who are you

[iron ant]

Tiss the season for partys ect,and we are always meeting new people.How do you introduce yourself when the question comes up,well what do you do.Are you and artist,sculptor,stone carver,ect.I usually say I am a metal sculptor,follwed by either blank look,oh thats cool,or do you make a lot of money,that one burns me up.For some reason telling someone you are a sculptor is not what they expect,reactions can be interesting and commissions can be had.....IA

[tobias]

Well I usually tell people that Im a contract killer. Then it doesnt seem so far out that I am a sculptor. HAHA. I just went to a few partys this weekend and I usually tell people that I carve stone.This ,for me, is usually followed with what gallery is your work in or what do you carve.ITs sort of funny i think the general population has a rather romantisized view of art and artists. You know we all lay around drinking absinthe and smoking black tar heroin. I dont mind this too much its sort of fun to play with and you allways have an excuse when you do some thing stupid. Oh thats the heroin talking forgive me .LOL Hope this is what you were loking for and if not you will have to excuse me i just got off of an absinthe binge.

[Julianna]

I tend to avoid speaking about my sculpting until after I've "sized-up" the person. Quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing variations of "Oh, I took art in school!" ;)

[iron ant]

Tobias,thats classic,and the best part is we can blame everything we do in life on being an artist ,and get away with it,it,s a beautiful thing.............IA

[G. Murdoch]

Greetings all,

Great question. It never ceases to amaze me that "what do you do ?" is so often the first question asked whenever I meet people. I tell them I'm a stone carver, then before the usual barrage of follow up questions, I ask them "what do you like to do?". This usually gets a deer in headlights response, since most people, unfortunately, don't have clue what they actually like to do. If the person seems hostile and I'm feelin bitchy, I follow up with my own barrage of questions, "What do you believe in? What are you passionate about? What are you willing to starve for?" If, on the other hand, the person seems intelligent and sensitive, I ask them "What did you really enjoy doing as a child? Do you sing in the shower / in your car? Do you doodle?" etc... This line of questions has often led to some great conversations, heart rending actually, as most people have stifled their inherent desire for creative expression in favor of financial safety. There is an untapped ocean of yearning among the non-artist population to create.

Graham

[jOe~]

I've been asked that question allot in my 54 years and always felt that the questionner was rarely interested in who I was as a person. It seemed that the question was really about an underlying need to be impressed or it was the start of a status inquiry/challenge. I've tended to ignore those kinds of people.
I love Graham's reply of "what do you like to do?". and will try that one next time...maybe.
Now that I've said these things, for laughs, I'll tell you about the last time I was asked "that question" as I couldn't ignore the questionner nor did I feel comfortable asking, "What do you like to do". I was last asked the question by my doctor, who assisted by his nurse, were guiding an utrasound probe up my rectum in search of my prostate. Some how none of Graham's brilliant rejoinders seemed appropriate, and I'm kind of fearful of the answers I might get. Joe

[Merlion]

I suppose I would just say, "I'm an artist". This is a simple and easy to understand answer that would normally not draw a blank face.

Only when asked further, I would say, "I don't paint, I am a sculptor". We all know that most people think of artists as painters as they are more common.

But I have to adjust this somewhat when I mix with people interested in music.

[iron ant]

.



But I have to adjust this somewhat when I mix with people interested in music.[/QUOTE]


Merlion,could music and sculpture actually be fused together?Check out atomic artist Tony Price's work.He can be found on newartsweb.com.He recently had a show at the UN,although he has passed,his art still sings...IA

[bluedogshuz]

If they have to ask what you do you are at the wrong party!!! :D

[Julianna]

Graham, your tactic seems to be the most promising ;)

...And I agree with Joe and Blue.

[Merlion]

The title of this Thread is 'Who are You?' So, although what I am writing is off what the Thread originator Iron Ant had in mind, I can't help responding as I've just put in a new related signature, see below.

Surprisingly, I got my inspiration for this from the newly crowned Miss World from Iceland. It is reported that her motto is 'You are what you do'.

[iron ant]

Merlion,bless miss Icelands heart,words well spoken.IA

[manic]

This is an excellent question that is too rarely asked for real. Perhaps this is just where I am at. I feel very lost. School has just let out and I know this is a great opportunity to dive into, or finish, my own designs not one assigned by an instructor. Am I an artist? Yes. I am coming to find out that an artist must know him or herself very well in order to create with any impact. I am lost. I have found a insatiable passion for sculpture. Stone, bronze, etc. Art is a wonderful experience that allows its creator constant periods of introspection. But, what about moments verging on real life changes or turnabouts. I am stunned. While I am a student, at 37, I have found I am well beyond the class criteria, receiving awards and scholarships. So far, I have not found it an environment for deep personal growth, probably , to a degree, attributed to the age difference and therefore life experiences. That is why I am writing this here, in a desire to intermingle art and experience. Maybe, I am afraid.

Try replying with something like that when asked, "Who are you?"

Seriously, I am lost. I didn't know where else to posts these thoughts. I am new here.

[grommet]

Well, I'll give you this perspective... You are not actually lost, because you can see the void. Just start walking.

(Now you know why I don't go to parties)

[Merlion]

This is an excellent question that is too rarely asked for real. Perhaps this is just where I am at. I feel very lost. School has just let out and I know this is a great opportunity to dive into, or finish, my own designs not one assigned by an instructor. Am I an artist? Yes. I am coming to find out that an artist must know him or herself very well in order to create with any impact. I am lost. I have found a insatiable passion for sculpture. Stone, bronze, etc. Art is a wonderful experience that allows its creator constant periods of introspection. But, what about moments verging on real life changes or turnabouts. I am stunned. While I am a student, at 37, I have found I am well beyond the class criteria, receiving awards and scholarships. So far, I have not found it an environment for deep personal growth, probably , to a degree, attributed to the age difference and therefore life experiences. That is why I am writing this here, in a desire to intermingle art and experience. Maybe, I am afraid.

At 37? I started as a sculpture student, part-time, at 62. I love it, and I took it seriously. I learn the techniques, pick up skills, and try to be creative. But what I do and what I focus on is what my own feeling guides me, not what art theories say. So I avoided the feeling of being lost.

Initially I did feel a bit insecure, as being still a 'student', I didn't know if other sculptors would take me seriously. But as long as I continue to take my art seriously, other sculptors soon notice my attitude. Now I don't have to justify myself as an artist. I feel that they have accepted me into their ranks as a serious artist.

[manic]

thanks, Grommet. Just put one foot in front of the other. I have to remember that even though I have taken many wrong turns, I have ended up here, working with art. My passion. Merlion, I am not worried about what other artist think of me or my work. I guess there is just a feeling of being chewed up and spit out. I want to sculpt, that is about all I know.

[GWayne]

The people that I meet seem to be more concerned with current events, sports, surface conversation, and gossip. The "arts" aren't on their radar.

GWayne

[kathleenfen]

Hi Manic,

Regarding being lost...
My suggestion is to take time to sit within yourself, listen to your inner voice..perhaps meditate if you're open to that. If you sit very still and listen openly and attentively to your inner self, you will find the answers you need for yourself (not for others, just you) are all there and through that process you will find yourself and what is right for you. This is not an easy thing to do in my experience; however, I find it absolutely crucial to my process and well worth the endeavour to create something that is both of myself and authentic to myself. :) ;)

Hang in there, it will come..have faith in yourself,

Kathleen

[iron ant]

hey now,Merlion seems to be well grouded and focused,his age and experience has to be a plus mentaly.Like Kathleen said,listen to your inerself,If we listened to what everybody thinks we should do,many of us would not be artist today ,expesially me.A stranger who looked at my book the other day told me she felt people had different purposes in life,and mine was to be an artist.I carried that thought around all day while I stressed on reality,shows,bills,more shows,more bills.Although I am really focused,At times I feel lost as I struggle between making art and making a living to provide for my kids.If it was easy,heck everybody would try to be an artist,it is a chalange between ones self and the reality of the life we chose to create.

[bluedogshuz]

I like this discussion. Manic, knowing you are lost is a good thing, gives you a point of reference. Your thinking. Kathleen is right quietly think about what it is you HAVE to do. We all have a void in our lives we are trying to fill, at least that is what I have found. We all have normal daily pressures. I made dicisions in my life and at times put art above family. I regret that. I think we are self centered and selfish about our time. I have learned family comes first... however... your family(in the broadest context) needs to consist of people that understand how important what you do is... in other words setting up your world in such a way that your loved ones (including yourself) value why you are doing what you do. I compromise some, because I need tons of love!!!! My daughter is an actress ( very self absorbed) I don't interfere with that because I love her deeply. Hopefully your friends and family feel the same about you and understand that you have this quirky need! You have to jump in to learn how to swim, right?