Watch out, this one's a long one. But I promise you it's an interesting, and as always, informative read.
This post came about because of Derek Halpern, with inspiration from Starlene Breiter, and the support of Laura C. George...
This post came about because of Derek Halpern, with inspiration from Starlene Breiter, and the support of Laura C. George...
I have struggled to define myself as an artist. That word "artist" just sounded so common, so nondescript. Many people think of very specific things when you tell them you make art. Painting is one of the primary mediums that comes to mind. I paint, sure, but I'm not a painter. Not at least by my own estimation.
I knit, crochet, make jewelry, create stained glass pieces occasionally. But any of those epithets isn't enough. It's far too restrictive and as they say, when you label me you limit me. But you cannot deny the kinship and community you feel when you relate to another who wears a similar label.
So the point is to not let it restrict who you are and how you express yourself. Getting specific is okay, just don't stay stagnantly in one idea because that's how you define a single characteristic.
I take my friend and artist colleague Starlene Breiter for example...she's the Rock Star Astrologer. That title has so many different and interesting meanings. "Rock Star" implies a degree of fame. But she's also a rock hound and metaphysical gemologer. She an astrologer, but then her name is also Star. She infuses that spirit, the intuitive connections she feels in all she does. She's also a Reiki Master/Teacher, so that is included in her work.
On one hand that's a pretty specific reference, on the other it gives so many different meanings without being restrictive. Honestly, it's pretty fabulous.
So what about me? Well I ran down some questions that I got from Derek that focus on defining who you are & what you do. At first, as always, I struggled to answer them. I balked at using words that would place me in a small and narrow space, but I hedged on being too general because then my spirit wouldn't feel honored.
(Who are you?) Aradia Goseling of Aradia's Hand
(What do you do?) Multipassionate Intuitive ARTrepreneur
(How do you help people?) I help you reconnect to your inner self & intuitive connection with a sense of style. My work enlivens you, makes you feel comfortable in your own skin, while letting you express your true & authentic individuality.
(What do you give them?) I give you one of a kind, custom, handmade art that is JUST FOR YOU & matches your specific tastes! And no one else's.
(What's special about what you do?) I don't just make to fill a shelf. I take time and care in every single detail of the process, I experiment, I troubleshoot, but most of all I follow my intuitive guidance even when something doesn't make sense. I trust in Spirit to inspire me and I place that Spirit into all that I do.
(What's your secret ingredient?) Honestly, it's my faith. It gives me a deep appreciation for all walks of life, all points of view and lets me connect nonjudgingly to the meaning for other people.
(How does it all fit into a story?) I love well made art, but I own almost none. Not because what I've seen isn't made to my standard. But all art out there is primarily an expression of the artist alone. I do more than that. I don't just make art for art's sake, I also make it for form and function. I make it because a color, texture, symbol, or idea tugged at my inner Spirit and drew it out. Because the voice of that energy needed and wanted physical form and I gratefully obliged.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments below...What's your story? Who do you define yourself as? Do you feel defining yourself limits you? If you're new to the blog make sure you follow me on Bloglovin' so you never miss another post again! You can also connect with me on social media and best of all grab a spot on my newsletter so you stay in my inner circle for special not-seen-anywhere-else updates! <3
I knit, crochet, make jewelry, create stained glass pieces occasionally. But any of those epithets isn't enough. It's far too restrictive and as they say, when you label me you limit me. But you cannot deny the kinship and community you feel when you relate to another who wears a similar label.
So the point is to not let it restrict who you are and how you express yourself. Getting specific is okay, just don't stay stagnantly in one idea because that's how you define a single characteristic.
I take my friend and artist colleague Starlene Breiter for example...she's the Rock Star Astrologer. That title has so many different and interesting meanings. "Rock Star" implies a degree of fame. But she's also a rock hound and metaphysical gemologer. She an astrologer, but then her name is also Star. She infuses that spirit, the intuitive connections she feels in all she does. She's also a Reiki Master/Teacher, so that is included in her work.
On one hand that's a pretty specific reference, on the other it gives so many different meanings without being restrictive. Honestly, it's pretty fabulous.
So what about me? Well I ran down some questions that I got from Derek that focus on defining who you are & what you do. At first, as always, I struggled to answer them. I balked at using words that would place me in a small and narrow space, but I hedged on being too general because then my spirit wouldn't feel honored.
(Who are you?) Aradia Goseling of Aradia's Hand
(What do you do?) Multipassionate Intuitive ARTrepreneur
(How do you help people?) I help you reconnect to your inner self & intuitive connection with a sense of style. My work enlivens you, makes you feel comfortable in your own skin, while letting you express your true & authentic individuality.
(What do you give them?) I give you one of a kind, custom, handmade art that is JUST FOR YOU & matches your specific tastes! And no one else's.
(What's special about what you do?) I don't just make to fill a shelf. I take time and care in every single detail of the process, I experiment, I troubleshoot, but most of all I follow my intuitive guidance even when something doesn't make sense. I trust in Spirit to inspire me and I place that Spirit into all that I do.
(What's your secret ingredient?) Honestly, it's my faith. It gives me a deep appreciation for all walks of life, all points of view and lets me connect nonjudgingly to the meaning for other people.
(How does it all fit into a story?) I love well made art, but I own almost none. Not because what I've seen isn't made to my standard. But all art out there is primarily an expression of the artist alone. I do more than that. I don't just make art for art's sake, I also make it for form and function. I make it because a color, texture, symbol, or idea tugged at my inner Spirit and drew it out. Because the voice of that energy needed and wanted physical form and I gratefully obliged.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments below...What's your story? Who do you define yourself as? Do you feel defining yourself limits you? If you're new to the blog make sure you follow me on Bloglovin' so you never miss another post again! You can also connect with me on social media and best of all grab a spot on my newsletter so you stay in my inner circle for special not-seen-anywhere-else updates! <3
Related Reading...
 WUW?: Simple Rituals |  WUW?: Weaving a New Perspective |  WUW?: Fire All the Numbers |
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