Ask Jessica: Artist question

[If you want to ask me something, anything, clicka herra. You may remain anonymous and I will answer your question honestly regardless of what it is.]

Jon asks, Would you describe yourself as an artist? If yes, why? If no, why not?

No.

I would describe myself as creative. I come up with new ideas constantly. Some of those ideas are artistic. To be a true artist, however, I’d have to actually carry them out, not just think of them. So that’s reason one.

I’m a writer. Is a writer an artist? I don’t know. Is writing art or craft or trade? I don’t know. I’m sure people have argued over it endlessly, but I almost don’t care. To me, writing does not feel like as much of an “art” as, say, painting. So that’s reason number two.

Do you have to achieve a certain level of competence to call yourself an “artist?” I have no problem calling myself a “writer” because it’s what I am. I am paid to write. I’ve been a professional grant writer, business writer, copywriter, blogger, etc. Even if certain types of writing can be considered art (which I’d say is different than being “one of the arts”), I haven’t accomplished anything on the art side of it. Is a kindergartner scribbling with crayons an “artist?” I feel about one step up from that level when it comes to creative writing. Reason number three.

Maybe you were talking about modeling and not writing? Or maybe you know me, and know that a few years ago I painted for a stint, and a few years before that I made collages? Doubtful you knew about the latter things, but maybe you did mean modeling. Still, no. I’ve done modeling that has felt very creative, in which I’ve been able to share my ideas and have more of a say in what I wear, how my makeup looks, how I pose, etc. I felt like I took part in creating art with I shot with Sebastian, but that was entirely his art. I just followed directions.

Thanks for asking. Ask more questions, please, people. They don’t have to be about me. They can be about anything. What are you thinking about lately? Ask me about it.