How we find the artist in all of us is a very interesting topic as many talented artists unconsciously do this during their life and career.
Since art is a form of expression, this means that our first step is to learn how to feel comfortable expressing ourselves. This can happen through all forms of art like singing, painting, drawing, building, writing etc. When we express ourselves, we have to remember that criticism or opinions are going to form and this is the next step to finding the artist in ourselves. These criticisms and opinions are one of the best sources of feedback on our art for us to learn about our expression.

The next step is to observe intently. When other people express themselves using the same form of art, we should watch, listen, analyze and learn.

Taking music as an example, we can look at playing the violin. As simplistic instrument in design but complex enough to use for highly detailed expression, when a person plays a violin they can stretch notes, stretch notes with greater or lighter pressure, shorten the note, slide notes, play a combination of 2 or even 3 notes simultaneously, pluck the strings and last but not least, combine a multitude of these tools in a song to shape an expression of the song. Varying beats and tempo can give a classical constant tempo which can portray grace and elegance but just altering the beat and tempo could give a more fun and quirky touch to the same song.

Taking this example, when people criticize our playing, we have to realize that although we may have tried very hard to play the song the way we played it, the criticism is just saying that we might have been heading the wrong direction or that we might have just focused on 1 particular area and disregarded the whole picture so we have to find a balance.

Next thing to do is to observe others who perform similar art. Listen to how they perform the song or how they use the instrument. Analyze what feelings and thoughts form in your head when they play and they try to emulate that effect when you play.

Following these simple steps may not make you the best artist but it'll sure help you understand what you are doing when it comes to art meaning that it will also realize the true artist in you.

Hope that helps.

Learn more about this author, Ian Cheong.
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