Some thoughts on "Being an Artist"

One of the greatest accomplishments that I've discovered in myself for myself, lays within the belief of believing. Believing that "I am an Artist!" I remember so clearly when this thought occured to me for the first time in my life.

It was while I was engaged in a one time zine, a collaborative effort with several online friends and artists. Many of us where simply dabbling in the possibilities and I remember how when I made that statement, so many others truly seemed to connect with me on that level and a few backed out allowing their awful inner critic to rear its ugly head and distract them once again. It is really sad to sit and think back upon now. As I realize that those same people once had the same thoughts, goals, and ideas that I myself am now entertaining.

I realized one thing through the process of it that separated us. That was the opportunity to get pass the all the "what if's" and to put our fears aside took courage. Let's face it, it takes a lot of courage to be the person you desire to become! There is always that sense of vulnerability that comes when you open your heart and mind to the possibilities of "what if's" that awaits in the often terrifying unknown. Unfortunately, the reality is that it is in that cold, dark place that many people set theirselves up for failure before they even begin. I am reveiling in the knowledge that I personally don't want to be or to become one of those people. So, first and foremost, on my list of "How to be an Artist" would be Believe in yourself, in your talent, in your god-given gifts and allow yourself the possibility of saying, "I am an Artist!"