What’s in a name?
Originally published on kimromain.com on November 16, 2019.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? THAT WHICH WE CALL A ROSE,
BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET.William Shakespeare
Two years ago, I was encouraged by my mom to put some of the work I had been creating, paintings and photography, into a local pop-up gallery.
Sure. I could do that.
I had sent my work out in the past. I had a piece published in a photography collection. I had even won an award for another photograph.
My thought was something like this: “I mean, I’m not an ARTIST, but I can send in an application for my art. I’m not going to try to fool anyone into thinking I’m an ARTIST, right?”
So, I did. And, they accepted me.
The deal was, I rent a space from them. I put any items I create into the store, maintain the look and feel of my space, make my timely rent payment, and they get a small commission off any sales. That’s it. Not so hard. And, I’m not being a fraud. I’m not telling people I’m an ARTIST.
This seemed fair and above board. So, I gathered up my work and loaded it into my space.
I took some pictures of my work and headed out to social media. I created an Instagram account for my work, and a separate Facebook page. Bada bing bada boom. My friends and family cheered me on. It felt good.
“Look, Ma! They think I’m an ARTIST!”
But… am I?
The fact is, at least at that time, I started to feel like a fraud. Sure, I could take some pictures that people found aesthetically pleasing and interesting. I was starting to create abstract paintings that people were intrigued by. I’d taken some art classes. Learned new techniques. But, outside of these workshops and classes, I never had formal artistic training in the visual arts. I never “suffered for my art.” So, how dare I consider calling myself an ARTIST.
I even had individuals in my life who confirmed my feelings. Wonderful nay-sayers who told me I had a cute hobby. I was a “crafter”. I was, for sure, not making ART. I found articles and blog postings that further confirmed my suspicion. I should absolutely not use the word ART with respect to what I am producing. I am NOT and ARTIST. No way. Nope. Nuh-uh.
And I believed it. Hook, line, and sinker.
Until all that noise made me ask a question. What is ART?
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary art is “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects” (noun); and art is “produced as an artistic endeavor for decorative purposes” (adjective).
As I thought about these definitions, I started to let go of my concern about what others thought or said about me and the work I was producing. I realized, as in so many other areas of my life, I get to create this definition for myself. I am not beholden to the thoughts and words of others. I am, after all, someone with a brain who is capable of free thought.
So, I thought. And then I thought about it some more. And more. And more.
And finally, it clicked.
I am, in fact, using skills I have learned, practiced, and developed along with my creativity and imagination to produce items that are aesthetically pleasing and are used for decorative purposes.
I started playing with the idea of calling my work ARTwork and myself an ARTIST.
At first, I still felt like a fraud. It didn’t feel right, no matter how much I wanted it to be true.
And then I heard and saw confirmation from outside myself.
“I love your art.”
”You’re a talented artist.”
”Would you be willing to submit a piece of art?”
Huh. Other people were using this term with regards to my work.
I began to play with how I would introduce myself. I had gone through this as I began to define my professional self, so why not try and incorporate the thing that takes such a huge place in my heart and soul.
Finally, it began to roll more easily off my tongue.
Stranger: “So, what do you do?”
Me: “Me? I’m multi-passionate. I’m an artist, coach, and nonprofit professional.”
Ahhhh. That feels right.
The more I said this, the more I felt it. The more I felt it, the more I create. The more I create, the more I feel like an artist. The cycle goes on and on, building upon itself, allowing me to create the life I feel I’m meant to live.
So, what’s in a name? Exactly what you want. It’s your life. You get to choose.
