For several years I have disputed various accusations that I am an artist. I didn’t feel I fit into that awe-inspiring category of extreme creativity; I didn’t feel worthy of being, by name, in the company of some of the incredible artists I know in this community; and in short, I just didn’t think I had earned it. I have a camera. I like to point it at things. I like to share the results with the world, and sometimes I write about what I’m shooting. But I didn’t think this classified me as an “artist.” Not by a long shot.

But something occurred to me last Friday as I was getting ready for a reception at the Centerville Police Department where my photos, along with paintings by Gina Ferraro, have been on display throughout the month of May. I realized that being an artist simply means you see the world in a way other people don’t (which we all do), and that you put that perspective of the world out there for others to see and maybe even enjoy. Being an artist means sharing your unique vantage point with everyone else, despite how simple or bonkers it might seem to them. You don’t have to have a fancy degree (I mean, you can), or a studio littered with canvases, artifacts, charcoal, acrylics, steel shavings, pieces of wood or clay… you just have to have the desire and gumption to share your unique vision with others. It’s about having a certain mindset. It’s about creating something that has meaning to you, and sharing it with others. Other people don’t have to “get it” and they don’t have to feel the same way about it that you do. It’s about having a vision and sharing it through whatever media you connect to. Mine happens to be photography. Shooting, editing, matting and framing- this speaks to me. It gives me satisfaction and happiness, not just seeing the end result, but experiencing the process itself.

I’ve been to numerous art museums over the years and the one comment I have heard most frequently from whomever my museum companion happens to be is, “How is this art? I could do this.” Well, yes, actually. Yes, you could. I mean, not THIS particular piece of art because it’s unique to the vision and talent of that artist. But could you create something? Yes, of course you could. Anyone can be an artist- it doesn’t mean we’re all the same, or that we all have similar talents and abilities- quite the opposite. But that’s the beauty of art- that’s what makes it amazing and interesting- that it’s all so different. And that artists differ from one another in ability, personality, ambition, style, and expression. And those differences give us a vast, diverse canvas of art (and artists) to enjoy, learn about, and continue to be inspired by.