So perhaps we should redefine what 'creative' people do. If the word 'creative' send a judder of bonedeep hatred through me like a bell.
But why does it? Are you ashamed of it? Embarrassed? Is it what you do or isn't it? Why do we need to redefine anything - to make ourselves feel comfortable under the gaze of others? I make stuff and I work at it - I fail to see the problem.
Tell me something, though - if it's work and focus and technique you admire (and I pretty much wholly agree) shouldn't someone with massive powers in, I dunno, real estate development or stock marketing or banking or some other white collar job be admired the same way?
They are. Like morgan303 said, I make dinner for me and my partner but I don't call myself a chef. I do my own taxes, but I don't call myself an accountant. I do write a lot, and work very hard at it. I call myself a writer. If I sell stocks, I'm a broker. If I sell land I'm an agent. No-one blinks an eye when a person introduces themselves as such. But introduce yourself as an artist and see how much cred you start the conversation with.
Another thing is - and I'm citing morgan303 again - when a person calls themselves 'artist' or 'writer' or 'musician' they are immediately standing themselves beside the greats of their field - not as an equal necessarily, but you're putting yourself in the company of legends. It took me (and she) a very, very long time before feeling comfortable and confident enough in our achievements to do that. Truth be told I'm still antsy about it, but I've had to get over it because being unnecessarily and constantly self-deprecating about one's life's pursuit does no-one any favours.
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Date: 2008-07-31 11:58 am (UTC)But why does it? Are you ashamed of it? Embarrassed? Is it what you do or isn't it? Why do we need to redefine anything - to make ourselves feel comfortable under the gaze of others? I make stuff and I work at it - I fail to see the problem.
Tell me something, though - if it's work and focus and technique you admire (and I pretty much wholly agree) shouldn't someone with massive powers in, I dunno, real estate development or stock marketing or banking or some other white collar job be admired the same way?
They are. Like morgan303 said, I make dinner for me and my partner but I don't call myself a chef. I do my own taxes, but I don't call myself an accountant. I do write a lot, and work very hard at it. I call myself a writer. If I sell stocks, I'm a broker. If I sell land I'm an agent. No-one blinks an eye when a person introduces themselves as such. But introduce yourself as an artist and see how much cred you start the conversation with.
Another thing is - and I'm citing morgan303 again - when a person calls themselves 'artist' or 'writer' or 'musician' they are immediately standing themselves beside the greats of their field - not as an equal necessarily, but you're putting yourself in the company of legends. It took me (and she) a very, very long time before feeling comfortable and confident enough in our achievements to do that. Truth be told I'm still antsy about it, but I've had to get over it because being unnecessarily and constantly self-deprecating about one's life's pursuit does no-one any favours.