This article is by Moshe Mikanovsky, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.  An emerging artist searching his way in the art world, he loves to share what he learns.  With over 20 years of technology experience, Moshe combines his technological background and his passion for the arts with the goal of "working his dream".  You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Am I an Artist?

You might have noticed that I have been away for sometime. Or have you?

The fact is, that I have not painted since the year started. I have not written, nor updated my blog. So what happened?

In one word – Resistance.

I was overwhelmed by that multi-headed monster, which told me that I am not a real artist. That I am not good enough. That I am a fraud. That I cannot give advice to other people while I have not succeeded much on my own. That I would be better with my old job and to let go of my dreams. That I have taken my dreams too seriously and not seriously enough. And much, much more.

And I believed it.

This was on the bad days. On the good ones, the resistance was just tasks I had to do. I had to look for a new job that would pay my bills. I had to take care of my family’s needs. I had to shovel snow. I had to fix the car. I had to buy some chairs. I had to learn how to cook. And I had to fix those annoying black spots on the ceiling of the bathroom. I had to do so much!

And I let it take hold of me and keep me away from making art.

Spring and the amazing days we had recently helped me get out of the rut and feel alive again. Finding a new day job helped me relax a bit about my duties and responsibilities to make bread for my family. And Seth Godin’s Linchpin showed me what it really means to be an artist.

Here are some quotes from his book:

“Art is unique, new, and challenging to the status quo. It’s not decoration, it’s something that causes change.”

“Art cannot be merely commerce. It must also be a gift. The artist creates his idea knowing that it will spread freely, without recompense. Sure, the physical manifestation of the art might sell for a million dollars, but that painting or that song is also going to be enjoyed by someone who didn’t pay for it”

“Art is an original idea that can be a gift”.

“Most of all, art involves labor. Not the labor of lifting a brush or typing a sentence, but the emotional labor of doing something difficult, taking a risk and extending yourself.”

So to my resistance-monster within (in my Lizard Brain) I say:  

– I AM an ARTIST!

I have given, and intend to continue giving, gifts to my family, friends, tribe, community.

Writing about my experience is a gift.

Painting for all to see, is my gift.

Sharing my creation on my website is my gift.

I want to be part of the artistic creative tribe, to see it grow, to learn from it and to share my knowledge with it. And the result, sometimes impossibly hard, sometimes unthinkingly taken for granted, is due to my labor as an artist.

Today I have won my constant battle with my personal resistance-monster. Tomorrow is another day and I plan to win the battle again. And they day after. And after that.

What about you? Are you a winner today? Are you an ARTIST?

Cheers

Moshe