Artistic work has the power to inspire us, incite new questions and elicit excitement, outrage or despair. It can also confuse and baffle us, especially when we don’t understand what it is trying to convey. It is no wonder that the artists themselves often struggle to define their own work, and that’s because it’s not always easy to explain what they do.
Artists have to be able to see the world through multiple lenses. They have a keen appreciation for beauty, are hyper aware of the way things look and feel and use their intuition and heightened senses to explore the world around them. This may include the physical world such as a landscape, or it could be the abstract ideas that come through in their work – a mathematical sequence or pattern for example. Artists can also be very introspective and may be seen as self-absorbed, but it’s important that they are able to separate their personal thoughts from the art they create.
They have to be able to make the time to sit alone and work on their art, which can sometimes be lonely and frustrating. Being able to overcome these challenges requires a lot of persistence, patience and grit. It also requires an ability to practice over and over again until they get it right, to accept constructive criticism and not take it personally, and to challenge themselves when they aren’t living up to their own potential.
Many artists have to be able to find the financial resources to support themselves, which can be difficult. This means that they need to be able to work well under pressure, and also to have a good understanding of the commercial aspects of their art. Artists need to know how to promote their work, understand pricing, and be able to manage finances. They also need to have a strong network of peers and supporters.
Creating art isn’t always an easy task, and for the most part it takes a tremendous amount of energy and time. This unrelenting dedication is what sets apart great artists from the rest of us. It isn’t just that they are able to produce art when they feel like it, but that they dedicate their lives and souls to the craft in a way that no one else can.
Some artists choose to focus on a particular medium, such as painting or sculpture. However, it isn’t uncommon for artists to cross over into different art forms as they develop their skills and their style. For example, a painter might start to incorporate photography into their art. Alternatively, someone who works in a film studio might begin to make their own videos. This flexibility allows artists to stay engaged with their craft and explore new ways to express themselves. It also keeps them interesting and fresh for their audiences, which in turn can help to build their audience. This is something that all artists should strive for.