-Faith Ringgold, famous artist featured in The Oprah Magazine (she even had a school named after her)
I wholeheartedly identify with this statement for many different reasons. A while ago we talked about what we are meant to do and my question for you this time is who are you right now? Does it embarrass you to say it? Do you wish you were someone or something else? And has anyone ever challenged your identity?
28 comments:
The question of identity can be very challenging. People tend to change identities and status all the time.
Good question. What am I?
This is a very interesting question to ponder. I think, professionally speaking, it happens with a lot of artists. What makes you an artist or a writer? Is it that you do it or that you're talented or that you can make a living from doing it?
Something to think about for sure and I like the idea of not allowing someone else to make that decision for you.
Right now I am...a writer. And a student. I think the only thing I wish I could be right now, aside from a writer, is a post-grad. I just want to be done with school - homework is a total pain. As for the writing part...I am extremely happy with where I am. There is nothing I would rather be doing to be quite honest.
I think that every rejection a writer receives is a challenge to their identity. It is the true writer's however, who are able to accept those rejections, and keep trucking along...determined to reach their goal! :)
Wow, another great contemplating moment! Right now I am a stay-at-home mom. My identity has definitely been challenged by a lay off that turned me into a SAHM overnight. After having been a work-horse my whole life (specifically in advertising for the past seven years), this was tough! At first I struggled with my SAHM title. I was joking that I was a now-at-home mom because the "stay" part seemed like a command for pets. But today (one year as a SAHM) I'm definitely molding into my new role and love spending this time with my kids. Plus, that's how/why I started my blog–for a creative outlet:) But in the back of my mind, I feel like I will do "something" again. I'm a work-horse, I can't help it!:)
Thought provoking darling!
Still work in progress for me, But I think it may take a lifetime to figure this one out... For those who have figured it out are truly blessed! Let me ponder some more on this one~thanks*
Why are people so threatened by artists? Some people just like to rain on your parade.....
I am a stay-at-home-mom and it took me awhile to say that with confidence (was always a working women) but I am grateful that I can say it now!
Love that image, reminds me of Madison from Splash : )
Oh, that definitely happens to me all the time. I think people are so overconfident when they're young - they lack the life experience to let them know where they stand in life and what's really important, and they think they know it all and can tell you who you are and what's best for you.
It's a funny thing, actually. I always wonder, when people say those things to me: "Why are you worrying about my life? Worry about yourself, and leave it at that!" Honestly!!
But it's good to always surround yourself with supportive people, who act as a mirror and can always remind you of who you are. They're the ones who can ground you and bring you back to yourself again :)
i was married once and i'm so glad i got away from that. his abusive nature challenged my identity far more than i've ever experienced.
I'm glad i figured it out for myself and before it was too late :)
i love this post, very inspiring.
Coming from an art department, I can safely say there are a lot of snooty art people out there. It's kind of frustrating.
I don't think I have the answer to that question yet. It is a very good one, indeed.
Melanie @Unravelled Threads
My custom elastic waistband skirt giveaway ends Saturday!
great shot
Excellent post. I am a writer, an almost post-grad, and I have no idea what I want to do with my life...and I am fine with not knowing.
this is a pretty hard question, and I often wonder why its so hard/embarrassing to identify as an artist of any kind. immediately people say "what have you done?" and the answer is not always easy to explain. but its good to remember those kinds of interactions are not what defines us.
OMG...where do I start! I am a teacher, company owner and a writer...I love your post!
Kisses
OHMYGOD! THE NERVE OF THAT LADY!!! i think we should all be able to define who we are and what we do! yeesh!
I just got a little pissed reading that quote. Isn't it always our friends who say things like that? The biggest part of me is a writer, then a high school teacher, then a businesswoman, but I'm all three things equally. If that makes any sense...one is time and the other is who I am.
That quote hits HOME! Because I work in the residence halls on campus, I get a lot of questions about when I will finish school, what I want to do with my life,etc. People don't think my job is real. But that doesn't make my 50 hour weeks any shorter.
I just love your posts.
interesting. hm. right now i'm an explorer and adventurer.
oh this question is being asked and discussed in one of my subject class
well i am a designer :)
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xoxo
You ask the best questions (and they are usually questions that are always on my mind)...
For the past two years I've been trying to figure who I am... Right now, I define myself as a visual person with an interest in design and art but definitely not an artist in the traditional sense of the word. I'm a photographer but not a professional. I'm a wife but it's new and I'm still growing into the role. I'm a daughter but my responsibilities aren't what they used to be. I'm just a jumble of interests and roles right now.
Hopefully, they will start falling into place soon and I will be able to say that I am happy being who I am right now.
i tink my identity is challenged on weekly basis.... but who ever chalenged me, never gave me an answer.
Wow love the hais, so georgeous:)
For now, I'm a writer & student. But before when I was interning at TSE - some of those who worked there thought I was an assistant and not an intern lol, but I guess it was pretty much the same label.
i'm a lingerie boutique owner and blogger! i love that i recently added blogger to my little resume. ;-)
how funny about your Martha Stewart/Skin Lingerie experience today. i love it!!
xoxo alison
I could go on and on in answer to your question. I am a stay at home mom right now. Sometimes (especially when I started staying home this year) people have said things about my current "position" that made it sound like I do nothing all day. I've also heard comments about how I "used to be a teacher." Being a mom is only part of who I am. I'm also a wife, sister, friend, teacher, student, leader, musician, scrapbooker, etc. Who am I? is such a complicated question, since we are all unique and complicated beings! And that is a good thing!
Oh, Tiffany, I don't think you know how deep this post goes for me right now. I love this quote. And I'm in a philosophy program and I'm not a philosopher. Worse, I don't want to BE a philosopher. I know what I want to be and trying to open doors to get me there...that's what I'm focusing on right now. And all these realizations came this week (needless to say, it's been really tough).
Have a spectacular weekend!
Thats how long my hair will be one day:)
Have a great day - SP
A great question! Love this post! ;)
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