Coming to terms with calling myself an artist

Two weeks ago, I stopped at the gallery in the mall that displays the beautiful glass things I posted about earlier. I wanted to find out who were the artists who made the ones in the window. I told the women I had posted them on my blog and wanted to give credit to the artists. (I can't find the little piece of paper I wrote the info down on. As soon as I do, I'll update the earlier post.) She asked what kind of blog I had. I had to stop for a moment and think about how to respond. I ended up saying this.

My blog is about me working through my own creativity and my exploration of different mediums. It also is about what inspires me and pushes me further.

This sounded good. This sounded like I know what I am doing. I felt like a fraud saying it. I wanted it to be true. I left the gallery in a hurry lest she ask me for a card. She would find out I am not really that cool and am just a big fake.

The next day at work I had a great moment. An older lady came up to the counter looking for a book called Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187633.Art_and_Fear

We started talking about creativity and art. I asked her if she had ever read The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. One of my all time favorite books about how to live.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254799.The_Creative_Habit?ac=1

She then asked me if I was an artist. I sort of made a babbling humming noise until I finally sucked in a breath and released a yes. She was so funny. She said there you go. You just have to admit it to yourself and move on. They way she said it reminded me of the way people talk about addictions. The first step to getting help is to admit you have a problem. Hello my name is Danielle and I am an artist. 

Maybe this way of thinking actually got through to me. At least it helped me realize that being an artist or a creative person isn't some sort of pretense. It is a part of me. So now I am going to be owning it. I am getting much better talking myself up to people when they ask about my jewelry and other things.

When in doubt, consult Julie Andrews.

Otherwise I am just trying to make some more bracelets. The lady who bought all my other ones might want some more. And my Etsy shop is still barren. I asked for some time off next week and hope to get a lot done on those days. I have been working my day job more than usual for the past couple months. It is hard to get any crafting done.

Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on now.

Have a good week. And thanks again for stopping by. Comments are always appreciated. Let me know what you think.