003: the artist

Dia duit dairinn!

I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be an artist lately. This isn’t limited to your medium of choice either. Its more about the mindset behind your work. Some make art that focuses on the entertainment. I would call this artist The Entertainer.  This can be great! If you want to listen to music or have art that is easily digestible. However, I think there is another perspective that should be valued as well. The Artist.

The Artist has a ferocity that can misunderstood. They value authenticity first. Does this mean they don’t want success? Of course not. However, it is hard for them to make the work that they know sells because it lacks the authenticity. They also value the process just as much as the final product, sometimes more so. This can lead to discouragement if they lack a community that values collaboration. They want others to chime in and tell them what they think of the work they are in process of making. 

So how do we help The Artist? A lot of it can be helped by conversation. When you ask what they’re working on, include interest in their influences. Allow them to tell you the whole story. If they’re not working on anything in particular, ask about what they’re inspired right now. For example, I’m a visual artist, but I’m really into music right now. Ask them how that translates to what they do. For me, it was to write this post and to think about the artist behind The Artist. 

What way of working to you prefer, The Entertainer or The Artist? Do you do a little of both? Let me know!

Is ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine — we all live in each other’s shelters

Katie