Artists Create Art

Image was taken at the Louvre in Paris, 2018

Is it possible to see art and not feel the need to mimic it in some way?

For someone who’s handwriting looks like a lunatic doctor’s illegible monstrosity, consistent practice in the art of calligraphy has become a calming challenge over the years. Websites like https://www.pens.com/blog/handwriting-infographic/ exist to analyze handwriting structure to determine personality traits.

Practice in lettering allows my ridiculously poor penmanship to transform into something readable. However, when not concentrating on legibility, the printed characteristics allegedly convey a lot. Comparing my normal handwriting to the website’s map, I apparently like people, I’m open to new experiences, I’m detail oriented, intense, and committed. Also, because my signature is illegible, I can be hard to understand.

Likewise, I wonder if alternative types of art we choose to pursue might determine personality traits. Art is a fascinating subject, endless in its array of options: photography, painting, design, handwriting, music, dance, theatre, gardening, baking, etc. When I first left for an art college in Chicago to dance, I received a list of all the courses that were available as electives and wanted to try absolutely everything. As a dancer, ballet was my first love, but when the music changes, it can be fun to discover new movements too, including tap, jazz, modern, and everything in between. Over time, I’ve realized that artists don’t have to feel limited because creativity is part of who we are.

Hyper-creativity is the term to describe personalities that struggle when confined to a single outlet. The more time spent to observe and experience new ideas, the more doors open that might not have been available before. Art gives us a chance to let go of daily responsibilities and concentrate solely on creative distractions. When utilizing the right side of our brains, the dishes can be forgotten for a short time and we can release any inhibitions or stressors. Even now, I am sitting at the clerk of court office disputing a traffic violation, writing to stay calm. For anxiety, art is the answer.

My 12 year old son, Will is creative in completely different ways, constantly brainstorming new ideas and inventions, drawing comic books and making movies. Allowing kids time to become bored enough to explore is a virtue, rarely prevalent anymore when projects are spoon-fed. The art of boredom is the most important activity creative people require to let thoughts wander and congeal.

The creative mind is considered extroverted, as all art is meant to be shared. Yet, most creations are generally produced privately, requiring introverted tendencies. Sharing experiences might be the most challenging step for many artists because it requires adequate confidence to receive criticism. As a dancer, accepting regular criticism is second nature. I was once told that failing to acquire feedback during technique class shows a lack of effort. Learning to translate all criticisms to compliments was a game changer in my growth as an artist, becoming fearless to explore and share. While some judgements sound harsh, no one is more critical about my own art than me. A post popped up on my feed recently that read, “no one will talk to you more than yourself, so speak kindly.”