What is “art”? To me, art is a concious activity of creating something that expresses you, your power, your ideas, or your own ideals.

Is everyone an artist?

I don’t think everyone is an artist, but everyone can become an artist, if they so desire.

To me, once you start consciously and cognizantly apply effort in your self-expression, you’re an artist.

If you have something you want to express, say, shine light on, reveal, or proclaim, you’re an artist.

Why be an artist?

Why be an artist? To me, art is the ultimate end to life. What this means is this:

Once you’re obtained all the basic necessities to life, the best use of our human metabolism is to express ourselves through art.

All art is legitimate

Is there a “better” form of artwork than another? I believe not.

Photography is as legitimate as painting, poetry is as legitimate as dance, theater is as legitimate as rapping.

Don’t worry how “legitimate” your artwork is. As long as you like it, it is good art.

Why don’t photogaphers consider themselves artists?

My theory:

Photographers don’t have the courage or self-confidence to proclaim themselves as artists.

I honestly think being an artist isn’t really about how “good” your artwork is — it is about how much confidence you have in yourself, and how much faith and belief you have in your own artistic creations.

This means don’t be humble. It means, better to show off and be seen as arrogant, self-centered, and an asshole than to be quiet and meek.

All great artists in history have been considered as “over-confident” (a phrase that people with low self-esteem call others). When an average or mediocre person sees an artist that they don’t understand, they will call the artist as “crazy”, “insane”, or they will try to delegitimize them.

How to become more self-confident as an artist

Some ideas:

1. When you’re judging your own photos, ask yourself in your own mind: “Do I think this is a beautiful, artful image?”
2. Allow yourself to be ridiculous and to live a strange lifestyle — because if you consider yourself as an “artist” (and others consider you an artist), then you’re allowed to do strange and socially-aberrant things.
3. Don’t call them your pictures; call it your artwork!
4. When people ask you what you do, just call yourself an artist or visual artist. Refuse to let others put you inside a box! Don’t let others define you; define yourself.

Keep making art

Don’t worry what others will think of your artwork or how they will judge it. Keep making, and get lost in the creative flow, zen, and bliss of eternal creation.

ERIC