How To Become A Real Artist by Q. Reyes – Artistic Warfare #21

May 10, 2009 Q. Reyes 0 Comments

Art does not belong to the artist. The artist is a tool in which artistic expression flows through. Art belongs to the universe. We are taking colors, notes and words already created and blending them into what we think it’s an original creation, but the reality is that everything in the universe has already been created.

That’s the thought that changed me this weekend. I get it now, and I didn’t understand it before. I thought I had a gift and that I could do with that gift whatever I wanted, but boy, was I wrong? The thinking that whatever it is I create is solely because of me is the reason many people end up losing everything they’ve got.

So how does an artist move on from here? I think the urgency is found in understanding that artistic expression comes in many shapes and forms. It is not categorized as painting, drawing, singing, or writing, but it is in the capture of a moment through a means that will live forever.

Energy cannot be created nor destroy, so therefore an artist is the person transforming that energy. Transforming energy into a different form within the realms of that same energy. Once an artist allows himself to become the tool in which that energy can be transformed then he or she becomes a real artist. However, if an artist thinks that he or she is doing the transformation from within his or her own free will, then that artist will fail to transform that energy.

I’ve come up with a few things that help me stay focus on becoming a tool of energy transformation.

Not Looking For Recognition Outside Yourself – The only person that should be impressed with your work has to be you. No one else matters. If other people influence your creations, at the end of the day you still have to love your outcome.

Think Less, Do More – Thinking is counterproductive to creativity. Thinking is the analytical part of the creation process, and it’s not be rooted out completely, but managed in a way that minimizes its impact on the transformation of energy. One way to think less is to do more. To do more means to stop thinking about what you’re doing, and just do it. If you find yourself still being haunted by thoughts and doubts, then you need to do even more. Find a way to physically step up your actions.

Don’t Work To Complete Work – This is the opposite of getting things done. Most of us hear all of our lives about how we need to finish what we start, and this isn’t completely false. Yet, when it comes to creativity, working with an end in mind means that we are limiting our work to the boundaries that an outcome dictates. At the time of getting things done, creativity is on hold; but, if it is truly a masterpiece that you are trying to achieve, then you must let go of the process ever being over. Creativity never ends, and the attempt to limit such infinite process only ends in mediocre and subpar work.

Look For Art – Nothing is more inspiring than to appreciate art. Not just the art that was meant to be art, but the art in our everyday lives. It’s all around us and we fail to notice ninety-nine percent of it. Anything or anyone can become art. All nature and people are a work of art. I suggest you acquire as much art as possible. Get to your local flea market, get a great painting or photograph, and appreciate everything it means. Go to a library or bookstore, get a great book and read each word for what it’s worth. Have a great conversation with someone who inspires you, and listen. Listen to the tone of voice and the true meaning of their words. You can find art in all imperfections and life’s problems. Life is art. Death is art. Science is art. Technology is art. Google “art” and read about it. Read Shakespeare, and read a random person’s blog. Listen to music you think you hate. You’ll find art everywhere, if you are open to experience it.

The true definition of art is the transformation of energy. Sometimes we understand its transformation, sometimes we don’t. The only thing that matters is that we are not limiting that transformation; rather, we become a tool in which we can contribute to that energy transforming.

To be a real artist, you must first stop being one. To create art, we must stop creating it. Stop whatever you are doing in your life at this moment, and find something to appreciate.