I first started considering myself an artist in college. Before that, I was just a person who thought weirdly about things and made stuff incessantly. Even as a child, I annoyed most of my friends because I wanted to be creating little objects instead of playing games, gossiping, or doing other girly stuff. I took art classes and won small awards here and there through high school, but it wasn't until I hit college and got some encouragement from some professors there that I began to think seriously about myself and what I was doing. I became an art major for a few semesters, and it was the happiest, most fulfilling part of my college time. Unfortunately, I lost faith in myself again and chickened out, switching my major to something more practical and graduating faster.
I have regretted that decision almost since I made it, and recently decided to reclaim the title of "artist", although my artistic career is in low gear at the moment. After all, I never stopped thinking like an artist, nor did I stop making stuff. I would like to go back into art school at some point, although it's not practical to do so right now. I am currently focusing on the fact that, like the title "witch", one can only confer it on oneself truly, and no amount or lack of official certification can make or strip one of real artistry.
If you'd like to see two graphics I've created recently, see the following:
Until I have some more links of my own, let me direct you to this directory of female artists and their work, which is part of the World's Women Online project. You can find a rich source of inspiration there, and much to contemplate.
Marty Hale-Evans
marty@apocalypse.orgReturn to Marty's Main Page
Or Woman, Witch, Jewelry Fiend, TV Addict, Dog Fan, Size Activist