Artoriginality

Total Word Count: 535 words Originality is defined as the ability to think creatively and depart from traditional or previous forms. Despite the factthat the world is inhabited by various artists in different fields, it is essential to excel and not be satisfied with merely blending in the crowd. More importantly, an artist’s work must stand out in the midst of billions of visual and verbal messages that overwhelm the globe each day.
Although artists are branded to be living in a world of their own, a faithful child of art must be mindful of his role in society. One cannot afford to be indifferent and unconcerned. I believe that a true artist should not only express himself in his work but also be able to effectually convey positivity through his skill. Perhaps, what makes art good or bad is the impression that it leaves to people.
There are various ways by which an artist can achieve that goal. It is a well-known fact that news travel fast and they have a lasting effect on readers and viewers. Unfortunately, not all news is refreshing and inspiring. The massacre at Virginia Tech University is one of the most depressing and horrifying news recently. It is hailed as the deadliest shooting in US history that took the lives of more than 30 people. While America-if not the whole world-is shocked and mourning, an artist has the opportunity to involve himself and to stand out in the crowd of aspiring artists. Instead of creating an eccentric exploitation of details, it would be best to emphasize on the life lived by those who were killed and eternalize the vision they had fostered in their existence. This may provide comfort to their loved ones and promote awareness and inspiration to the public. That intention alone may be one of the crucial tests of a bona fide artist.
But it is time to depart from the traditional. The best and logical way to successfully deviate is to know what is traditional. Broad knowledge on art and familiarity on trends will help an artist to delineate himself from what is common. Through that, originality emerges from something not done before or not derived from anything else. To create something new, one must cleverly equip himself with the old. Something new may not be entirely modern but it may be a fresh conglomeration of the art of the past. It is just a matter of clever ideas and ingenious execution of your work that will make you stand out among the rest.
Criticisms must be expected to come. But negative ones should not hinder an artist in his noble intention of expressing his art. Praises must be received carefully so as not to bring forth overconfidence in a person. Premature pride may pose risks to one’s career. An artist must be able to balance feedbacks about his art until the time comes when he has already firmly established his own style and affluence in his gift.
There is a need for deep reflection on the artist’s part in order for inspiration to emanate from within. A person needs only to listen to his inner self and nurse the individual creativity bestowed by the Almighty Creator.