BMDesign

I’m on a roll here – lessons in this … lessons in that!

But seriously, “How to become and Artist” is what I want to talk a little about today.

Because I have become an artist in just 1 month!

I’ve been almost 42 years in the making … but I believe I am now able to – with pride – call myself an Artist.

I actually, while walking the Oodle (short for dog?!) yesterday, had a train of thought about this … it went something like …  ”I wonder what my children will say when asked “what does your Mum do?”" … I’m not entirely sure what they would answer but for the first time ever I want them to say “She’s an Artist”.

Now, I am positive there are those of you out there that goes “why is this such a big deal” – and let me try to tell you why.

Because if you’ve been reading this blog from the start, which was only November, then you’ll know that I have struggled mightily with defining myself – despite you all leaving wonderful comments to the contrary and people telling me for years.

I heard what you’ve said – I just didn’t believe it.

But then I made a list.

And that is what is so remarkable – I made a simple list – 5 points … and this was only on February 1st … 20 days ago.

I came up with the list – I decided the points – and I set my heart on following it to the “t”.

The interesting thing to me is this – I myself, have managed to change my thoughts – I’m sure you, like me, know that there are things out there … books to read, DVD’s to watch, CD’s to listen to and seminars to take on this exact phenomenon.

Make a list – follow it through – think only positive thoughts.

I have heard about those, but I didn’t actually follow any specific person or trend.

I didn’t think about it being a process.

It naturally became one.

I found some books online that I thought might be helpful – I even talked about one of them here “The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women” – and I’m sure that some of it helped me on my way, but really I lost interest in that book by chapter 5 … this is not unheard of – I often lose interest in books around chapter 5

But when I picked that book I also looked at this one “Taking Flight – to give your Creative spirit Wings”.

So I got that last week.

… and so far I haven’t lost interest …

… but then again – I’m only on Chapter 3 …

The book is very different – I think – It does suggest you make an artist journal and other creative things along the way, I skip those – mainly because I have too many other project on the go, but also because I don’t necessarily believe that those will help me on my way (gosh – that is called arrogance I’m sure?)

Anyways – yesterday I read the chapter about “Facing your Fears” … and guess what – I’m not the only one out there struggling to call themselves an artist … there are many of us.

And I guess that bottom line is about us not having a final piece of paper – a degree that says “You’re now an artist” …

Artistry is too loose – too whimsical – too ephemeral – (that is Mr. Hubby’s word … I didn’t even know this one!) – transient would be mine

There is no “right” or “wrong” … no end result … you continue to evolve and move about … which is wonderful but also scary and unsure to many.

I suggest that if any of you struggle calling yourself an artist – this book is a good one – it makes you see that your thoughts are not just yours, that many believe and think like you, and that in itself can be very helpful and eye-opening.

Check out the book – but see if the library has it – because what if by Chapter 5 I lose interest again and can no longer stand behind it – then I’d hate for you to have bought it just because I suggest it for now.

I also suggest making a list – and follow it … because with that I’m feeling much more positive.

I believe I am an artist and I believe I will live the rest of my life as an artist.

And I believe my art is just right – it doesn’t need to be anything specific to anyone in particular – my art is my art and it is a creation I choose to make … it is entirely what it should be – nothing more, nothing less.

(oh … and by the way … I’ll try asking the kids tonight what they answer when people ask them what their Mum does for a living … I’ll let you know what they say!)