artists and passion, but mostly passion

art⋅ist
–noun
1.a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.
2.a person who practices one of the fine arts, esp. a painter or sculptor.
3.a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.
4.a person who works in one of the performing arts, as an actor, musician, or singer; a public performer: a mime artist; an artist of the dance.
5.a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill.



pas⋅sion 
–noun
1.any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.
2.strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor.
6.a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for music.
7.the object of such a fondness or desire
8.an outburst of strong emotion or feeling: He suddenly broke into a passion of bitter words.
9.violent anger.
10.the state of being acted upon or affected by something external, esp. something alien to one's nature or one's customary behavior.

There are several ways that one can define "artist". But I personally think it all comes down one common ground, which is a reflection of passion. Passion is an intense emotion, it's a drive, almost an uncontrollable force. It is the work of perfectionists. Like the little voice inside ones head saying no such thing as ones best, one can always do better. Which is true. If you're passionate about something, there is no turning back, its a go big or go home situation, otherwise why even bother?

The word passion I believe is used too lightly. Of course it's used to display a strong sense of emotion, to get a dramatic point across. But I believe that it is a word shouldn't be taken half-heartedly. It's a deep word, used to describe deep people. Artists are by nature, emotional and sensitive beings- I'm sure if an artist showed you a collection or portfolio of theirs, and labeled it as something they were passionate about, and you, the insignificant bystander didn't take it as being as in depth as it should- would sincerely hurt the artist. That last sentence was sloppy. What I am trying to define is that the word passion is of ones who are passionate- who put heart into their work, no matter what sort of work it is. And when one is passionate about something, it is difficult to put aside feelings, especially when one does not take them, or their work, for being genuine.

Being proud can be an outcome of passion though. Spending infinite amounts of time and energy in to one specific thing is a side affect of passion I would say. You enjoy the thing you're passionate about, and you come to the conclusion that it is worth it, the time and energy you spend in that one thing. However, maybe being passionate about something fails to reveal a specific purpose. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? Its something you must ask yourself before spending the prolonged time and commitment. On the other hand though, your response may be WHY NOT?

Why not put effort into something you enjoy, even if it represents no ideal purpose for its being?
Why not give yourself the opportunity to be proud? I know from personal experience that when you're proud of something, its difficult to compose ones self when others don't appreciate your work for what you believe its worth. But if you're proud of it, then what else matters really? One doesn't take part in an activity of passion for another. I believe that is not the correct motive for passion. It should be for ones self. For the joy of completing something that you have spent endless amounts of time into and loving the outcome. That is what I would believe is classified as passion.