The Artist ~ Mind as Tool

What is it that makes an 'artist' an artist?

Must you have been born with an artistic gift, a passion to create? Does the art degree that took years to obtain automatic designate you an artist?
I'd like to think that each of us holds the title. It doesn't begin and end with a degree nor at the canvas, but born in the mind, with a thought or an idea. The mind never ceases to wonder, or at least it shouldn't....least not until death. Even then who is to say it stops?

These 'creative thoughts and ideas' are actually tools...the first tools one needs in order to begin their work. Tools that feel perfect to us, like an extension of our hand. When we create we use our minds making the connection between us and these 'tool' seamless. We automatically know how to use these tools. They are our most internal thoughts. The feel is most familiar. The mind is the most important tool to use in making your art for it is you; your mind, your thought, and your attitude towards making art.

When we go to an art workshop we hope to improve our art making abilities. We might gain a new technique, a new way of looking at things, or improve our skills. We may gain insight through critique. New territory is charted as we venture down different art avenues. We benefit from being with like minded artists and we feel validated by being with members of our tribe. It's often a very exhilarating experience.

But there's also another kind of workshop available to artists. A workshop thoughtfully designed to sharpen and hone your most valuable tool. You. Your mind and the way you look at your art making; you and your attitudes towards yourself, your own work and the world around you..how your environment influences the flow of the process that you come to create. The power of the mind, your first tool that gives birth to new creations!