Saturday, April 27, 2013

Artist? Photographer? Stylist?


What do you call yourself? Other than mother, wife, sister... Is it your profession? The role in which you make your wage, or more of a hobby?
 
I've been thinking a bit about this lately. I've always hesitated to call myself an artist, though really I think I always have been one. Yes, I studied art at Uni and have a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Diploma of Education, but does that make me an artist? Is it when you sell work? I always remember a tutor at a big art forum I attended stating that you were only an artist when you had published your own book. That didn't work out so well for Van Gogh or Monet, at least not in their lifetime. What a silly woman! Too big for her boots if you ask me :)

Can I call myself a photographer? It's funny, at work (in my role as Gallery Coordinator) I get asked all the time if I am an artist. I always hesitate to say yes. Why is this? And then when I do say yes, I get the follow up question, "What do you paint?", as if all artists are painters and other art forms are not as valid. I find that fascinating.
What about other titles...Gardener? Yes, I think I'm one of those. Stylist? Maybe? I'm not sure. I do always joke at work that I am a 'turd polisher'. We get such a variety of artwork and in a massive range of competencies, but somehow I manage to make pretty much all work look good. Not sure that title would look so good on my resume!
 
Do you have thoughts or opinions on this topic? I'd love to hear them :)
xx

11 comments:

  1. I don't think it matters so much about qualifications and titles, but more about what you feel you are in you heart. Maybe a 'professional artist' may be someone who sells more of their art as opposed to someone who is an artist but more in a hobby sense. I think both are artists in their own way though. It's funny how we feel the need to validate ourselves through titles. I often think of all the hard work and study I did, back in my ambitious uni days, only to end up not using much of it at all and becoming a full time Mum/homemaker, not that I think these roles aren't worthy though, I thoroughly enjoy what I do :)

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  2. You are an artist and a damn good one. You should call yourself an artist with confidence. xx

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  3. You can call yourself whatever you like...as long as you say it with confidence and not put a question mark at the end.

    ...and from what I can gather, you are an artist because you "create"

    Love that photo Sarah...did you take it? If so. I WANT!

    Lesley
    xx

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  4. I don't get that woman's logic. How does a book prove you are an artist? i would think successful artists wouldn't have time to write one!
    I think the term artist really encompasses all your talents....photography, styling and art! x

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  5. Hmmm a very interesting question. Yes, you are right most people tend to think of pure painting if you use the term "artist".
    You are certainly an artist, creator and designer in all that you do!
    Have a happy weekend Sarah!
    Gill xx

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  6. Such an interesting question Sarah. Some people are so quick to judge you by your title aren't they? I always call myself a retailer, which in itself is fine but doesn't really describe the half of what I do. I've never been much for titles but have noticed over the years that for some of my staff it is really important, as in it obviously makes them feel more important if they have a title.
    As for you - you're all of the above! Amanda x

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  7. wow great question........i often think like that myself, when i read this i thought we need to say it like it is huh????????? great post xx

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  8. I have no idea. I have changed so many jobs that I really don't know what I am. I have studied graphic design, fashion design, interior design...and i have done everything. Plus, I have been a stylist and a visual merchandiser for many years. so, what am I? I call myself a designer, but funnily enough I don't feel like one. I think you are your passion, not what you do to pay the bills. It doesn't matter if your published or not. Your passions define your personality and give you a name. i have a thousand passions, that is why i am a mess with no name.

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  9. You know what I think, Sarah. You're undoubtedly an artist in all its varied hues. You have magic in those fingers and a lightness of heart which always evokes beauty. Love your work! J x

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  10. Sarah, if you believe it, then you are. Most of us struggle to define ourselves...especially women. A man doing what you do would call himself all of those things and more! You are a creative and you manage to do it in lots of different ways. I think you're awesome xx

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  11. oh how this speaks to me sarah! … i've always had that nagging feeling that i don't know what i really am … or how i should refer to myself … and often anything i would like to pick feels like it would require a whole bunch of try-hard fakery to talk myself into really *feeling* like its a label that belongs on me … even as a teenager i felt strange wearing particular genres of clothing unless i felt myself sufficiently connected to it's core set of activities and interests … like, if i wanted to wear board shorts, i need to be a surfer chick. i feel that way about occupational titles now too … like i would be lying if i called myself something without the piece of paper to say i was qualified to back me up.

    it's a tricky thing … it feels like it may be something that will be come clearer as i become more comfortable in my own skin … it's happening … just very slowly.

    xx

    (thank you for adding your thoughts on instagram the other day … it was very much appreciated)

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