Artists play a critical role in societies around the world. They create a sense of identity and belonging, foster creative innovation, share powerful truths about society, and help preserve our cultural heritage. Although art may not seem as “practical” or “important” as other professions, it serves many important functions that contribute to a well-functioning world.
Art is found in all cultures throughout history. People have created artworks to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas since the dawn of humanity. From hieroglyphs to graffiti, sand paintings to oil on canvas, the world has been inundated with visual expressions.
While many people consider themselves artists, the term is subjective and can be defined in a variety of ways. For example, Springboard for the Arts in Minnesota defines an artist as “anyone who thinks creatively about the world and their dynamic place within it.” Others define artists as people who produce works of art. This includes painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, and designers.
Creativity: This is a necessary trait for artists because it allows them to develop their unique artistic vision and bring it to life. Artistic vision is the ability to see the beauty in everyday things. This can be something as simple as a tree in a garden, or it could be more complex such as how the tree makes its leaves smell. The ability to see the beauty in ordinary things allows artists to find new ways to express their creativity.
Knowledge and Understanding: Artists continuously expand their artistic skills by learning and staying informed of industry trends, techniques, and materials. They also learn how to critique their own work and seek feedback from peers.
Networking: Artists often participate in networking activities to connect with other artists, art professionals, curators, and collectors. They attend art events, art fairs, and gallery receptions to engage with the art community and build relationships that can lead to opportunities or collaborations.
Teaching and Facilitating: Artists can teach others through workshops and seminars to support the development of other artists in their communities. They may also work with schools or educational institutions to share their knowledge and expertise in artistic methods and practices.
Developing Concepts and Ideas: Artists explore and research various concepts and ideas to create their artwork. They often sketch and experiment with different materials, tools, and processes to explore their artistic vision and discover the best way to capture it on paper or canvas.
Observant: Artists are constantly observing the world around them and taking in all their senses. They are able to process their experiences more deeply and often notice things that others may not. This heightened sensitivity can heighten their creativity, or it can be overwhelming and make it difficult to concentrate on their work. It’s important for artists to be able to tune into their own emotions and find balance in order to thrive. Ultimately, their artistic practice is a journey that they must be willing to commit to and grow from.