7/21/2011

Are Artists Natural Born Con Artists?

Consider this: According to Ian Leslie, “there is a gushing river of verbal creativity in the normal human mind, from which both artistic invention and lying are drawn. We are born storytellers, spinning narrative out of our experience and imagination, straining against the leash that keeps us tethered to reality.”

As artists and artisans we imagine, we invent, we reinterpret reality. We inarguably use the same skill set as cons. Evidence of the intermarriage of art and con can be found in numerous Etsy shops, and as we are encouraged to tell colorful anecdotes about ourselves to capture buyers, you have to wonder how many profiles are true vs. intentional fabrications.

In my observation, there are two distinctly different paths into the arts, two separate motivations. One is primarily driven by the need for praise, for an audience, for money and status, for beating out one’s competition. The other is a path traveled by those who have discovered the joy of mastery and discovery. Artisans Gallery Team was conceived as an alliance of the latter. When we are functioning at our highest and best, we are able to praise and promote the new works of other artisans because we take joy in discovery whether it is from others’ or our own.

One way to spot a con is that every story they tell glorifies themselves, often denigrating others in the process. Whereas an artist on the second path tells a universal story that reaches for insight, using personal facts as illustrations.  When we vet and jury for this team we are looking for that type of commitment to authenticity.

editorial by Lee Wolfe

9 comments:

Thongbai Tatong said...

This is a great article, Lee. I agree with the distiction between the two groups that you have mentioned. It is a great reminder for many of us, or at least for me, who are trying to make a living out of creating and selling handicraft products. Sometimes we try so hard to make sure sales come, so that we can pay bills and are able to continue to create, that we forget that one of the greatest qualities of an artist is humbleness. Thank you for the reminder, and also for including my skirt in this great article.

- Bai

steinschmuckdesign said...

So wise Lee!!!

GlitzGlitter said...

Wonderful insights!

Decorate the Diva said...

This is definitely an interesting take on con/artist. I choose the second path… facts and authenticity. I love what I do and find great joy in creating unique pieces! Thanks Lee!

Toni said...

I love this article, Lee. Very interesting.

IKABAGS said...

Great article Lee !

Thanks for your time for this interesting post !

Eve's Little Earthlings said...

It never occured to me that anyone would embellish, let alone lie, about their personal journey on the artistic path. Creativity is a gift that should be honoured with hard work and humility.
Any truly creative person is interesting without lying about themselves.

Merritt Hyde said...

Fanflippingtastic! Very thought provoking and insightful article. Love how you separated the pro's from the con's. Genius!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

First time I've visited your site and absolutely love this article. It's so beautifully written and so true.