When I started painting at the end of 2021, I could not consider myself as an artist.
For me, acrylic painting was just a way to explore a different and completely new technique. Only recently I have started to think about whether I can really call myself an artist and what that means. Here are my thoughts.
"The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel." - Piet Mondrian
Artists are motivational ambassadors
In the collective imagination, an artist in the broad sense is someone who is able to create a painting, a sculpture, a drawing with a very high level of skill. If we take this definition of the term "artist" as a basis, then anyone could become an artist.
But if we look at the narrower meaning of this word, an artist is not only a person who creates a work of art, but much more. He is the one who, through his works, can transmit a message (political, religious, ethical, etc.) to his contemporaries and especially to future generations, using the universal language of art.
He is the one who motivates the viewers to become aware of the world they live in and to be a better version of themselves.
Artists are outsiders with a deeper emotional connection to the world
Artists are witnesses to their times, and their artworks are their own contribution to creating a better society, a better world where people can reconnect with their emotional world and with each other.
In the process, they develop a parallel way of life. Sometimes they are seen as "outsiders" to their contemporary world. They have a deep spiritual connection with the reality in which they live, which allows them to feel and think at a level much deeper than that of a normal human being, and for this reason they can see aspects of our existence that are not recognised by most people.
"The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of". - Leonardo da Vinci
This ability can be both a gift and a curse.
A gift because they can find meaning in their existence and, thanks to their status as "artists", are free and tolerated when they behave outside the conventional mould.
A curse because they can be misunderstood or suffer from loneliness because they cannot adapt to a world that is not able to feel and think like them. And often, when their message is understood, they are not there to experience it all. Yet they become immortal because they live on and speak through their masterpieces.
Final thoughts
If I see myself and my art within this context, I can consider myself an artist in the broader meaning of the word. I try through my paintings to motivate the observers to brighten up their everyday life, even in a world which is full of uncertainty, unsafety, fear and where we seem to have lost faith in a better future.
If my message passes through space and time to the future generations making me an artist in broader sense, I can’t say it today. The only thing I know is that thanks to art I finally start to find a sense of fulfilment and purpose in my life.
What are your thoughts about this? Let me know in the comments.
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Have a colourful and creative day!
Laura
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