Writer's Block: An Artist Is...

[puppetmaker]

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Something I didn't consider myself until much later in life. I have always considered myself a craftsman but not an artist. I was clever at figuring out how to make props and costumes for various reasons and I can reduce just about anything to puppet or doll size. But then a friend encouraged me to enter my puppets in an art show. I got my first Artist ribbon on my convention badge and how people perceived me changed because of that ribbon. I also won a popular award for my puppets at the show. And because of that I started to call myself an artist.

Comments

[readinggeek451]

I don't think of myself as an artist. When I wear an Artist ribbon at a convention, I always feel a little like an imposter. The only way I can get myself to wear it is by telling myself that it really just means I have something in the Art Show. I have a slightly easier time calling what I do art--funny how those are two slightly different things.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

See where as I think of you as a fiber artist since most of your work is with various forms of fiber.

[readinggeek451]

It's a fair description, I just have trouble wrapping my head around the idea of calling myself an artist.

I tend to say "quilter and teddy-bear (or stuffed-animal) maker." Once or twice I've used "teddy-bear artist," so I'm getting there.