Article by Ashlee Solecki (ashlee@artscouncilwb.ca)
What is an artist? People define an artist in many different ways, and often, that description will not include themselves. What does it take to be considered an artist? Is it notoriety, perhaps a specific level of mastery? No, it's much simpler: an artist is a person who creates.
Do you create as a hobby? Do you draw, or write, or act, or sculpt (and so on and so forth)? Congratulations, you are an artist!
Being an artist is being a part of a community; one that connects people to each other, and to their history.
One of the many benefits of the arts community is the encouragement and support it can provide to others. This community is larger than we can know, but we can only know who is a part of it if those people acknowledge themselves as belonging to that community.
A beginner who wishes to improve is already an artist: one who can grow and develop. The point is that being a professional in a craft is not actually needed for someone to be considered an artist – there’s a misconception that the artistic community is exclusive and only available to the select few whom reach a certain level of prestige. That is not the case, and when we encourage artists – all artists – to identify themselves as such, we place them in an environment of support where they can grow and enjoy art themselves and with others.
There are preconceived notions and expectations about what an artist has to be, but there is truly no limit to art – it does not have to be conventional. It can be a beginner’s work. The important thing is that people continue to create. When we create, we inspire others. Maybe we inspire them to go on and create their own art.
Artists create artists who create community. Anyone can truly be an artist. People are born artists. Children are creating all the time, and it is something to be encouraged. Pablo Picasso reminds us that “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Children with their insurmountable creativity and lack of fear create art constantly because they do not yet understand any notion of what an artist is and have not yet had anyone instil the idea that they can’t be an artist.
Everyone has the potential to be an artist if only we can encourage people and foster the growth and confidence they need to identify as such.
Are you an artist? Of course you are! Join our local arts community and let's support and encourage more artists to take part in our community. Stay connected to the arts community through Arts Council Wood Buffalo. It's easy to become a member. We even have a Membership Bank with free memberships for those who may not have the financial means to purchase one. After all, the arts community is for everyone.
