What comes to your mind when you see the word ARTIST? If you’re like most people you probably have a vision of paintings or sketches from a well-known figure all dated and signed.
Well it’s no wonder that’s first and foremost in your mind. This is the definition found in the dictionary on my iPhone:
ARTIST — noun
- a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.
- a person who practices one of the fine arts, especially a painter or sculptor.
- a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.
- a person who works in one of the performing arts, as an actor, musician, or singer; a public performer: a mime artist; an artist of the dance.
- a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill.
- a person who is expert at trickery or deceit: He’s an artist with cards.
Obsolete. an artisan.
Origin: 1575–85; < Middle French artiste < Medieval Latin artista master of arts. See art1, -ist
I think there is a bit of artist in all of us, but it’s not until the 4th example in the above definition any other art form was mentioned. Writing is never mentioned unless you consider number 5 as covering the art of writing. After all, it does take a bit of skill and imagination to write.
Having said that, there are many in my family who should be listed as artists. H’s talent lies in teaching and performing music. My oldest sister is a magnificent cook. I sure didn’t acquire any of that talent. I get by cooking as little as possible.
Another sister is a wonderful seamstress and quilter. My brother has woodworking skills. My daughter also has teaching and musical skills. The list goes on and on. I know I’ve left some out. Forgive me.
When I was groping for an A word to write an essay on for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, Artist came to my mind and since Andrew also starts with an A and has reached a milestone in his career of choice – college – I figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone with this essay.
Andrew follows in his fathers footsteps with his musical talent. A friend of mine said, when I showed her this picture, “He just looks like an artist!”
A milestone has been reached!
He does at that, doesn’t he?
Are you an artist? Are there any in your family? I bet you won’t have to look far for them if you reach out past the norm of paintings and sketches. Who knows? You may even have a painter in the bunch!
~Elle
Finding Myself Through Writing 
I don’t think of myself as an artist, but when I’m in a creative zone perhaps I am one. 🙂
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Hi Elle, I’m subscribing to your blog and found you through the A to Z Challenge. Let’s see…I am an actress; my brother is an exceptional piano/organ player; hubby is learning to play the mandolin. My daughter is interested in clocks/timepieces (she’s closing in on 50-we may need a bigger house soon) and dinosaurs (of which she has none). :p Glad to have you with us this year!
LuAnn (approx #374 on the list) @ Back Porchervations.
(and one of co-host AJ Lauer’s #wHooligans)
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A lot of artistry in your family, I see, LuAnn. Hope I can muddle through this month. It will be fun! Keep a check on those dinosaurs. You never know when they’ll show up wanting to eat! ~Elle
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What a great piece Elle. Love sparring with words, as you know. And Andrew is such a handsome fellow, and talented to boot. I know how proud you are of him…sigh
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I love your ample definition of artist to include anyone who has a special talent for something . In Spain people say you’re an ‘artista’ coloquially to mean that you’re an expert at something.
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Most people are an expert at something no matter how small. Sometimes they just don’t know where to look! ~Elle
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Great start to april 🙂 !
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April! There’s another A word! 😉 thanks for stopping by! ~Elle
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My pleasure 🙂
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P.S. I should have added writing as one the areas offered but it was sort of an offshoot and split off after a few years. J.
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Actually, went back to art school in my late forties. Kootenay School of the Arts. Was a school revived by some local people in the area. The concept at the time, was an institution run as a Co-op and focussed primarily on students who wanted to be “working artists”. The main areas were Wood, Pottery, Metal and Fine jewellery. I worked with many local artists learning my skills that are now rusty. I sat on the board as a Student Rep. Since then the building and what’s left of the programs have been taken over by Selkirk College. The largest college in the area and the main authority that saw another institution within it’s area, as a rival and jealous of the funding acquired. Like many things, providing education can be tenuous where money is concerned. Cheers Jamie.
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Let’s don’t talk money Jamie! Lol! Andrew has plans for grad school and more! $$$ Don’t ever let your artistic skills get rusty…haven’t seen you in a while. Glad you’re back…~Elle
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Thanks Elle! A month in the Philippines, was great! Cheers Jamie.
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I bet!
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