The Art of Being an Artist

“The artist must bow to the monster of his own imagination.” 
― Richard Wright

Being an artist, I believe is an art form in itself. We create vulnerably to basically strangers, allowing them to judge and critique what we do. But it also means being able to be openly ourselves to the world, infusing parts of ourselves into a creative outlet.

There is a sense of responsibility that we carry when we commit to being an artist: we must be vulnerable and honest with ourselves and put that into our work. I have come to learn that that is what makes a great artist stand out and shine.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” 
― Pablo Picasso

The artist knows the weight they carry; to find inspiration where ever they can, create consistently and with passion. Then if they choose to pursue it as a career,  sell that art. This to me, is the scariest part of being an artist, and is the reason why I have struggled to go beyond where I am comfortable, and work in my chosen field.

 I always have this re-occuring worry that my art is like a little song bird, that I am caging and selling for audiences to see. This is my worry that I always come back to as an artist, but I have started to understand that it is my job to break out of that comfort zone and become a true artist that bears themselves openly, turning it into a career is such a big dream of mine, one that I feel finally ready to try and that I deserve some success.

The most important thing as an artist is to honour your gift. We all have one, in one way or another. This is something that really makes us shine and what speaks to an audience, separating us from one another. I have struggled with this for a while, finding where my unique voice lies. But I have recently come to learn that is from my mistakes, lessons and past that my identity can be found, as well as where I want to be going.

I treasure my artistry and can see that I have a gift for inspiring self-empowerment, and embracing delicacy in our lives. Using these as my tools to promote positivity and kindness to those who need it. This is how my artistry speaks for me, and how I choose to harness it. <3

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” 
― Albert Einstein