July 24, 2020
By Sasha Cohen
Marketing Intern/Writer
According to Merriam-Webster, an artist is “a person skilled in one of the fine arts.” Dictionary.com says an artist is “a person who produces 
works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.” While these definitions are undoubtedly accurate and mainstream, I cannot help but challenge how unnecessarily exclusive the term is.
works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.” While these definitions are undoubtedly accurate and mainstream, I cannot help but challenge how unnecessarily exclusive the term is.These definitions focus on the act of creating a piece of fine art: painting, dancing, singing, etc. However, they fail to acknowledge the amount of unconventional creativity and innovation that exists outside of mainstream artistic mediums. For example, you may not be a professional painter or dancer, but you are probably an artist in your everyday life and do not even realize it.
Do you cook dinner for your family? Sing in the car? Clean your room? Well, then you are an artist in my book.
I believe an artist is someone who creates to evoke some sort of emotion or spread a certain message. You do not need to paint like Francisco Goya nor sing like Celine Dion to be an artist; art is about using your talents — whatever they may be — to create opportunities that perhaps make your friend laugh, include others, or communicate with the larger community. So, why shouldn’t your daily routine make you an artist?
Many people believe that art has to be overtly sophisticated, politically-motivated, or superfluous so much so that some are losing sight of what really matters: how the art affects its audience. The most powerful art is when it makes us feel something deeper, challenges us to think, or urges us to take action.
Yes, many professional artists exemplify these qualities, yet your daily contributions do too; making that simple birthday card undoubtedly makes someone smile, conversing with a variety of people opens your eyes to new perspectives, and making a difference by signing petitions helps challenge your country’s policies while supporting individuals who are wrongfully marginalized.
Your actions may not be framed in a museum or written about in history books, but you are creating meaningful experiences for others. You are creating a new you each day. You are creating change. You are a creator. So get out there! Go build a sandcastle. Choreograph a dance in your kitchen. Braid your child’s hair. Because you are certainly one thing: an artist.