Are you an artist?
Before you say no, consider that Artist here is being defined archetypally, as either a fine art Artist, who creates pieces of visual works such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and jewelry designs.
Or perhaps you’re the literary Artist who, creates because of harnessing inspirational messages by capturing words on paper, through pen and ink, don't forget digital ink (hello computers, hello bloggers).
Or are you an Artist who practices the healing arts such as Reiki, angel work, integrated energy therapy™ or self development such as a coach or counselor?
Are you a performing Artist that creates through song, dance or acting? Or are you an illuminated artist creating your masterpiece called life?
Each Artist, however their chosen medium takes shape, embodies the passion to express a dimension of life that is just beyond the five senses.
One of my favorite teachers, Dr. Caroline Myss writes this about the Artist archetype:
"Their [Artist] psyche is animated with the energy to express it into physical forms. The nature or relative grandeur of any form of expression is irrelevant; a chef can be as much of an Artist as a painter or landscaper.
The signature of artists is not in what they do but in how intense their motivation is to manifest the extraordinary.
Doing what you do in such a way that you create an emotional field that inspires others also indicates the Artist energy at work, as does the emotional and psychological need to express yourself so much that your well-being is wrapped up in this energy.”
Do you recognize yourself in any of the above descriptions?
If so, I encourage you to begin to consider yourself an Artist. Claim it. Nurture it. Live who you are. In so doing, begin to witness any struggle you may have had creating the life you desire begin to fade, along with any confusion or grief from denying yourself self acceptance.
Artists embody the passion to express a dimension of life that is just beyond the five senses. The need to create into form, to engage expression itself, is wrapped up in an Artist's well being.
Though I was born an Artist, it took me over twenty-eight years to fully accept that about myself. Though I always engaged Art and had many creative careers, such as photographer, graphic designer, website designer and Photoshop teacher, I was fearful to start my own business. Yet, I was miserable ignoring my spirit's call to work for myself.
I finally made a choice, I promised myself to live.
With a lot of determination, patience, discipline in releasing fear and expressing kindness to myself, I began to take small steps in living a piece of my spirit everyday, ten years later and all that hard work created freedom within.
Though cultivating inner freedom is an ongoing process, a life journey, I am free from despondency and thriving with possibility. For me, having once given up on life, this is a huge achievement.
To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist. ~ Schumann
For an Artist to deny who they are, refusing to admit the truth of embodying a creative spirit, that their essence is weaved within the Artist archetype, refusing to recognize its need to express, ignoring inspiration, inner whispers, scoffing at what the imagination reveals, whether self inflicted or imposed by family or friends, will lead an Artist to the edge of themselves.
Prolonged suppression will squeeze any remaining life force painfully out, showing itself through signs of depression.
“Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art. You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
There is nothing more painful than living with the death of your self, living with an embodied spirit that lay suppressed, rejected, hidden and persistently denied emergence, it’s an act of destruction.
The cure is to create. An act of creation will begin to free your spirit within. To freely create, into form, whatever is animating you with the energy to express it must be allowed, engaged supported and cultivated.
“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
As Artists, I believe it is crucial to our well-being to find community and the right kind of support, to find the courage to act in accordance with our creative spirit. More importantly, I believe as Artists it's crucial to KNOW that nothing is wrong with
There is nothing wrong in believing in the impossible dream.
There is nothing wrong with trusting your gut, more than your ears, over what others tell you or you even tell yourself.
There is nothing wrong with having an abundance of ideas, it's doesn't make you poor or unfocused. There is nothing wrong with possessing intuitive intelligence.
There's nothing wrong refusing to choose one thing to do in your life.
There's nothing wrong with having multiple interests.
There is nothing wrong in living your day-to-day outside the coveted 9-5 hours.
There is nothing wrong with being the only one "who gets it."
There is nothing wrong in seeing beauty in ordinary things.
There is nothing wrong about celebrating the triumph of a new creation, doing the very thing you once thought you couldn't.
There's nothing wrong with being sensitive.
There's nothing wrong with being hopeful and having that be your "reality."
There's nothing wrong with expressing dreams that want to come true.
There's nothing wrong in striving to create the life you desire no matter how long it takes.
There's nothing wrong in thinking different.
There's nothing wrong in being unlike anyone else.
There's nothing wrong in being truly unique (after all we all are and our finger print proves it).
There's nothing wrong in wanting to be free.
There's nothing wrong with being you.
There's nothing wrong in doing what you love.
What you love is what you're meant to do; the very reason you were born is to bring forward your gift. Your gift is what you love.
Your gift to the world is in being an Artist. There's nothing wrong in being an Artist.
Are you an artist?
Do you consider yourself an artist - now? What types of Art do you create? Are you a painter? A performer? Gardner? Teacher? Chef? Writer?
If you're an Artist, If your well-being is wrapped up in the need to create, regardless of medium or form, I invite you to claim your Artistic spirit by sharing what you like to create in the comments below.
Want to explore what your Artistic Spirit desires? download this worksheet and print. This is a free gift to all Artists from me. I only ask that you leave a comment and refer anyone here to download.
Update 4-6-2011 WED 1:50pm est
People are talking! So thrilled that this article was featured on Handmadeology.com and that Artist Jen was inspired to write a post on her blog claiming her inner Artist. One word. YAHOO! If you'd like to have your link placed below write a post on your blog about claiming your inner Artist and link back here. Leave a comment letting me know where to visit and I'll place you below.
By Jen: YES! I am an Artist
15 Comments | What are your creative thoughts?:
Lovely thoughts! I wrote on a similar topic on my blog today. It took me a while to "claim my artist" as I call it, and love encouraging others to do the same. Thanks for providing your encouragement to others too!
Hello Kat!
You're right, sometimes it does take a while to "claim [our] artist" as you and Julia Cameron express, but when we do, we begin to free ourselves. We begin to live with a light heart and FLY.
I believe the reason we are put on this earth is to bring forward our gifts, express them into the world. Our journey is to remove all the barriers that keep this from happening, from us taking action. No one can be a better you other than you. NO one can unlock the gifts inside you other than you. No on can MAKE you take action or believe in yourself other than you. Which is why it is so important to surround yourself w/others intent on doing the same, working to unlock, discover, and reveal their hidden treasures. Connecting with a group like that is what makes the journey less scary and fun. That's what I intend this blog to be a space for, that what I work on, one-one-one with clients, only w/a one-on-one we're addressing how these concepts apply specifically to them in creating action, discovery or continuing to expand their gifts into the world.
Love the quote you offered from the The Vein of Gold
by Julia:
"...you will reclaim your keys to the creative gifts locked within you. You will discover that the keys have been yours all along. This means, of course, that it is not my place to name you an artist. Such power would be lovely, but it does not reside with me. You are the one who must name yourself. You are the one who must seek - and claim - your creative destiny. No one else can do that for you, but you can do it for yourself."
This post is so powerful to me as a person. I have always felt I was a creative soul, but my creativity comes out in so many different way not typically being associated with what I had in my mindset of what being an "Artist" is. Thank you for sharing the "Artist Archtype" information. It it something I will read over and over again. Actually all of the information in this post will help me with my personal growth process. xoxo
Hello Shelley from JunkArta
I love it when we have an ah-ha moment. that moment always seems to gift us with the expansion of who we are, which I see as beautiful. anytime we find moments to "help with...personal growth" simply means we are ready, willing and able, to begin to live a larger part of ourselves, a part that once lay hidden and now, viola! Is out + ready to fly!
Thank you so much for sharing your generous comment. Totally made my day! I'm thrilled to know this post helped you, it fulfills my purpose for having this blog, to grow, inspire and connect as artists! It's so important to have the right kind of support. I wish I had the type of support I have now, connecting to other artists online and their creative spaces, when I was going through a hard time making my way as an artist and accepting what that means for me and the choices I was being asked to make in life. I have this perception that a lot of the grief and feelings of isolation would have been lessoned. But that was then and another part of the reason I started this blog to give back and support Artists who are ready to THRIVE!
~ Stephey
ah-ha moments...I can say that my life...has been designed around them. I usually use the word "rejuvinate" because after my ah-ha moments I tend to dig deeper, and make life changes, both subtle and bold. Did you actually write the "Artist" words? When I read them I feel like someone is describing a part of who I am. I have to show my friends and family. It's funny because I have been described by them (with love, and appreciation) as being obsessive when it comes to manifesting my ideas. I like your words "feeling intense motivation to manifest the extraordinary;" :) They also describe me as "the crazy lady on the block" LOL p.s. I have abottle tree in my yard. Again, I associate this with your words "one who thrives with imagination." Again thank-you. I am still exploring The Marked By the Muse. I'm looking forward to being a part of this positive, enpowering environment. Shelley~
Hello Shelly!
I'm having so much fun chatting with you here today.
TO answer your question, YES. I wrote the words. I wrote everything (except where given credit in quotes). I write everything here. I also create all the graphics and images hee as well.
This post has been in the making for over thirty-something years. I've battled with the starving artist archetype and wrestled with ideas + inspiraitons desiring to be expressed and me telling myself, no i can't do that now, I have to finish school or work or tend to a loved one, etc... All of which is a part of life and daily living and all of which at the time during my inner struggle to take action as an artist, build a creative business, share insights, accept that I'm simply wired different, accept who i am, overwhelmed me. totally brought me to the edge of myself and slowly i made my way back, returned home to heart and strive to live centered wholeheartedly everyday. Art is what saved me from dark times, no wonder my spirit is wrapped up in its artistic archetype. Now, life is vastly different and for that I am grateful to have done the hard work and to be here supporting others in releasing their darkness, move'n on into the creative light!
Be well and indulge in that fertile imagination. Imagination is how our spirit talks directly to us, through images, pictures and inspiration! ~ Stephey
Hi Stephey,
I too am enjoying chatting with you. I sent my creative soul mate Deidra a message this morning telling her about you. When I met her we both connected on a creative level. We share thoughts, and bounce ideas back and forth with each other daily. In the same way I feel a connection to you. Perhaps, it is because of timing in my life, appreciation for your energy - I am not sure.
You talked about your journey. I can say that my love of using vintage, discarded, forgotten items to “create” is based on my personal journey as well. For many years, I was a single parent. I had to make due on a tight budget. I often found joy searching for treasures at thrift shops, rummage sales, and even on curbsides. I can honestly say I have caused my kids great embarrassment! LOL
There were days driving the kids to school (still in my pajamas) that my eagle eyes have spotted a curbside treasure. I am numb to the screams of my children pleading "no Mom, don't do it! We are going to be late; you’re in your pajamas!" Instead, I swerve over, park, and start loading. Windows, doors, chairs, doors, and lamps have found their way from the curb to my home. No I am not a garbage picker! I am a recycling Guru! Yes I am.
I always wanted to be a “true artist” I wasn’t able to paint and can’t draw anything three dimensional. Instead I learned to work with my little, pretty, treasures. They became my artsy materials. I created collage, and odd things. Somehow this has now expanded it to what is called re-purposing. (I think that it has become more main stream due to the world becoming more green and eco-friendly). Happily married today, with two incomes, I don’t necessarily have to be as frugal as I once was. Today I chose the bohemian, frugal lifestyle because it is part of who I am.
xoxo
Shelley
What an amazing post. Over the past several years I have grown to see that I am an artist. I have been creative for years and have loved so many creative outlets, such as scrapbooking, baking, photography, sewing, knitting, and now mixed media (it just makes sense to start mixing everything up). It took my oldest daughter (age 6) to help me claim the "title" of artist. And once I did, it just brought me to another level. It's like I came alive. Your post just reaffirms what I've been learning. I need to create. It's part of who I am. And regardless of whether people understand, I now understand that I am happiest when I can create. That it's more than I hobby or the dream of a careeer. It's a way of life for me, or I am not happy. Thank you for your beautiful post.
Jen,
Creative outlets..."Oh let me count trhe ways"! I think that knitting is becoming a lost craft. How did you learn to knit? When I was a young child, My Great Grandma Petri was one of those amazing creative souls, who made her mark on me. She knit me all kinds of things: mittens (with a string connecting them to loop through my jacket so I wouldn't lose them. lol), She used to make stuffed animals and fill them with her used pantyhose. I still have my elephant!
I have gone through many creative phases. A favorite outlat for me has also been using essential oils for body, and home. Have you ever tried a few drops of patchouli on a cloth to wipe your wood floors? Or burned eucalytus to purify your air with it's antiseptic properties when you have a cold? Yum, yum.
Thank you for sharing!
Shelley
Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational message! I am still in the process of discovering my inner artist. I have always been a very imaginative and creative person (starting with the outlandish stories I used to tell as a child). However, I often struggle with determining what the best creative outlet is for me.
I've experimented with drawing and painting and I've discovered that I can be good at it if I have enough time and the right mindset. I've also tried scrapbooking and found it to be fun. I love taking photographs and I've been working on improving my photography skills the last few years in my free time. I'm also an avid reader so I've even tried writing some short stories in the past (I think my writing skills were decent, but I never managed to finish a story!) Lately, I also started experimenting with making polymer clay jewelry which I love!
Geez, I dunno...I feel like I'm the type of person who constantly has a strong urge to express myself creatively and share my artistic talents with others but there are a few things that hold me back sometimes: #1) I have a very demanding full-time job which leaves me with a limited amount of time and energy to work on creative tasks. #2) Like I described above, I'm still trying to figure out what type of artistic expression suits me the best, so a lot of times I just feel kind of lost and confused. #3) Sometimes I feel like it's not enough for me to just create something that I appreciate; I always have a strong desire to share my creations with others so I'm seeking ways to interact with other artists, etc.
Hi Shelly!
I’m thrilled that you felt inspired to share this post w/a friend!
I have refurbished many a discarded item by the side of the road. My mom always called it, innovation. Being able to bring beauty back (and usefulness), to a run down item item is also called magic, or as my mom calls it “black amgic” because it’s amazing what a can of black paint can do. It’s also called, renovation, heck there are tv shows about this very skill. I say go for it!
A True Artist is about one thing - overcoming self limitation and creating into form what inspires! The form, the media, the genre, has noting to do with being an “Artist,” a chef is just as much an artist a painter. A sculptor who creates in marble, is just as much an Artist as a recycler who sculpts art from “found objects” - repurposing them into “Useable Art” now that’s just called a marriage between form + function. see? it’s all in the wording, the intent. Be careful not to call yourself outside your name, it eclipses you from your true essence. that can create unnecessary suffering. the truth is we are all artists practicing the art of living, we are all in school, our assignment is the same, LIVE, and yet, each of us turn in something different, create differently our expression, interpretation of of LIFE.
Hi Jen
Isn’t it funny how we can bring ourselves to a new level when we start to acknowledge the essence of our spirit! I so resonate with what you wrote here:”IIt took my oldest daughter (age 6) to help me claim the "title" of artist. And once I did, it just brought me to another level. It's like I came alive.” ALIVE. is the best way to express it! Thank you so much for adding this wisdom to the conversation.
Best to you ~stephey
Jamie,
You are welcome. Thank you for taking time out and sharing your thoughts - priceless! I’ve witness in myself (and with one-on-one clients) some of the same struggles in “choosing” which outlet is best. My answer is the one that makes your heart the lightest. If you don’t mind me offering some my insight, I’d say since you feel you’re “still trying to figure out what type of artistic expression suits” you, then I say you’re doing the exact thing needed. We must give ourselves permission to explore whole-heartledly so we can “KNOW” what resonates w/us and what doesn’t.
When I was younger, I pursued fashion design for over a year. I learned how to bring my designs to life. I draped and made patterns, even learned how to identify fabric types by burning them. My nose was “trained” to smell and identify what the fabric type was presented to me by burning a small sample. I learned how to discern how it burned and it’s smoke + distinct smell. My hands were trained too, through touch. I was tested on both numerous times. I even made it to the point in my pursuit, where I was to create a collection. Though this was during college years, I was learning various skills and experimenting w/form. I choose those skills weren’t something I’d be truly happy with, let alone fulfill me for any great amount of time and went onto photography. I also studied philosophy, religion, Life Drawing, photoshop, and the list goes on and on. Now some of these pursuits weren’t in school, some were just because i was inspired. The point is, I encourage you to give yourself permission to experience freedom, experience the various forms out there. As Artists, we are always going to be learning new ways to hone ideas into form, some are better shaped through film - eer digital camera now, others silver, other still the written word. It’s part of your job to develop your skill at honing form. I often learn new skills and art forms because I have an idea that is best served in a medium I’m not familiar w/yet. And so, I have to first meet a learning curve, then create it and sometimes recreate it until getting it just right. I talk about here in this 3 min audio(towards the end).
Since your time is limited, I’d give yourself a break. You have all the time in the world to grow into your artistic spirit. The most important thing is to listen to your creative whispers. I suggest getting a lil’mini notebook (3x5) that you can easily carry w/you and simply jot down your inspirations and thoughts. Those inspirations and thoughts ARE MESSAGES FROM YOUR SPIRIT. Step one. listen. step two, acknowledge receipt of inner whispers, by writing them down. you can think about it as the art of capturing my inner inspirations. the art of listening. sometimes we receive info before we’re ready or willing to take action. It’s as if we’re viewing the coming attractions, trailers if you will, to what could be the movie we one day live. And so a helpful question we could ask, after capturing our inner whispers, is When? Now? and then listen and write down that answer too, if nothing comes don’t worry, file it away under your question mark file and go on with the rest of your day. You completed what needed to be done. listened. captured.
And you’re right, connection to other Artists is key. Find blogs you like. comment. continue to discuss. etc. the web is a great place to connect w/other Artists, especially when you’re cramped for time. You can visit a space when you have a moment and come back to it when another moment presents itself. The connections you make are real and can lead to lasting creative support and relationships. I’ve met some of my best Artistic friends online and some live in Australia others in CA, which is far from where I am currently on the east coast of VA. Hope this helps! And Again. Thank you for adding such a depth to this convo. ~ Stephey :)
oops here's the link I mentioned
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and thank you again for this inspiring post. I love it when I find something that expresses me and my feelings even better than I can. The right words can sometimes be a challenge for me. I've loved revisiting this post all week so I had made sure to share it with a close friend, and also on my blog (www.byjen.com).
I'm also looking forward to letting my heart sing at the blog hop on Monday ;) I hope I can find the right words.
I was an artist before it was cool to be one! *grin* Annnnnd since I didn't go to school for art (my degree is in computers) it's controversial that I call myself an Artist.. but I do it anyway. Yeah. I'm a rebel! I create, I can breathe when I create, I can pour my soul out into a journal, onto a canvas or into a web design and it is an expression of my heart.
I am an artist! that's not to say that I don't appreciate your article and love the eloquent way that you embrace all creatives and encourage them to spread their wings. Love and kisses to you for that~
Tee
www.greenislescrafts.com
Post a Comment