[Today’s featured artwork for Day 13 of the 365 Days Project is by Leslie Peck.]
Being an artist is not like choosing a day job. It’s a way of life as much as it is a disciplined practice.
#13 – Even outside the studio, an Artist is an artist is an artist.
Early in my career, I was told that I should never call myself an artist until someone else bestowed that title upon me. It took many years to realize that while there are artists at all levels of talent and professionalism, being an “artist” is a way of being in the world. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle; it’s who I am rather than what I create. It doesn’t make me any more special than anyone else. Just different.
Before I considered using my artistic talents to earn a living, I first had to admit I have the mind of an artist. I spent decades trying to be like most people I knew and it took years to allow my artist nature to fully emerge. As I did, I realized the need to develop an artistic practice and eventually began making money from it.
I know I’m an artist. And I’m also a professional visual artist. It’s a great way to be in the world.
“Art is my life and my life is art.”
Yoko Ono
The 365 Days Project
In 2012, Serena Kovalosky committed to writing an article a day for 365 days as an exploration into the lives of artists and the value of creative thinking in our society.
Experience the full evolution of the project! Click below to read the entire collection of articles.
Descriptions of the images included in this post:
Plums from Saratoga
Leslie Peck, New York, USA
Oil on canvas
Old Goat
Leslie Peck, New York, USA
Oil on canvas
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