It was 2013 and my best friend Rachel and I were studying abroad in Australia.
We were there as part of our Hospitality Administration program. (I didn't go to art school remember.)
During that semester we climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge, walked a mile up hill to our favorite gelato spot at least 20 times, and interned for some very eccentric cafe owners. But those are stories for another time.
Anyway...
While I wasn't there to study art, I loved drawing in my free time.
I drew on menus and maps of Sydney while sitting on the floor (a common theme over my artistic life).
Even though I was constantly drawing, I didn't think of myself as an artist.
So imagine my discomfort when Rachel started introducing me to new friends as an artist, especially when anyone else would bring up something related to art.
Rachel: Laurel is an artist!
Me: Nope nope not me no way uh uh NO
My face would get hot and my brain launched into a million reasons why I was absolutely not an artist.
Artists go to art school. I'm not doing that.
Artists sell all their art. I'm not.
I'm not "good enough" to be called an artist.
I literally could not fathom why on earth she was telling people this.
It took me several more years to feel comfortable with that label.
Slowly I started to admit that an artist is anyone who makes art.
It really is that simple, which is my non-artist best friend could see it so clearly.
It's the actual definition of the word "artist"
But if it's the definition then why do we resist it so much? I know I'm not the only one.
I'm not completely sure why we resist it.
Maybe it's imposter syndrome? Maybe it's fear of being embarrassed?
Why do we set the bar for being an "Artist" so high when the simple definition is anyone who makes art?
I'm not sure, but I know that practicing accepting that label has made me more confident in calling myself one.
Remind yourself as often as you need that if you make art, then you're an artist. Period.
Have you resisted being called an artist?
Tell me in a comment below!
XO,
Laurel
P.S. If you love painting, but sometimes struggle to stay inspired, join me in my Facebook Group! If you're not already in it and want to connect with over 1,000 other painters and get inspired, join us right here now!