What Is It To Be An Artist?

This September, I was honored to be asked to speak on a panel about what it is to be an artist. The event was Rhythmic Earth Dance, a recurring event held on the stunning grounds at Amethyst Retreat Center. Co-hosts Natalie and Ruthie invited me and three other panelists to discuss what it is to be an artist.

The questions implored us to look inward – when did we define ourselves as artists, what do we think of bad art, is there any one way to be an artist?

I sat next to panelists who defined themselves as musicians, jewelers, dancers, studio owners, creators, engineers, and more. Between the four of us, we came up with over a dozen ways to define ourselves.

And yet, I don’t think a single one of us called ourselves an “artist” until we were asked to be a part of this panel.

What does that say about us? About being an artist in general? What images are conjured up when we hear the word “artist”? Why are we so reluctant to honor ourselves with a title that does not need to be earned but simply is, by creating?

Overcoming this roadblock of earning the prestigious title of “artist” is important. It’s important in the way we validate our work and our efforts, and it’s also important in the way we work with others.

How many of us have stopped from doing something cool or important or beautiful or worthless because “only artists do that”? Why do we slink away from opportunities we’ve trained for because we’re not “really” an artist?

We stop ourselves from CREATING and COLLABORATING when we think we cannot share in the company of those we admire.

I’m glad I was brave enough to call myself an artist, speak on the panel, and open myself up to the possibilities.