say, with your personal creativity. You owe it to yourself and the rest of us too.


    Current As Of
    Everything on this site is copyrighted,
    Nothing may be copied or reproduced anywhere without written permission.