What is an Artist?
“What about your artist identity?”
“You mean as an Art Therapist?”
“No, as an artist.”
My therapist sat across from me asking me this question and it immediately stopped me in my tracks. For the past 8 years I have been working as an Art Therapist and identifying as one yet it had been the first time I was given the space to reflect on my identity and if I even identified as an artist.
What is an artist?
According to google, chatGPT and Gemini, an artist is a person who creates or performs works of art, such as music, acting, writing or painting, using skill, imagination and creative expression.
Nowhere does it say “has to be skilled at making art” or “has done it for X amount of years” or any of the common beliefs we hold about calling ourselves artists.
So why do we hold ourselves back from not only owning the title of artist but even giving ourselves permission to create our own art?
There are many different reasons why we may not give ourselves permission to make art or to call ourselves artists. For some of us we may hold on to past trauma or beliefs from past experiences engaging in art-making. Maybe you took an art class in school and your classmates made fun of you or you didn’t get good grades. You may have also grown up in a family or surrounded by people who made money off of their art - leading you to feel less than or “not as talented.” It could have been one simple moment in time that stayed and affected you and your nervous system - that is the definition of trauma after all.
Another reason may be a block, burnout or perceived lack of creativity, in other words, challenges with coming up with new ideas or motivation to create your art. Additionally, time may be challenging to make or find. We can always come up with a wide variety of reasons of why we should not give ourselves permission to make art and maybe that is simply what it is : giving ourselves permission - to both make art and call ourselves artists.
Ways to Reclaim (or claim) Your Artist Identity
Reframe the Thoughts
Those negative and limiting beliefs that tell you “I can’t” “I don’t” “I should” etc. may sometimes need some attention and reframing. Take some time out of your day, grab a piece of paper and something to write with. Divide or fold your paper in two and write down the thoughts on the left side of the page. On the right side, find a phrase to reframe (or change) this thought.
For example, if the thought is “I can’t draw” a reframe of this thought could be “I don’t think I am good at/skilled at drawing.” This serves as an ability to truly identify what is behind the belief or thought further breaking it down and perhaps making it feel less scary and more approachable.
Make Space in Your Body
The fear/trauma/anxiety (whatever the emotion may be) surrounding claiming your artist identity tends to exist and live in our body. Therefore, it can be incredibly helpful and healing to make space and time to notice, sit with and be present to the sensations - all of which can then lead to you supporting it.
Find a safe and quiet space, maybe set the mood with some candles, a blanket and soft music if you would like. Choosing to sit or lay, start with a body scan from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head - giving time and space to notice and name the sensations (you can download my somatic descriptors list here). This experience invites you to begin to name and identify what your body may be holding on to.
As you become more comfortable with this process of identifying and naming your experience, you can start to explore and ask your body what it may need to feel more calm/regulated/safe, etc.
Invite in Play
Find any art materials you have on hand - these can be materials you like to use, that you have used in the past, your kids art materials - it doesn’t matter. Start by creating a shape on your page with any color. Then add a line or another shape. Flip your paper around, choose new colors, you get to make up the rules as you keep adding to it.
You may have some thoughts or feelings that come up for you as you are creating, that is totally normal and okay. The only goal or requirement is to allow yourself to just try and to play - perhaps there is some joy in your experience.
Remember that most things in life are a process, that means they take time. Perhaps part of your process if giving yourself some space to remind yourself of this.
If you find that you want additional support I currently have a couple of different options. You can work with me individually to explore your artist identity and use the creative process to support healing, scheduling a free consultation call here. You can also download or purchase my virtual workbooks - Manage Your Anxiety Toolkit, Creative Journaling Guide or the Intro to Creative Journaling as ways to further explore your creativity on your own.
