Am I am artist? What do you think?

Question

I have loved art all my life and have studied it in both high school and college. I did not finish my degree and do not do it for a living (now a stay at home mom) but I do continue to draw and paint. My husband says unless you do it for a living (professionally) you are not an artist. What do you think? Thanks!

Answer 1

I had the same life, and then after 10 years of marriage was divorced. Went back to college, held down a few jobs and with the help of my mom raised my three children.As I worked to bring home the money I still managed to sell a little piece of artwork now and then. As my kids grew older I started seeking art related jobs, such as window painting, murals and set painting. I was freelancing but holding down regular jobs too.
It didn't occur to me that I was an artist until someone said, You make money off of your art, don't you? Surprised, I thought, well yes I am an artist!
I have been an artist since I was three years old, but didn't realize it until I was about 38 years old.
Don't let anyone tell you that you're not, and remind them that many of the most famous artists in history never sold a painting while they were alive and became famous after they died.
Just think of yourself as an artist on vacation until you have more time in life to pursue your dream.

Answer 2

You don't have to be a pro or have some degree to be an artist! I know this guy from africa and he has never once taken an art class and doesn't have a degree for art or anything like that.....Well he's an amazing artist and he told me you don't need a degree or classes as long as thats whats in your heart and you know this is your God given gift. He travels all over from Africa to Orlando...etc.., just everywhere and people pay a lot of money for his artwork, and he has never had to take classes or anything!! So keep up what you Love doing!!! I know thats what I plan on. God bless
Luv *Jess*
P.S Just because its not something you do as a living doesn't mean that its still not in your heart! Art isn't what I do for a living but its still something I love doing just the same and whenever I do take my art to the local art gallery people still say to me that I'm an amazing artist....So tell your hubby he's wrong about that.

Answer 3

An artist is anyone who creates something with passion, skill, and craft that reflects an uniqueness (idea, technique, point of view, etc.) of the creator. A child can be an artist, a mother can be an artist, a construction worker can be an artist - anyone can be an artist.

It doesn't matter if you get 'paid' to do it.

Using your husbands logic: A successful artist who has supported himself for years selling his paintings 'for a living' retires. He now works in a local grocery store stocking shelves to 'earn a living', but he still paints and people still love his work. However, he doesn't want to sell his work ever again.

This means he is no longer an artist? No, of course not. He's an artist as long as he keeps creating.

I would agree an artist is not a 'professional' or 'commercial' artist until they get paid for their work, but he/she is always an artist none-the-less.

Answer 4

Hi:

You don't have to do it for a living to be called an artist by any means at all! Many well known artists thoughout history haven't really made a living off their artwork - a lot of them had some family money to begin with - like Toulouse Lautrec. I think Vincent Van Gogh was supported by his brother, and I think only sold one of his paintings while he was alive. Don't let this narrow definition discourage you or make you feel that you are less of an artist. For me, I think it's a good idea to envision you have a muse (or angel) who is gently inspiring you and pushing you to do more artwork. (It can't hurt.) It also seems like developing more art and creativity in yourself can benefit so many more areas in your life, you just never know what it might be enhancing.

Think of how you would describe yourself to someone who doesn't know you - what you would say first? If you really have the desire to do more with art, eventually the first words that should pop out for your description of yourself will be that you're an artist. (This is also a little bit of marketing - sort of a way to practice if you are ever in a situation where you are exhibiting your art, and a possible patron approaches you and starts to ask you about your artwork. It helps to sort of practice what you might say, and definititely, it seems like more people like some meaning in artwork, or want to know about why you chose to make a particular artwork.)

You may be interested to join an online artist community, wetcanvas, with more than 97,000 worldwide members. Basic membership is free, and it is one of the best websites I have seen. There are various forums, like sculpture, pastels, oil painting, and such, and it is really incredible. Also, a local art gallery owner and author, Paul Dorrell, wrote a very exceptional book entitled 'Living the Artist's Life', and many people highly regard this book. He also writes a blog that is very interesting and inspiring to read.

I don't have any children, but my main income doesn't come from art, but I have been selling a few paintings, and I belong to a local art group, the MidAmerica Pastel Society, and always try to find activities that will keep my art on track. You might see if you can find a local art group and join because the people in it probably have very similar situations to yours, and it is alway nice to have the comradery of people with like minds. I truly hope this helps, and I hope you are able to work on your art as much as you want! :)

Answer 5

thats not very nce of him to say. I'm surprised an artist would have ended up with a man so rigid in his thinking. Just because you choose not to capitalise on your talents by going commercial it doesnt mean your not an artist. If I were you, I'd find out about how you can finish your degree, just for yourself- distance learning, part time whatever. Im studying fashion design at the moment, I didn't do art for my final school exams but I found my way around that. Always find your way around things if you can't find your way through them. I think as an artist, your talent needs to be encouraged, don't let your husband stifle you- maybe he's jealous!

Answer 6

If you make art, you are an artist, as far as I'm concerned.
Tell your husband that Vincent Van Gogh didn't sell a single painting while he was alive.
Very few contemporary artists are able to support themselves solely from their art (some teach, others do commercial work like portraits or illustration).
Art is about a lot more than making money.

Answer 7

I think you are an artist.

Its not about making a living from it, its about how you see and understand the world around you. It is how you express yourself as a person.

Some think mathimatically, scientifically, machanically...so on. But the artist's mind is interested in philosophy, spirituality, developing new concepts & ways of thinking. It is the way we think with out helping it, its a mind you were born with.

Artist's find it hard to think systematically. It is the exact oppisite kind of mind artist's have. If we can make a living, its on the side.

Answer 8

Definately British; My good Bands are a million. Oasis, 2. Beatles, 3. Stones, 4. The Who, and love Rod Stewart, The Kinks, and so on. BQ: The White Stripes BQ2: Oasis BQ3: Barenaked females BQ4: AC/DC (Australian) BQ5: Bob Dylan BQ6: U2 BQ7: The Black Crowes

Answer 9

if you are able to create something then you are a artist.do regular practice of your drawing.if you forget all drawing and painting then you are no longer be a artist.i love my art .i think art is like god of all the artist.if you think you are a artist then please do daily practice of art.make a exhibition of your painting.show them to others.i hope one day you became a good artist.i think your husband don't know about art.forget him and i hope one day your husband should know how great artist is his wife.keep it up!

Answer 10

No, It's not like you need some type of formal license to prove you're an artist.