Whether they work with paint, pencils, cameras, video or chisel and stone, artists add beauty and creativity to the world. They enrich culture, inspire audiences and enliven the human experience with their unique perspectives and visions. Artists are a vital part of society, influencing the social landscape and making a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
The word “artist” has been in use for centuries, originating in Latin as artem (artisan), and later becoming a part of the Italian word scultore (“craftsman”). Artists are skilled craftsmen who create works of artistic value in a variety of media including paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, prints, photographs, and performance.
In order to make art, an artist spends time developing concepts and ideas, research, sketching, and experimenting with materials and techniques. These activities help to refine and expand an artist’s creative repertoire and allow them to better express their intended message or explore a theme.
Artists also spend time rehearsing and practicing their craft, honing their skills and expanding their knowledge base through continuing education or professional development programs. This activity helps to ensure that the finished piece is executed as originally planned, capturing the desired aesthetic and technical quality.
Aside from refining their practice, artists may spend time experimenting with different genres to find their voice and develop their artistic style. This is how many artistic movements began, such as surrealism, which combines realistic elements in unexpected ways to create dreamlike, fantastical scenes or explore the unconscious mind; cubism, which breaks down subjects into geometric shapes like those found in the works of Pablo Picasso; Fauvism, which features vivid colors and simplified forms; and minimalism, which focuses on using simple lines, textures, and colours to convey emotion.
Finally, artists often work with a team of people to support them in their careers. This can include assistants, studio managers, and business developers. They may also be involved in marketing and branding their artwork, as well as researching the latest trends and developments within their field.
While some artists choose to be full-time professionals and make their living solely from their art, most do not devote every waking moment to creating art. There are all manner of other jobs that need to be done including answering emails, looking after clients, researching, packing and sending art, not to mention the financial management side of things.
As such, it is difficult to determine exactly what defines a full-time artist. For Greater Good, it is an artist who has developed their skill, imagination and ability to communicate a message or idea through their work in a unique way. They bring beauty, creativity and meaning to the world. Moreover, they challenge norms, question assumptions and raise questions that we as humans may not have thought to ask, and their work can change our perception of the world and ourselves. We thank them for their invaluable contribution to humanity!