What is an Artist?

My goodness, what a deep question-especially after taking a class such as this. To me, an artist is someone who is passionate about something and allows their creativity to take charge in order to exude that passion through some form of art. Artists express who they are through their art. This is how we end up with so many different gorgeous and sometimes quirky styles of art to admire. You must do more than make art, however, to be a real artist. Charles Baudelaire said, "An artist is only an artist on condition that he neglects no aspect of his dual nature. This dualism is the power of being oneself and someone else at one and the same time." He wasn't only a French poet...he was an art critic too. Sometimes, an artist may create an artistic piece without regard for whom may see it. Other times, he or she may create a piece with hopes to share his passion with the rest of the world. It takes much more than skill to be an artist and to be accepted by the community of artists. One must be more concerned with the message and the integrity of the art and less concerned with how much of a profit he or she might be making. (Sorry, Mr. Kinkade) In a capitalist society, this mindset is difficult to maintain. Hence, an artis must have a very high level of commitment and dedication to his work. Artist's character traits can be seen through each piece he or she creates. The originality and style all their own helps interpret the art for normal people like me. In short, talent doesn't make an artist. Passion does.