Pastelist Tracey Maras shares her thoughts on what motivates artists to create.
By Tracey Maras
Art is typically used as a noun, but in this question, I am using it as a verb.
Why does someone engage in the act of creating art?
There are as many answers to this question as stars in the sky. Or as my fellow pastelists can relate, as many different pastel sticks from which to choose.
It can be as simple as, “I like to paint…or draw…or sculpt.” It can simply be for enjoyment- to tickle that part of the brain that receives satisfaction from working with our hands.
Or maybe it’s the act of giving that brings satisfaction. Creating something with the ultimate intention of giving it to someone in hopes that it brings them happiness.
Then there’s the hobbyist with hopes of occasionally making a sale. The goal may be to achieve enough sales to cover the purchase of more art supplies. For pastelists, we joke that it is an addiction. And one we gladly encourage.
For those of us who teach, creating art can serve as a demonstration of techniques for our students. For many, art is a career. This can range from traveling the
“Tidal Time,” by Tracey Maras.
art fair circuits, gallery representation, or promotion and sales through social media. It canencompass the artist’s own vision. Or it may be to help realize the vision of others, through commissions or working for a corporation that may be involved in marketing, design, graphics, or CGI. The list goes on and on.However, maybe the artist’s goal is to make a statement -to express a political stance, for social awareness, or to convey religious beliefs.Maybe the artist’s goal is ultimately to have work accepted into a museum.
The reasons to “Art” can overlap and can evolve over time.
My personal goal, the goal that has sustained me over a lifetime, is to improve. I simply want to be better than I was yesterday. To push myself. To learn. To experiment. To grow.
That is why I “Art.”