Amateur or Professional
A few years back, when my children were in grade school, we were stuck in an early morning traffic jam on the way to school. My son, the fourth-grade philosopher, asked me “how do I know that I exist and that I am not part of a dream?’ Descartes said “I think, therefore I am.” There you go, on the way to school, philosophy 101 .
Acrylic On Canvas 80cm x 60cm @All Rights Reserved Barbara Adler Art
Many years ago, as a teenager, I went on a fabulous trek in the desert with an adored older cousin and friends of hers. The days were hot and dusty, relieved by dips in cool springs and the sea. The evenings where around campfires under the most amazing star lit sky. Most of time I felt like a fly on the wall, taking in the atmosphere, listening with great intent to their conversations. I was still a school girl. They were already after college, working their way into the great wide world. Two of the fellow hikers were art historians, two were actors. To say the least, the art historians really caught my attention at when touring monasteries in the middle of nowhere. Their explanations on the mosaics or frescos were amazing. Nothing since has ever compared. The conversations, around the campfire, gave me food for thought for life. The question on hand through-out the trek was, if one is working as a teacher, though educated as an actor, is that person still an actor or an educator? Does one have to actively be an actor to be considered an actor? An art historian can be both and no one will think otherwise. An actor though, does need the script to perform and an audience to preform in front of. Thus, the discussion. What about an artist? At least 50% of our time are our ideas. We can be doing other activities, but still be doing our art, thinking about art. I Think About Doing Art, I have ideas running through my head, I have the urge to create therefore, I AM an Artist.
That can make for a lot of artists in this world.
"Beach" - Ink On Paper A-5 @All Rights Reserved Barbara Adler Art
What is the difference between an amateur to a professional?
1. Education. Art education. The desire to be educated in art. Accepting the discipline taught.
2. The physical act of creativity not just ideas.
3. Work ethics; to work every day just like in any other profession and not just when the Muses land on us.
4. The decision to showcase our art.
5. The decision to profit from our art, be it through education or sales.
Recently, I was approached to guide a young artist. I was asked what advice can I give. First and foremost, one must be true to oneself, to one’s personal narrative. Second one must believe in oneself and their ability. Third, take interest in various techniques and schools of thought, but decide for one’s self what is best for their expression. Last but not least, the five points listed above.
There is Art for everyone’s state of mind, desires and tastes. Flatter me! Contact me if you would like to personalize a special gift for a special someone. Nothing like a meaningful, personal painting or drawing as a gift.
Please feel free to contact me for advice. I love to chat.
All the works on this blog are Printable and for sale. They are Barbara Adler originals. I love talking about my art and almost any subject related, so feel free to DM to converse and purchase my art, making it yours.
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