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"I was talking to Dawen about creativity. What makes you an artist? I’ve been told you’re only a “sophisticated” artist if you can do portraits, fruit with watercolour, and draw objects in front of you realistically. I humbly disagree. While I am a big believer in basic art education, it doesn’t make you creative. It makes you skillful like a carpenter. You can be in awe of the carpenters work but the carpenter based it on somebody else’s creativity. In art class, we had to learn to “master” our skill. We draw other peoples styles and learn how to shadow, properly use the mediums, and such. You use other peoples creativity before you can be creative yourself. If you think about all the artists who became famous – to many people, they are not “sophisticated” artists. Look at Jackson Pollock. You know what, though? The man is a pioneer. Somebody had one of his artworks at a garage sale thinking that it’s junk and the person( who was an art major) was shocked to see his piece and bought it for $5. Dali and Picasso for instance could draw realistically but that is not what made them famous. What section is the most popular in the Dali museum? His surrealism work. How about Romero Britto? If anybody tells you that you’re not a “sophisticated” artist. Honestly? Take that as a huge complement. It means you’re creative and not just skillful. Learn the instrument but also learn to carry your own tune."
- Eileen, My Bright Neon Lullaby
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