Why Are You a Mixed Media Artist?
Some Quick Questions About What It Means To Be an Artist
A lot of talk about "what" mixed media artists create has been discussed in depth on the Internet, in print and on do it yourself type shows. What about talk of "why?"
Why are you a mixed media artist?
Many artists have the following mantra, "I've been an artist all of my life," or, "I've been an artist for as long as I can remember." This is true, yes, but why is it so difficult to expand answers beyond this statement? Why do you feel this way? What kind of art have you been creating for as long as you can remember?
Who inspired you to become an artist?
This is the root of where most artists start to grow and blossom in their own right. Passions for creation is within each individual, but it starts somewhere. Was it a teacher? Was it a parent? Was it a book you looked through when you were younger? It's important to think about because, after all, it's the jumping off point for where artists are today.
Is it a hobby?
Hobbyists are just as talented as professional artists, nine times out of ten. Their work is just as important, just as valuable and just as inspiring to an audience. This choice to be a hobbyist is based solely on the artist's desire to create and why. They could do it for the sake of doing art (like some writers keep a paper journal or diary just for the sake of writing), or they could do it because they prefer giving out handmade gifts. It's the individual's choice and, of course, it answers a lot of why questions about why they're a mixed media artist.
Are you a professional artist?
Professional artists have to look at their art from both a creative and a business prospective. This is easier said than done, though not impossible. Professional artists must actively create their art, promote their art and brand themselves. Did you become a mixed media artist because it was your career goal? Was it your lifelong passion and, it only seemed natural to turn it into a profession? Again, the why questions are being answered.
When looking through this topic, it's evident a lot of profiles and interviews have been conducted to learn more about various mixed media artists. Here are some examples:
This isn't the last time this topic will be discussed. The why questions plague us all. Stay tuned for more profiles coming soon! In the meantime, please discuss with the rest of us why you're a mixed-media artist in the discussion area of this article.
