Category: SHOP TALK With Rafi And Klee

Today I want to talk about something that recently came up in one of my videos. Someone commented on the video and questioned whether I could really call myself an artist. It’s a topic that I want to explore in this podcast, but I promise I’ll try not to make it into a rant.

In the video, I talked about calling yourself an artist and how no one can tell you you’re not an artist. The definition of an artist is a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby. It can also refer to someone really good at something. However, the commenter, Augustine Hawkins, had a different view. He believed that being an artist was not a description but an accolade bestowed by others.

According to him, everyone is calling themselves an artist these days when they are just painters or sculptors, and it’s arrogance to label oneself as an artist and claim more importance than deserved. He quoted Charles Eames, who also believed that being an artist meant that someone else had to bestow you with the title.

Now, I understand where Hawkins and Eames are coming from. There was a time when the label of the artist was looked down upon, and it was only given to those who had made a name for themselves or had accolades. But times have changed, and the definition of artist has evolved. Things are not as black and white as they were in the 50s. People back then were all about accolades. Today, being an artist is a personal journey, and it’s up to the individual to decide whether they want to call themselves an artist or not.

The truth is, it has always been that way, but the mindset was different back then. Vangogh has no accolades, nor does Leonardo da Vinci, yet they are considered artists. The dictionary says this:

art·ist:
noun
a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby.
a person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as a sculptor, novelist, poet, or filmmaker.
a person skilled at a particular task or occupation.

I have always had a problem jumping through hoops and waiting for people to bestow me with the title. If you create art of any type, you are an artist, whether you’re selling it or not. It’s a personal journey, and no one can tell you whether you’re an artist or not.

A few years ago, I got a comment on the same video, which said that I couldn’t call myself an artist because it was like calling myself a doctor. But being a doctor is an educational degree you get in school, and you need medical training. In fact, you can have a doctorate in the arts and be a doctor.

Hawkins responded to me, saying that as someone who actually is an artist, he has awards, exhibitions, and teaching under his belt, this subject mattered to him, and he cared about the title. This is where it got scary, he assumed I had none of those things, and because of that he attacked my value as an artist. The truth is, I have much more than the three parameters he listed, but I was an artist before I received any of those accolades. I think that his logic is flawed. Charles Eames was posing his opinion in the documentary, not a fact. Just because Hawkins cares about the title doesn’t mean that everyone has to care about it in that way too.

The label of artist is a personal choice, and it’s up to the individual to decide whether they want to claim it or not. It’s not about arrogance or claiming more importance than deserved. It’s about recognizing that you are compelled to express yourself through art.

The journey of an artist is not about creating something that’s universally acclaimed or that sells for millions of dollars. It’s about the creative process itself, and the way that it enriches your life and the lives of others. It’s about expressing yourself in a unique way, and sharing that expression with the world.

Artists come in all shapes and sizes, and they create all kinds of things. Some artists paint or sculpt, while others write poetry or compose music. Some artists create films or design buildings, while others make jewelry or weave tapestries. Whatever form your art takes, the important thing is that you’re expressing yourself in a way that’s true to who you are.

So, if you’re struggling with your art, if you’re feeling insecure or unsure of yourself, remember that these are all part of the creative process. And if you keep pushing through those doubts and insecurities, if you keep putting your work out there and sharing it with the world, then you truly deserve the title of artist.

Hi Rogues! Today, I want to talk about something really important in keeping an art career going: hindsight. It’s so easy to forget where you’ve come from and how much you’ve grown as an artist. That’s why I keep a sketchbook or a journal, or something where I can document my journey. Every once in a while, when I’m feeling down or uninspired, I use social media to look back at my progress. Somehow, it works. People follow my journey, and I’m with them. It’s so important to keep yourself motivated because it’s easy to forget that we are growing each day, even if it’s just a little bit.

As artists, we all have those days when we feel like quitting. We feel like we suck and that everything we do is terrible. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s going to happen. But when you look back at your journey, you can see how much you’ve progressed. You can see that you’re not in the same place as before. You’re growing in your career, your art, your capabilities, and even as a human being. Remember how terrified you were when you went out and did your first festival? How much of a success and win it was to push through that comfort zone? Two or three years later, you’re doing shows every weekend like it’s no big deal. It’s essential to recognize how far you’ve come.

For some people, the first step in their art career is sharing their art for the first time. After a year or so, they feel like they’re stuck in the same place. But when you look back at where you started, you can see how far you’ve come. You’re not in the same place anymore. You’ve grown as an artist, and that’s something to be proud of.

Pushing out of your comfort zone and facing your fears is so important because you know that later on, in hindsight, you’ll look back and be proud of yourself. You’ll see that you’re capable of overcoming anything. It’s like being able to weld tiny components on jewelry, even when your hands shake so much you can barely hold the tool. At first, you might have to walk away, but with practice, you become more comfortable with it. That’s the journey. And it’s that journey that leads to optimism and the possibility of future projects that you don’t even know how to do yet. When you look back at what you’ve overcome, you’ll realize that the things that seem daunting now are just part of that process.

Keeping a record of your journey is so important. It can be through social media, a journal, or a sketchbook, or some combination of those things. Even watching these videos back on YouTube, I can see how far I’ve come. I remember a time when I was petrified if the camera came anywhere near me. But now, look at where I am. I’m a badass. Keeping a record helps you to see your growth, and it helps you to trust in your own capabilities.

So, remember to look back at your journey every once in a while. It’s easy to forget where you’ve come from, but it’s essential to recognize how far you’ve come. Keep a record of your journey, and don’t be afraid to push out of your comfort zone. You never know where it might lead you.

In this podcast, Klee and I discuss embracing your awkward side as an artist. Believe it or not, this is a superpower. find out more about us at http://www.rafiandklee.com

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Being An Artist During The Holidays – ARTIST PODCAST (With Rafi And Klee)

In this podcast, Klee and I (Rafi) discuss (among other topics) the unique reality of being artists during the holidays. We dive into the main mindset shifts, challenges, and realities that come with navigating busy seasonal demands, balancing family time with studio time, and managing expectations during this time of year. Bottom line? Taking care of your well-being and staying grounded is just as important as keeping up with the holiday hustle. Episode Title: Artists During The Holidays If this resonated with you, hit that Like button, Subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! WHO ARE RAFI AND KLEE STUDIOS Curious about who we are? Visit our website and get to know us and all we do. https://rafiandklee.com/ WANT TO JOIN US IN THE CHAT FOR THE LIVE PODCAST ON PATREON?https://rafiandklee.com/patreon/ Thank you for supporting the Artist Life Podcast with Rafi and Klee! You rock!

1. Being An Artist During The Holidays 57:27
2. How Do We Feel About Seasonal Art – Artist Podcast 55:01
3. Art For Artsake – Artist Podcast 49:30
4. Start Betting On Yourself As An Artist – Artist Podcast 52:13
5. The Joy Of Creating Unmarketable Art – Artist Podcast 55:41
6. Navigating The Valley Of Suck – Artist Podcast 58:57
7. Keeping Your Art Career Fun – Artist Podcast 01:04:04
8. Reconnecting With Your Creative Spark – Artist Podcast 56:19
9. The Permission Slip You Don’t Need – Artist Podcast 57:09
10. Expectations Vs Reality – Artist Podcast 55:07

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Hola, amazing artists! I’m excited to announce that our studio is finally up and running. As we organize our taxes, I wanted to address a question from one of our followers about how to deal with art critics. I understand art is personal, and criticism can be tough. However, there are ways to approach it that can be helpful.

The first thing to remember is that you must work on your anxiety about being criticized. It is crucial to confront your emotions and work on them until they no longer bother you. When you receive criticism, don’t have a knee-jerk response. Instead, consider if there is anything constructive you can take from the critique. You want to keep an open mind so you don’t disregard feedback outright. It’s also essential to examine the source of the criticism. Understanding where the person is coming from can provide valuable insight.

Secondly, art is subjective. Everyone has different tastes and opinions. Not everyone will appreciate your work, and that’s okay. You can’t please everyone, so don’t try. Some people will love your art, and some won’t. Accepting this fact can help you take criticism less personally.

Thirdly, use criticism as fuel. If someone criticizes your work, let it motivate you to work harder and create better art. It’s important not to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Instead, use it as an opportunity to prove them wrong. When my dad didn’t understand my abstract art, I used it as a motivator. I told myself I would become so good at it that he would have to eat his words. Using criticism as a driving force can help you push yourself to improve.

Finally, question the criticism. If someone criticizes your work, ask them why they feel that way. If their critique is baseless, they will have difficulty finding a valid reason for their opinion. Challenging the criticism can help you understand the person’s perspective and lead to valuable insights.

Dealing with art critics is one thing, but what about revving engines outside the studio when you’re trying to film a video? This situation can be equally frustrating. Here are a few tips for dealing with it:

Firstly, be patient. It’s essential to remember that you can’t control everything. If someone is revving their engine outside, you can’t force them to stop. Try not to let it get under your skin, and keep calm.

Secondly, try to work around it. If the noise is too loud, try filming at another time when it’s quieter. If that’s not an option, consider changing the location of the shoot. Be creative and adapt to the situation.

Thirdly, communicate. If the noise is recurring, try talking to the person responsible for it. In my case, it’s a passerby that I can only shake my fists at. However, if it is a neighbor, explain your situation and ask if they could avoid making noise during your filming time. Be polite and friendly, and they may be willing to help.

In conclusion, dealing with art critics and outside noise can be challenging, but remaining calm and approaching the situation with a level head is essential. Remember that art is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate your work. Use criticism as a driving force, and be patient when dealing with external factors. Keep creating and striving to be the best artist you can be! aaaand most importantly! Have fun!