Are you an Arist?

 

When asked what I do, I respond I"m a teacher... and then sometimes I quickly whisper , I also design and weave scarves, however more often than not, I completely omit the second part. 

For example, I was leaving yoga, and while talking I mentioned that I planned to spend most of my weekend weaving, someone who didn't know me, inquired if I was a professional weaver. My gut response, no, I'm a teacher, and do some weaving on the side. ( those of you that know me I"m sure are laughing at my claim to do "some" weaving) However, one of my friends was there and she quickly chimed in, yes she's a professional weaver, check out these amazing scarves that she designs. In that moment, I realized that she was right, I am  a professional weaver, I should be proud of it, and it should not a wonderfully kept secret.

While talking with a friend, she asked, " do you ever call yourself an artist?" My response, no, but I know that I should. Deep down I know that I am.

Why is it so hard to call identify ourselves as artists?  I feel that it's actually quiet simple, we have trouble because as a culture we have decided that being creative, that being an artist is for an extreme select few. Leaving most of us that create things, unsure what to call ourselves. 

I am an artist.

 I design, 

I create, 

I share 

and sell my work. 

I am an ARTIST. I'm not ready to scream this while standing on the rooftop yet, but I'm making a sincere effort to tell people that I"m a teacher and an artist.

 

From Art and Fear

“To require perfection is to invite paralysis. The pattern is predictable: as you see error in what you have done, you steer your work toward what you imagine you can do perfectly. You cling ever more tightly to what you already know you can do – away from risk and exploration, and possibly further from the work of your heart. You find reasons to procrastinate, since to not work is to not make mistakes.”

 

What is holding you back from introducing yourself as an artist?

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