Why I don’t like the word 'Art'

Have you ever wondered how the label "artist" could shape your entire creative journey? This week, we sit down with Jacqui, a multifaceted creative professional, who challenges the conventional use of the term "art" and explains why she prefers to identify as a "creative." Jacqui opens up about the immense pressure and expectations that come with the title "artist" and shares how redefining herself has empowered her to embrace authenticity and self-expression. Through her candid narrative, Jacqui proves that creativity is not just about the finished product but about the process of discovering and celebrating one's true self.
 
 Jacqui's story is an inspiring testament to the healing and transformative power of creativity. She delves into her personal journey of using creative outlets for emotional resilience and recovery. As she discusses her love for mixed media, sustainability, and various forms of art, she also touches on the importance of recognising one's strengths and weaknesses. Join us as we explore how Jacqui has found her voice, purpose, and wellness through creativity, and learn how you too can harness the power of being true to yourself. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone looking to reframe their relationship with creativity and self-worth.

Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music

License code: U6EWJCDDX8XNCHJ7

Transcript

Intro to CMM Podcast Channel text:
“Calling all creatives, advocates and friends… Welcome to the next chapter of this ever-growing content journey. This is your space. These stories are for you. This is Community Matters Media.”

Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music

License code: U6EWJCDDX8XNCHJ7

Episode Transcript:

Why I don't like the word ‘Art’
Now, that sounds like a funny thing to say because art is so subjective to who you are and what you bring to the world and how you create in this space. However, for me personally, the word art can be incredibly loaded and with it comes great power. Like all words, of course, this word is heavy to me, especially because it can define who you are and what you give, and your creative voice and capacity. 

It measures your worth and it makes you second-guess your abilities. I prefer the word ‘creative’. I see myself as a creative professional. I see myself as just wanting to be authentic, creative and to represent those parts of my personality through my creative works. I want to encourage other people to see their strengths, to celebrate and acknowledge their weaknesses, and accept that they too are creative. Ability does not dictate the art, your work, art, all art, is an expression of self and every time I create, I immerse pieces of myself within the project. There is no separation for me between self and creativity. 

Being creative has enabled me to find my voice, purpose, wellness and reignite my passion in making, developing, growing, learning and teaching. This empowers me by feeling liberated and free as I build my skillset and continually add to my strengths and evolve in this space.

As an artistic person, creativity has been an emotional outlet for me for my entire life. It has been a cathartic process that is therapeutic, grounding and healing, and it is something that has given me so much joy. I understand the power of embracing your authentic self, and I love to support other people to build their capacity, be true to who they are, follow their heart and learn how strong they can be with the right support and tools in place. 

Creativity has been resilience-building an escape, and a powerful tool in recovery and identifying self, and there's nothing I love more than identifying the power in owning this. There's also nothing I love more than taking somebody on that journey alongside me, as we learn together by ‘doing with’ not ‘doing for’. 

Over the years, I have learnt to accept the word ‘art’, but I struggle to label myself as an artist. I love mixed media, sustainability, gardening, nature, painting, clay, sculpting, textiles, drawing a little bit of everything! I am a creative being at heart, and there's nothing that I'd rather do with my life.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, as we walk this journey together. 

All my love, Jacqui.

Outro to CMM Podcast Channel text:
“This was an original Community Matters Media Production. Thank you for connecting with us. Please continue to follow us as part of our connected, authentic community where you show up just as you are.”

Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music

License code: U6EWJCDDX8XNCHJ7

Episode Description:
Have you ever wondered how the label "artist" could shape your entire creative journey? This week, we sit down with Jacqui, a multifaceted creative professional, who challenges the conventional use of the term "art" and explains why she prefers to identify as a "creative." Jacqui opens up about the immense pressure and expectations that come with the title "artist" and shares how redefining herself has empowered her to embrace authenticity and self-expression. Through her candid narrative, Jacqui proves that creativity is not just about the finished product but about the process of discovering and celebrating one's true self.
 
 Jacqui's story is an inspiring testament to the healing and transformative power of creativity. She delves into her personal journey of using creative outlets for emotional resilience and recovery. As she discusses her love for mixed media, sustainability, and various forms of art, she also touches on the importance of recognising one's strengths and weaknesses. Join us as we explore how Jacqui has found her voice, purpose, and wellness through creativity, and learn how you too can harness the power of being true to yourself. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone looking to reframe their relationship with creativity and self-worth.