*promote

Promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued Friday, April 11th, 2014 2:34am PDT - promote requested by eric3579.

That's pretty much the way I've always thought of artists...crazy, and full of magical powers.

Moving this video to my15minutes's personal queue. It failed to receive enough votes to get sifted up to the front page within 2 days.

The only thing keeping this from being the most beautiful short ever, is the similarity to the film Amelie. They definitely riffed off of that, but it's cute and endearing anyway, and the actress is beautiful and perfect at that show of innocent wistfulness.
And yeah @Stormsinger, artists are magical, but unfortunately we can only change the world with illusions. Not nearly enough as we should.

*promote

Promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued - promote requested by eric3579.

Artistic ability is not some magical skill from the gods that is gifted to an individual. It takes a lot of practice and fundamental knowledge. If you want to learn how to paint, draw or sculpt there are steps that can help anyone with that goal but, as with any other subject, you have to have the drive and dedicated to learn.

I think it's funny when people I meet expect me to be crazy and interesting because I create things. Sorry, I've got nothing. I've literally spent all morning watching paint dry and now it's time for a lunch break just the same as any other Joe Schmo.

*music

Adding video to channels (Music) - requested by ant.

http://i.imgur.com/s3jInig.jpg ...

Would not agree or disagree with your statement Lann however, one's definition of 'artistic' and 'ability' as well as 'gift' can be both subjective and objective in the realm of 'art', that realm being also a subject for debate and discussion with a view to perception. Formal training and perseverance does not necessarily produce a universal guarantee of quality output. Art unfolds out of an experience and richness of life lived as well...

A proliferate and evolving continuum of interpretive output plays a larger part for myself than mere study...

....and Stormsinger, that word crazy???....Fundamentally subjective based on a society's imposed or implied rules of perception.

I'll agree that the skills and knowledge can be learned, and improve with practice. The raw talent, however, is a different matter. I have a couple of figures I have learned to draw, and I do them rather well. But I draw them by rote, the equivalent of paint-by-numbers. There is no way I'm ever going to be able to draw or paint on the level of any of the professional artists I've known, no matter how long I study. My eyes and brain just don't work that way. -That- is the magic I refer to. The "crazy" is the way they can see the results of things they haven't even created yet...another trick I've never managed. The best I can do is pick a decent point of view for a photo.

And I'm okay with all of that...or at least I'm only mildly jealous. I have my own talents, and I know that none of those artists will ever match my abilities in my own field, no matter how long they study or work on those skills. Magic is all about what you don't have. And crazy is anything different from the way you think.

downvote for no description.

Or how about the opposite...people who believe that acting crazy and interesting MAKES them an artist. I've known far too many 'artists' who bring no skill to the table...but they sure do look and act the part.

If you want to be an artist you're going to need to master some medium, whether it's clay or paint, physical performance or whatever; learn to make a cup before you delve into the abstract concept of the emotion of "cup".

Serendipity may play a part in artistic creation, but it shouldn't be the ONLY part. Don't throw clay at a wall because that's all you can do and then tell me it was your intention. If you need to tell me, "it's the reaction of the viewer that's the art itself", then you need to take a drawing class or something and try again.

I can appreciate a quirky person. If that's the persona you want to hitch your ego to, then I will respect that choice. Just don't go thinking you have to be an "artist" to sell it. Or at least, don't piss on my leg and tell me it's my reaction that is your artistic creation.

OK. I feel better.

Yes, but like most things art has to be part natural or it is pointless to try and be a good artist, let alone great.

This is very good in deed - *quality.

Boosting this quality contribution up in the Hot Listing - declared quality by Zawash.

now upvoted.

Edit: Ah shit I read your comment wrong thinking you were actually addressing me.

Yeah, I don't really act crazy or interesting and most people I know who make a living off their art are pretty "normal".

It may be my background from getting an art degree from a craft school but I do think good fundamentals are key to successful work. Even if the work is "simple".

Yes, but in order for things to come naturally there has to be some learning, practising and processing. It doesn't just come from nowhere.

I get what you are saying with the magic being what you don't have. Heck, artist feel that way about other artist but those great artist got to that point not just from being good. It takes work.

I do still disagree that art can't be learned by everyone at least at some level. If you are not learning the right techniques then you are never going to improve. I've seen a lot of fellow students that started from a point where one would think "well, what are they doing here" but after learning the right methods, they improved drastically. Yes, it may be easier for some to pick up but if you are determined enough and find the right resources you can improve from where you are.

"I think it's funny when people I meet expect me to be crazy and interesting because I create things."

I probably did interpret your comments with my own personal bias obscuring your point.
I've know a lot of artists but I've known very few with actual technical skill. In my mind, mastering your chosen medium is a prerequisite to create art in that medium. It seems like you agree, which is what I was keying on with my comments.
Sorry if I offended.

" artists are magical, but unfortunately we can only change the world with illusions. Not nearly enough as we should."

The world is an illusion. Laws are an illusion. Language and knowledge are illusions. You define your own reality.