As I have enjoyed reading all the amazing blog posts during Art Every Day Month I realized something about me. I have been hesitant to call myself an artist. I wasn’t sure why, but I have felt in my heart I wasn’t an artist yet. Now I know why I felt that way. I “can’t draw”. Somewhere in my mind I have a definition of what it means to be an artist (really realistic sketch artist). Now, here is the crazy part -that definition only applies to me. When I see other artists I don’t put that limiting definition on them – heavens no! Any way they create is art – I have seen stunning photography, body art, paintings, quilting, poetry, writing, and of course, drawings. Thanks to AEDM I know one of my limiting beliefs and can now begin to rewrite it and see myself as an artist. Thanks Leah and all the artists I have met this month!
Here is today’s art – arranging the mirrors – many thanks to my hubby for patiently working with me as I decided on the placement of these mirrors. Still have some mirrors to purchase to fit a few last spaces but at least they are up on the wall now! I smile each time I walk past them. My kids say that it’s taking them a bit to get used to seeing themselves in one mirror as they walk up the stairs. Sort of freaks them out that someone is there until they remember that it is them….
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I struggle with this too, and it’s only this year that I’m willing to give myself that name. It’s funny, because when I look at your work, the first thought that comes into my heard is that you’re an artist! Generally, we’re always our own worst enemy. I love your work, Carolyn!
wow, what a beautiful wall! you are an Artist definitely…I think it’s a doubt we all have at some point… stereotypes and social norms do it to us. But everyone and anyone can be an Artist…you define it and make it come true!
What a fabulous {and extremely artistic!} wall design, Carolyn! Embracing titles for ourselves — of a positive nature — is a challenge. Especially the title of “artist” … This selection of poetry by Mary Oliver is something I kept as a bookmark in my journal as a reminder:
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own
~Mary Oliver
It’s funny how we put so many limitations on ourselves. Yes you are an artist! I love the mirrors, so elegant.
Love the mirrors. With the artist thing, I have known I was an artist for a while but when people ask me what I do, my usual response is stay at home mom. I have started to more recently say artist. I feel iffy on saying it because I feel like I should be making a living as an artist to say it to others. At the same time, I have an etsy shop now so I do occasional sell stuff. Just not enough for a living. But I have to put myself out there to sell stuff. Ah.
You are an artist.
Yes, you are! Who else would make such an AMAZing display as you have here – I love this so so much. And what a sweet husband! LOve, love, LOVe, xo
Love your mirrors and how you have arranged them. I know what you mean about calling yourself artist, I think we are afraid of expecting too much from ourselves when we have a *title*. For me, you are an artist! Valerie
Dear ARTIST–if it weren’t for the part about having a gorgeous wall full of gorgeous mirrors, I could’ve written this post. Signed, Me 😉
It gets easier once you start! When I started painting again (after 12 years of not painting at all) three years ago I couldn´t even think about calling myself an artist. Today I do, and it feels good. I am an artist and I don´t care if someone thinks I´m not.
You are an artist too!
Thank you everyone for such great words of encouragement!
YOU are an artist….and don’t you forget it ~ 😉 Yes, I think we have all struggled with that dilemma at one time or another but, you create, so therefore, you are an artist!
Your mirrored wall is amazing! My son would LOVE it! I have a mirror at my front door and I took down to repaint the frame earlier this year….my 23 year old son missed it terribly. He’s a personal fitness trainer and body image is everything to him. We all joke at how he can’t pass by a mirror for by he’s checking out his muscles. Dare I say that he is a little vain? lol
Wikipedia’s definition–Artist, Noun:
A person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby.
A person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as a sculptor, novelist, poet, or filmmaker.
You don’t have to make a living at it. Neither did VanGogh, right? It is having a creative soul…and you have that! 🙂
Read The Artist’s Way and it will change your life about this thought
I took a long break from art and had to ease myself back into it , and teaching art again and it took me ages to say i was an artist, so I called myself a creative for the longest time, but I have a wonderful few friends who have encouraged me and as my work has slowly spread out into the world I find I can call myself an artist… most days… your wall is extraordinary and makes me want to see more of your house…. so wantto have a good old stick beak and see all the ways your inner artist comes through xx
Carolyn, you are an artist, never doubt that again. You’ve been a great inspiration to me.
Big love
AJ
Yes you are. You definitely are. terah