Is the artist born or made? | Smithsonian Institution (2024)

FAQs

Is the artist born or made? | Smithsonian Institution? ›

Art educators believe artists are born and made. Artists born with artistic capabilities must be developed through training, teaching and development of interest in the arts. Without adequate exposure artistic talents could waste away.

Some people believe that you need to be born with talent in order to be a good artist, but this is not true. Anyone can learn to draw or paint with enough practice. Some of the most famous artists in history were not born with talent, but they practiced regularly and became great artists.

: able to do something well immediately or from the very first time. She's a natural-born artist/leader. [=she has natural abilities that make her a good artist/leader]

An artist is a person who practices any of the creative arts, such as painting, sculpting, poetry, singing, filming, drawing, composing, and creating music. An artist, put simply, is someone who creates art — it is someone who uses art as a vehicle to communicate ideas, thoughts, feelings and worldviews.

Art educators believe artists are born and made. Artists born with artistic capabilities must be developed through training, teaching and development of interest in the arts. Without adequate exposure artistic talents could waste away.

It is clear that creativity can be both born and made. While some people may have a natural ability or inclination towards creative thinking, others may need to develop their skills over time with practice and dedication. Ultimately, creativity is a skill that can be learned and honed regardless of age or background.

The scans depicted that the artist group had more grey matter in the area of the brain called the precuneus in the parietal lobe. That region is involved with many skills, but could possibly be linked to controlling your mind's eye for visual creativity.

Definition of an Artist

An artist is anyone capable of conceptualizing an emotion, idea, or moment, or of more value, someone who can express themselves using their imagination. Art is considered any creative work whether it is a painting, a sign, a poem, a sculpture, or even a tattoo.

Genetics may play a role in creativity, but the choice to make art and be creative matters more. Creativity in all forms – art, music, writing – is so complex that it's hard to pinpoint its source. A recent study of humans and song birds revealed that musical ability may, in fact, have a genetic determinant.

In short, the essential qualities that create art are intrinsic to the person, and not learned. Skills that can be learned, however, play an important role in the creation of art. The better the artist knows his skills, and the more options he has at his disposal, the more satisfactory the end result is likely to be.

Can you be an artist at any age? ›

This article, “Being an Artist at Any Age, At Any Time,” was written to encourage anyone who has the spark or inclination to try art. And no matter what your age, be an artist for fun or for profit. There is no age limit on this profession. Begin now and enjoy all that comes with being an artist!

For some, it's a matter of interest, but often that dropoff is fueled by a belief that an ability to draw is an innate talent. It's something you have or you don't. In truth, it's a learned skill, one built over years of consistent practice.