On Being an Artist: The Struggle is Real

To refer to oneself as an artist is considered by many to be pompous and self-aggrandizing. How dare does one ascribe to a title that is connected to a practice that the end result is in so many ways subjective? But to acknowledge and proclaim that one is an artist, while bold, is a recognition of a deeply rooted desire that is not only  second nature, but boils and permeates within the spirit, germinates and sprouts into a form that becomes a reflection of one’s connection to self and the universe. Whether this form appeals to a single person or the masses is not the determining factor of whether one is an artist, but whether the purveyor has such conviction as to proclaim and produce in the name of it. To endure a daily life of judgement, criticism, analysis, multiple interpretation, not to mention (at times) self-deprecating behavior, is to dance awkwardly in the nude before many with the threat of death. If the artist survives their critics and themselves, they are resurrected multiple times by the very same society and inner monologue that killed them. For an artist believes that, even in the contradiction, there is value in the work and therefore endeavors to overcome many obstacles to produce. To be an artist is to embrace a passion. To create from this place is to believe in the power of second nature. To proclaim oneself an artist, is to crown oneself, even when the court of public opinion may not accept you as a queen or king. 

 Patricia R. Corbett is a MFA student at Goddard College in Plainfield,Vermont, studying Interdisciplinary Arts.She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Patricia is a artist, storyteller, professional writer, published author, womanist, educator, and motivational speaker.  She utilizes storytelling, writing, speaking and networking to create paradigm shifts in education, business and the community.

Patricia's writing and artwork takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues through storytelling. She self-identifies as a queer black woman whose projects challenge systemic societal problems, stereotypes, conventional thought/wisdom, religion and values. Patricia's quest is to expose and uplift the stories of marginalized populations while redefining what is aesthetically beautiful.