What makes an Artist?

Well, I think, it is an interesting question. How does one define an Artist? As per the dictionary:

1. a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.
2. a person who practices one of the fine arts, especially a painter or sculptor.
……

But, everyone has a different take on it. Art degree? Self-taught? An arts teacher or pure talent? Some are of the opinion that it is important to go to an Art School because it gives you a solid foundation to start with. While others give the example of so many self taught well-accomplished artists who do not have an Art degree but are still doing very well for them.

I think, it really really helps if one goes to an Art school because what really makes an Artist is the time spent in studio, working on techniques and finding one’s own style and an art school prepares you for that. But if one does not have an Arts degree but has talent and willing to put in the hours to work on his techniques…nothing is impossible in this world. After all, all Art is intuitive. Or maybe because I am myself a self-taught artist.. who wants to follow her heart.. her passion.. so the latter thought is more appealing and more encouraging..something that keeps me going

In the end, being an Artist is about individualism. That we don’t make art…art makes us. Let me conclude my quoting below the best description that I read recently and that fits beautifully with this topic:

“A man who works with his hands is laborer
A man who works with his hands and brain is craftsman but
A man who works with his hands and heart is an Artist”

Lots of Sunshine,

AnshuP.S.: Below is my new painting, still untitled. Any thoughts /ideas for the title are welcome: