POETRY - Anna

       Random words take on meaning
or does
       meaning take on random words?

community service - Brad Evans

6am

and joe, the neighbourhood drunkard, gets up
leaves his wife
shuffles down the street

he looks like moses
only more dishevelled and a little less crazy.

he dumps his empties into my bin
and says 'thank you' to a vacant street

in bed, I awaken once more
to the unmistakable clink of joe's bottles

and I say 'thank you'
to the bedroom ceiling

and for failing
to get out of bed in time

to give joe
a clip on the chin.

Definition of an Artist - Anna

What is an artist? What makes a true artist? Some people are true artists. They live for their art. They are in a constant state of creativeness. They look artistic. They have artistic conversations. They have artistic beliefs. They are beautiful souls.

Can you call yourself an artist? Do you? Is it just something you switch on or ARE you an artist all the time?

Some people are visual artists or musicians or whatever. They have a 9-5 job to support themselves and are artists in their spare time. Some people are artists all the time. They live for their art. They are true artists. Are the 9-5ers true artists? They are able to switch on and off their artistic talent at will. The others can not. They are permanently artists. Are the 9-5ers lesser artists? They are more conditioned by society to have a job and earn an income and do regular things. Maybe they own a car and a house. They go to bed early because they get up early. They do “normal” things most of the time. The other artist, who lives an artist’s life, may not have a full time job. They practice their art every day. They stay up all night if they are inspired to. They live independently. They are separated from society. They do things their way. They have total freedom. The 9-5er has financial freedom and can do what they like because they have the money for it. But the permanent artist has creative freedom. They can do what they like because they are driven by their art and will find a way. Some true artists can make good money pursuing their art. After some time though (a week, month, year or more) they will turn into the 9-5er. They will become a brand name and are not free to change their artistic direction, therefore deeming their art fake.

So I was wondering what exactly makes a true artist? Is it possible for a 9-5er to be a true artist? If so, how? And what defines them as a true artist? What defines an artist? I would really like to know the answer to this. If anyone knows, please write in and tell me. If there is no set definition, I would at least like to know other people’s opinions. Please give me insight.