In every language on the planet, artists are revered as a symbol of creativity and passion. They are the flag-bearers of both artistic and scientific revolutions, and in a way they provide an experience for others that is unlike anything they can get anywhere else in life. The word “artist” itself is quite evocative, coming from the Latin ‘artista’ and referring to a craftsman or someone skilled in a specific field, and over time it has come to encapsulate so much more than skill; it now denotes vision, imagination and creativity.
Artists are open to ideas from a wide range of sources. They can read science journals about the environment, watch documentaries, or they can study poetry, classic novels and foreign cinema. They are constantly gathering information and shifting it through their own value systems in search of inspiration and deeper meaning.
It is this ‘deeper meaning’ that they seek to convey in their work. The goal is to communicate something about their environment, society or themselves that will be understood by the audience. It could be a feeling, a memory or an idea; whatever it is, the artist hopes that it will leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
Artwork is a complex endeavor that requires an enormous amount of research to create. This is done on a daily basis, as artists often spend their days searching for new skills and concepts that they can incorporate into their own work. Whether they go through a traditional fine arts program at school or prefer to self-teach themselves, finding success as an artist takes patience and grit, and a willingness to continually learn and grow.
Once an artist has a solid understanding of their medium, they start to hone their style and develop a unique visual vocabulary that will distinguish their work from others. The best known styles include surrealism, impressionism and realism, but there are many other forms of expression that are equally valid. The artist must be confident enough to stand behind their own vision and not be afraid to experiment, even if it means making a piece of artwork that is completely off the wall.
A strong and successful artist must also be a good communicator. This is not just with other artists, but the general public as well. It is not uncommon for artists to give lectures and presentations about their work, as it can help to promote their career and encourage the audience to engage with the art in a more meaningful way. Artists must also be willing to take on marketing and promotional activities, such as writing articles for blogs and newspapers, or designing their own business cards. All of these tasks require the ability to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and engaging manner, which is no easy feat for most people.