I’m amazed at the unwillingness to define yourself as an artist and at fears of trying new things. There should be no fear, no shame. Creation is a part of the human condition.
There was no fear in coloring or sculpting as a child. Fear and resistance only crept in when you became aware that others might react. When you came to the conclusion that things from childhood must stay in childhood.
These are completely misplaced fears.
People will react as they may to everything they see you do or don’t. Is creating things any worse or better than the alternative?
We learned to speak, walk, socialize, create in childhood. Why should any be set aside?
If you consider yourself an artist, you are one. That’s all there is to it. You just have to accept that about yourself first.
“Worse yet, the audience is seldom in a position to grant (or withhold) approval on the one issue that really counts – namely, whether or not you’re making progress in your work. They’re in a good position to comment on how they’re moved (or challenged or entertained) by the finished product, but have little knowledge or interest in your process.”
– DAVID BAYLES AND TED ORLAND, ART & FEAR: OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERILS (AND REWARDS) OF ARTMAKING