When I introduce myself to someone, the conversation always follows the same pattern. I tell them that I am a painter, and specifically on canvases, since they usually invite me to touch up the paint on their house. Illuminated they exclaim what I would least like to hear “Aah, so you’re an artist!”
“No, I’m not.”
The word carries a weight I cannot bear. The image of an expressive, extroverted person, who loves parties, draws attention for his eccentricity, and knows how to enjoy “the best of life,” does not match my personality. ‘Artist’ should not be considered an occupation but a word to describe an individual. There are artists who are painters, sculptors, musicians, architects, actors, and even everything at the same time. In all cases, they suck!
If it is necessary for you to: act like an infallible genius without any evidence, to overshadow the lack of technical knowledge about the area in which you operate, and have little dedication or interest for improvement. Congratulations, you are an artist but I am not.