On Art and the Artist's Heart

My Thoughts on Art and the Artist's Heart
by Deathworks

I have considered writing these ideas down for quite some time now, as I think they are at least close to the truth. And all amateur artists I have talked to about this had been interested in my point of view. I am not trained in psychology or any field that would give me authority in this matter, though. Thus, the following ideas can only represent what I believe to be true, although I may very well be mistaken. As such, please take them as a starting point to contemplate your own feelings.

First of, I should explain the term "artist's heart". Based on my experience, I divide people into two classes, those who have "the artist's heart", and those that don't. I will not argue with anyone suggesting that there are more types, but this distinction is the one most important to me. And please note that not having "the artist's heart" does not indicate any kind of deficiency or inferiority either, the formulation rather expresses this text's concentration on that particular characteristic. People with "the artist's heart" feel the urge to create something, the urge to express themselves in a rather personal manner. They are not really satisfied with accumulating wealth or prestige objects (which is not to say that they wouldn't try to obtain either, depending on their character). What they are looking for is to create something original which then carries part of their soul. This is where art that comes from the heart is born, which I like to call "real art".

Now that "the artist's heart" has been introduced, we can take a look at "art". Art created under such circumstances cannot help but absorb and reflect the artist's emotions. This is not to say that the artist doesn't use his reason when creating an object, it is just that no matter how intellectual the item might be, it will usually carry the artist's hope in it. This may lead to a very high degree of intimacy, of course. Indeed, I would propose that his art is any artist's weakest spot. It can be the source of incredible bliss for him, but it can also be used to wreak his heart. Even strong personalities can be very vulnerable at that spot.

The statements thus far have stressed that art is something extremely personal and important for the artist. Considering that, questions about professional artists might be raised. True, there are those that seem to be free to do absolutely as they please and it is wonderful to see that, but then there are those, like many professional authors, I would assume, that are not that lucky. If you start becoming professional, your art may get the additional aspect of having to pay your bills. Without that requirement, an artist is always free to express himself, letting it flow. But if your art needs to be sold, it will have to please, for who would pay money for something he doesn't like? It is then that something alien, namely the wishes of the clients, enter the scene and disrupt the connection between the artist and his art. He may be forced to change aspects, leave things out, or add things he himself would not have wanted there. In short, he may have to try to make it something other than his piece of art. But how could art created in such manner really reflect his soul? Wouldn't it be tainted by all these artificial changes?

I am quite certain about that "urge", since it is what I feel myself. The aspect of the corruption of art is just deduction on my part, but considering how many authors seem to have declined after becoming real professionals, that thesis would gain some probability. My conclusion would be that becoming a really professional artist is the biggest mistake an artist can make in his life, as he would allow his very nature to be attacked. Having said that, I would like to thank you for reading all of this and ask you to spend at least a moment's worth of consideration on the topic so that you may find your own conclusion.