I struggle with what it means to be an artist.
Three years ago, I graduated from art school denying my title as an “artist.” Art (fine art especially) always felt overly prideful in a way that didn’t line up with what I was creating. I felt like I couldn’t live up to that title. So, when given the opportunity to create without the stress of a deeper meaning, I took it and shut myself off from the inflated ego of art.
Lately, all of the things I rejected in school have haunted me. I recognize that my perception of art and the community that surrounded boiled down to a bad judgement call. Art wasn’t overly prideful; I was.
I’ve come back to the conversation about what it means to be an artist with a new perspective. Artists think critically, allow their vulnerabilities to guide them, and spend their lives searching for something More. Being an artists means actively reflecting on whether you are fully equipped for the difficult journey ahead. Up until this point I didn’t feel well equipped.
I am finally allowing myself the title “artist.” Not because I think I deserve it, but because I’m ready to take on the challenges of being an artist.
So, hello world! I’m Madeline. I’m an artist.
(...I dunno. We’ll see.)