I agree with what I think is the gist behind this statement. In our culture we have an information overload – we are constantly absorbing and digesting the mass media all around us, and it is so easy to just go along with it and do what everyone else is doing. It takes a conscious effort to break from that and recognize that we too can create – and to make space for that creativity.
And the stubbornness – it takes persistence to maintain that creative space for ourselves.
By the way, I really like your blog and appreciate all the tips.
yes. but in a different way that katie mentions. I think for artists, even for succesful artists, it is a very harsh climate to work in. There is a very utilitarian bent to our society and art is not utility. Many prefer to focus on negatives rather than positives. unconstructive rather than constructive criticism.
i think you must be determined, a bit arrogant or crazy, and thick skinned to be an artist. that kinda adds up to stubborn.
How are we defining artist? If you mean “someone who supports themselves through creation of art”, I’d agree with the statement. (But then, how do you define art? Someone creating advertisting may be doing art, but in a commerical setting. Are they an artist?) But, if we take the position that this blog often does that creativity is everywhere, we can also take a more liberal view of the definition of an artist. I sell myself to the man for 10 hours a day, but then create music at night. Am I an artist? A hobbyist? A creative tool of the man?
With the more liberal definition, it becomes easier to be an artist, because it’s not the only face you show to the world. (That said, life is difficult if you only show one face to the world. Even more difficult if you only have one face.)
And playing off of one of scenic artisans comments, does art HAVE to be non-utilitarian? I have a painting covering a hole in the wall. My wife has a beautiful handmade purse from an artisan in India. Both sure a utilitarian purpose, and function as art.
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I agree with what I think is the gist behind this statement. In our culture we have an information overload – we are constantly absorbing and digesting the mass media all around us, and it is so easy to just go along with it and do what everyone else is doing. It takes a conscious effort to break from that and recognize that we too can create – and to make space for that creativity.
And the stubbornness – it takes persistence to maintain that creative space for ourselves.
By the way, I really like your blog and appreciate all the tips.
yes. but in a different way that katie mentions. I think for artists, even for succesful artists, it is a very harsh climate to work in. There is a very utilitarian bent to our society and art is not utility.
Many prefer to focus on negatives rather than positives. unconstructive rather than constructive criticism.
i think you must be determined, a bit arrogant or crazy, and thick skinned to be an artist.
that kinda adds up to stubborn.
How are we defining artist? If you mean “someone who supports themselves through creation of art”, I’d agree with the statement. (But then, how do you define art? Someone creating advertisting may be doing art, but in a commerical setting. Are they an artist?)
But, if we take the position that this blog often does that creativity is everywhere, we can also take a more liberal view of the definition of an artist. I sell myself to the man for 10 hours a day, but then create music at night. Am I an artist? A hobbyist? A creative tool of the man?
With the more liberal definition, it becomes easier to be an artist, because it’s not the only face you show to the world. (That said, life is difficult if you only show one face to the world. Even more difficult if you only have one face.)
And playing off of one of scenic artisans comments, does art HAVE to be non-utilitarian? I have a painting covering a hole in the wall. My wife has a beautiful handmade purse from an artisan in India. Both sure a utilitarian purpose, and function as art.
Nitpicky, but hey, arguing is fun. :)
john..
you’re right.
i should have clarified “fine art” which to me is non utilitarian in intent ( not practical usage).
and EXCELLENT point about having more than one way to face the world.