Becoming a "real" artist

A while back I made a vow to myself that I would be a "real" artist by Feb. 14, 2010. I say "real" artist, because on some level I have always thought of myself as an artist. I have sewn clothes, designed and sewn crafts (dolls and such), I have painted my walls and designed and made things to hang on them, and I have been a quilter for over 17 years. All of that takes color and design, and good craftsmanship, and a sense of artistry to accomplish.

Yet, the fine arts have traditionally been comprised of paintings, sculpture, and architecture. Craftsmanship, however fine or beautiful, has been viewed as the poor cousin. I am here to blur the lines. I want fine crafts to be seen and viewed, and valued, as art. What is a handmade doll, or a wonderfully woven basket, if not sculpture? Why is a beautifully toll painted chest of less value than a painting meant to hang on a wall?

This blog is to document me, Aisha, Becoming a "real" artist. So here I am going after my AFA. I will post both the work I do in my classes, and the projects that I do in my own time. I have started with some drawings that I did in my last class, and some mixed media projects that I am doing during this Spring break. I hope that you enjoy them.