Artist.
Can I even call myself that?
Artist.
The word intimidates me. Who am I to call myself that? I didn’t go to art school, I didn’t even take art classes in school.
What is the difference between someone who sews, versus someone who creates art with their sewing machine? What is the difference between art and craft? I know there are raging arguments on that question and I don’t really expect anyone to answer. The arguements just make me feel even more insecure about using the word “artist” on myself.
But isn’t that part of the journey when becoming an artist? The insecurity, the uncertainty, the sheer fear of it all? I feel so small in the vast pool of creativity that I see out there. I feel like an amoeba – small, undefined, and yet full of possibility when the evolution occurs.
So I channelled my fears into a mini-quilt. A whole bunch of them actually. I created a slew of little quilted amoeba artists in specimen jars to comfort me and my feelings.
I’m going to keep one within line of sight of my sewing machine, to always remind me that I have possibilities and not just limitations. Amoebas are very capable of growth.
And then to completely jump off the cliff of fear – I sent a few of the amoeba artists off to a magazine. Not the one in the photo, but different ones. Hopefully I’m not hurting my chances by sharing a photo in my blog. But I wanted to share my story of the amoebic little artist inside of me. The one that wants to evolve into something more complex.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
I can definitely relate. When people ask, “Are you an artist?” there is always a pause before I figure out how to respond.
I like the combination of biology and art going on in your amoeba sculptures!
January 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
My own definition of art is something that is not utilitarian. A utilitarian item may be artfully (artistically?) made but still has a use.
The debate for me is “is it good art?”
So to my mind, yes, you are an artist. Absolutely. (You’re welcome. I know you were waiting on my approval
January 9th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
To all of you offering me encouragement – Have I told you lately that I love you?
January 10th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Oooh, I like the specimens of art. Art seems like such a floaty, free and undefinable thing sometimes; I enjoy that you’ve gone and captured art right out of the ether and kept samples of it to look at.
Also, like the scrappy string, too. It has such character.
January 11th, 2010 at 7:14 am
I agree with Brenda you are an Artist and never ever doubt it. You have intelligent thoughts on Art and I wish I could have explained the specimens in the way Sarcastra has…Spot on!
Van Gogh to Theo (his brother) said, ”There is something intimate in painting I cannot explain to you it is so delightful just to express one,s feelings. His words could apply to any creative work.