I began my journey into sculpting during the mid-1990s while I was a student at the Academy of Art College (now known as Academy of Art University) in San Francisco. While I was living and studying art in San Francisco, I found myself among fellow art students and numerous artists who resided and worked in the area. It was truly a remarkable period for a young, aspiring artist. Being immersed in such a rich historical art environment (the Legion of Honor was my favorite museum) and having exceptional art instructors to analyze both great and mediocre art was invaluable. Additionally, I had the opportunity to draw from life models every day, enjoy the stunning beaches, and even find love. I came to realize then (and still do now) that what I was experiencing was something truly unique.
During my time in San Francisco, the term ‘artist’ was frequently mentioned. If you were studying graphic design, you might be labeled an artist. If you were pursuing a major in fashion design, you could also be considered an artist. This was perhaps the first instance where I heard the term ‘artist’ applied to fields beyond just visual art. At that moment, I didn’t question it. I was surrounded by a multitude of artists and ideas, and that was perfectly fine with me.
However, as Phil Collins once said, something happened on the way to heaven. At some point, I started to doubt whether I should call myself an artist when the term seemed to be applied more loosely to chefs, street performers, and amateurs who might do something impressive just once. While I have great respect for culinary arts and street performers, I felt that the title ‘artist’ should be reserved for those who are dedicated to mastering the visual arts, but the visual arts was feeling phased out of the group. It appears that visual arts (like painting and sculpture) have taken a backseat to more popular forms of artistic expression. It’s as if the once-favored child has now become the outcast.
When we think of renowned artists, many of us will mention da Vinci or Picasso before we think of Gordon Ramsay, Julia Child, or Banksy. Nevertheless, the pool of artists seems to be expanding continuously. And to paraphrase Syndrome from The Incredibles: when everyone’s special, no one will be.
A few years ago, I had a chat with a friend and talented sculptor, George Lundeen. During a discussion, George mentioned that he prefers the title of sculptor over artist. His words resonated with me, since I had given this some thought as well. At that moment, it didn’t seem like a deep insight, as we were discussing something entirely different. Yet, it made me reflect as it was the first time I’d heard someone else, other than me, question it.
Are we, as sculptors, being pushed to the sidelines, so to speak? What used to be a clear description of a painter and sculptor has now been blurred, allowing anyone from hobbyists to and interior decorators, to even con artists to claim the title.
It’s a thought-provoking question: What defines art, and who has the right to call themselves an artist? Since my conversation with George Lundeen, I’ve decided to embrace the title of sculptor instead of artist.
