On Being an Artist | #MyFridayStory No. 1
Not only the artist that makes music, or paints, sculpts, designs and builds, but every person that has ever made themselves vulnerable, understands what it takes to be an artist.
I was fortunate to have grown up in a creative home. My Mom is musical, my brother both musical and artistic, my sisters are artistic and creative, I have fair talents in both art and music, and my Dad...he told people: The only thing I can play, is the radio!
This meant that from a young age, I was exposing my 'work' to criticism - on purpose. For an artist, it is the shipping of the work that gives you a thrill, and the only way is to put your work on display for everyone to see. You can expose yourself, and your work, and make yourself vulnerable, because it is authentically you. However, like any art piece, it might not be for everyone.
Is it a risky way to live? Sure!
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Accountants, lawyers and nurses - they can all be artists. So can you. Stop hiding your work. By putting your work on display for all to see, making yourself vulnerable to criticism, you have in you the makings of a Maestro or a Michelangelo.
(Image courtesy of my friend & local artist Greatjoy Ndlovo)
Beautiful thread. I love how this perspective on art empowers the artist. When the artist has defined art as deliberately exhibiting vulnerability...at no point would such an artist have a 'creative block'. Since all beings have an expression about which opinions are formed, all beings are artists. When your father said the phrase with "playing the radio", that in itself was artistic... Comedic... It seems to me like your whole house growing up was artistic, your dad was just the subtle kind of artist. 3 years later, this is still an awesome read. Thanks Frans
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7 年true dat
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7 年Thanks Frans, Very well written! I am an artist... Will send you a copy.
Author | Storyteller | Cultural Catalyst ~ In the story of our lives, the hardest chapters often lead to the most profound transformations.
7 年Thanks Beth, that's kind of you! ?? I agree wholeheartedly! It's in completing your art - or as Seth Godin calls it, "Shipping" - whether it's a sculpture, a whittled-whistle, or simply being generous to someone, that's where the artist finds pleasure and purpose. It takes courage to be an artist, best thing is, anyone can be one! ??
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7 年Great article Frans... in my opinion, the personal joy and pleasure of completing any piece far outweighs the critics, good or bad.