If an artist can no longer create art...are they still an artist?

Question

After a brief career surge, I have become unable to create my art. I suffer from debilitating refractory major depression and can no longer compose music. I feel like part of me is missing. Am I still a composer?

snide aside 'kay?

Answer 1

I guess it depends who you talk to. My friends call me an artist without hesitation but I haven't actually been in my studio for over a year. I, on the other hand, only call myself an artist when I am doing something I consider artistic or relating to my creation of art, such as actually working on a piece, taking pictures of a piece, or adding the picture to my web page dedicated to my art. I think this is because I prefer terms of certainty for the most part. I have created art, yes, but I do not know if I will ever again. Somehow it just seems sad, but I suspect that if you talk to someone who has changed professions or moved on to another hobby they might (probably?) refer to their role in the career or sport (or whatever) in the past tense. On the other hand, if you have created art in the past and still possess the capacity to do it again in the future (when the circumstances are right), then there's really no reason to deny yourself the title of artist.

Sorry I have no direct answer for your question. Just because I don't give myself the label all the time doesn't mean you shouldn't give it to yourself. That's why I gave some arguments to go in either direction. Decide on which makes you happiest or most comfortable.

Depression? Are you getting treatment? Are you on medication(s)? Sometimes the meds for depression inhibit the creative process. That, I think, is what is happening to me. Tell your doc that this is a problem and he should help by changing the dose or the med. If not, maybe meds will lift the depression that is fogging the road to your creative outlet? Just be careful with medication. Research the med before you take it and be aware of the reaction to your body and mind so that you can catch any possible problems before it gets too bad.

Answer 2

Yes, you are. I can relate a bit, since I've been an artist (painter) most of my life (among other things) yet have not painted since April 2005. My reasons are different; I'm not depressed, just weary of the art world & the last miscreant gallery owner. I wonder if it's "can't" or "won't" & if won't, why do you think? Creative people often go through "funks," but I don't believe they ever, ever lose their ability. If you have a major depression, when you get past it, the YOU will be waiting, I mean--your "muse!" The artist in you cannot go away, but you can leave IT for awhile. Perhaps, one day I'll paint again, I really don't know. Probably. (Possibly?) You may only need to get past this phase, (I haven't a clue how serious it is) but most definitely YES, you're still a composer. The "missing" part is only for now. I hope that when you "connect" again, it will be even more fulfilling.

Edit: Very good answer from Itrix--but I must dispute the reasoning in the answer of billard. "Aclaim" does not make an artist. "It takes others to make an artist?" Hello? Sorry. This couldn't be further from the truth. It was certainly"rewarding" to be as successful as I was, but in NO way altered my concept of the "truth" in what I created. I think you know quite well who you are; there are so many "fake" painters out there with promoters & so on, & does that make them an "artist?"

Answer 3

Life is composed of BE, DO, AND HAVE. More than likely and I don't know because we haven't talked about it, but I would guess you have a suppressive person in your vicinity. Most artists do. This person makes you feel small, like a failure or that you shouldn't try certain things. This person is deathly afraid of you flourishing and prospering as an artist. They (suppressive people) probably coined the term "starving artist. Scientology will show you how to detect this and handle it so you can BE what an artist is, DO what an artist does and HAVE what an artist has.

Answer 4

You bet your life you are still a composer.

Music, like the written word, comes from the heart when it is shared honestly.

I know the desperate feeling losing a part of you can be. Where once your mind could fly freely and your heart would sore like an eagle in the early morning sunrise. Now, not because of your own faillngs, depression has over taken your fantastic abilities, but just for now. Depression is a mean task-master, Dear, a rough and discouraging one.

As you know, composing begins with what's in your heart and, while most people may not understand it, it comes through your soul to your fingures and suddenly you find yourself on a different plain, bringing forth a song that the whole world needs to hear.

Please know, it is still there. It will come, perhaps in different ways, but it will come!!

Your still have much to give of who you are to a world that needs to feel what you are. Imagine what literature would have been if some of our most distinguished authors, suffering depression them selves, had not written. Inspite of that dark enemy of ours stopping them, the pressed on...and won. And they became pre-emminent writers. Poe is one such person, and while he was a dark auther, he was never-the-less creative. Salley Fields, Capote, Stephen King all have boughts with depression. Patty Duke has written of her winning over depression.

I often think we ought to form a group for creative people like your, who have found themselves stymied by depression. Writers, composers, singers and so much more think and feel things in a different way. Write about your inner person when the thought come. Realize that today is reality. Yesterday is past, oh, but tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. And each tomorrow brings a promise just for you. A blessing from the highest mountain to the deepest valley, light will shine for you again.

King

Answer 5

Noone can call him- or herself an artist on a whim; at best they can refer to themselves as an artisan or a craftsperson. In order to be truly considered an artist, they must be acclaimed as an artist by others. An artist is someone who creates something that enables others to see an aspect of the world in a new or unique manner. One can not be an artist in isolation, it takes others to make an artist.

If you were once considered an artist, you will always be considered an artist. You are not an artist only when you are actively creating your art, you are an artist when you are considered to be one by those who have the experience to form a critical judgement about such matters.

After Beethoven lost his hearing, he was still an artist.

Answer 6

Hello Alma. I would say absolutely you ARE still a COMPOSER. It's just the thing of having to search and look down deeper within the wellspring of innate creativity and muse within you. It's like there's still gold inside of you, but it is demanding more effort and patience to actually mine it as it were. Maybe friend you need to find other ways to allow it to well up within you, and be willing to try and maybe even fail in the potential and hope of finding/regaining what you already have. It's like something is damning it from flowing in the more normal way, yet the reserve is still there. So Alma, it is IN you... so DON'T give up. In the meantime, find other creative outlets to explore and delve into. Keep hope for better days to come again and encourage yourself often. Take care and good luck.

Answer 7

You are still an artist. I took 2 years off from painting because I desparately needed distance myself from the artworld, the voices of critics, the voices of other artists, etc etc. I never stopped believing that I was an artist and a painter. I find that writing helps me out of those times of doubt, depression and artist's block or feeling of being dried up. With music, find what inspires you. Sounds from the street, from outside your window, from nature, from a cafe. Whatever. Look at your surroundings and your own environment. This is what helped me find inspiration again and feel connected again. And hold onto your faith that you are still an artist, still a composer and still connected to that part of you.

Answer 8

I can understand what you're feeling now. I used to write poetry, but suddenly the inspiration flied away. I have a 35 poem collection, and I'm still waiting my reborn. Don't worry, i think real artists have to wait the appropriate moment to write, we must be authentic, not commercial. Most "artists" write crap as fast as they wake up. Be patient, your time will come soon. You're an artist no matter what people say. Believe it.

Answer 9

Yes, you are still an artist...when my father died, I lost my inspiration..it is hard to be creative, when you feel like you have the weight of the world on you. this has been over eleven years ago, and problem after problem has arisen, to keep me from being the creative gifted person, I know I am. So to answer you sadly coincidental question, Yes, you are still an artist, and it is time to start playing music in your house again, and going for walks, and praying to God, for strength...God Bless, through Jesus... and Robthomas, got it right...you probably do have a suppressive person, in your midst

Answer 10

I can somewhat understand your intrinsic struggle, as I am a 2 time emergency brain surgery survivor whose career ended at the 15 year mark. I am now 47, and have come to the conclusion it is not my total responsibility to figure out what I am going to do with the rest of my life, rather I am to be a co-creator with a greater Universal Spirit and Force, not of a religious nature. Creativity is intrinsic! As for depression, Celexa has done wonders for me..........I wish you wellness and a abundance of creativity................