a world full of art.
“Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” Kurt Vonnegut
i never really thought of myself as an artist. but, then i saw this:
and suddenly it all made sense.
i am an artist.
i am a writer. i need to write. writing is like breathing. and when i write, i believe that i create something.
i am a photographer. taking pictures is like capturing a moment of beauty, sharing something wonderful through an image.
i may not get paid for the things that i write or photograph (yet!), but that doesn’t make me any less of an artist. and, you know what, being an artist isn’t really something one does anyway… it is who one is. an artist is a person that notices details, observes the world, appreciates every little beautiful thing. an artist is someone who seeks to be aware.
but, of course, the idea of art is not to keep it for one’s self, is it? it’s not just some cozy writing moment or some beautiful image staring back at you from your computer screen. no, art is meant to be enjoyed & shared. art builds community, evokes emotions, challenges ideas & beliefs, teaches, calms, and inspires.
in truth, aren’t we all artists?
“Let’s just say that I think any person who aspires, presumes, or feels the calling to be an artist has a built-in sense of duty.” ~ Patti Smith.
peace, my fellow artisans.
This was really beautiful and inspiring. You are an artist, of course! I’m trying to get myself back into doing the drawing and painting…and writing too, that used to make me so happy. What a wonderful reminder that we create beautiful things to be shared, to make others happy, too.
Thank you, Katie. And, for the record, you are a beautiful photographer! So, I count you in on the title “artist”.
By the way, I love the new blog. It’s really great that you are going out on your own and getting into designing, using your education. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labor!
This was really beautiful and inspiring. You are an artist, of course! I’m trying to get back into drawing and painting…and writing too, the things that used to make me so happy. What a wonderful reminder that we create beautiful things to be shared, to make others happy, too.
It’s taken a lot for me to come to terms that I am indeed an artist.
Somehow the declaration of this to the world seemed rather…how do I say this…hmm, it seemed rather contemptuous to me because I was raised to be humble and I was always told that I should not say these things out loud. I think I may have overdosed on this belief as I was growing up, lol.
But there were many a thing or two that made me think otherwise. I need to write. I need to paint. I need to pick up my guitar. My heart bleeds art. My heart beats art. My life IS art.
And this is who I am, whether contemptuous or insolent…I am me, and this life I live, I choose to live with art by my side.
YAY! I love to hear this from you. Embrace your artistic nature! xo
it was true art, make our lives more meaningful. I really love the article you .. regards artsy:)