Attributes of the Artist

[m1469]

Hello.  This is my question, if you feel inclined to answer please do, and I will greatly appreciate  .

1.  What do you feel are some of the most important character traits an artist/performer can have? 



Thanks,
m1469 Fox
     

[Bob]

Discipline, hardwork, and perseverance  (self-explanatory)

[anda]

Discipline, hardwork, and perseverance  (self-explanatory)

all the above, plus passion for music (to be read: obsession ), intelligence, and (preferably) a beautiful soul.

[donjuan]

If you have no ego, possibilities are endless. 

[rafant]

1 - To feel oneself comfortable with people
2 - To be a good communicator
3 - To be able of letting the music be the star, no oneself.

[quasimodo]

An artist is someone who's got deep inside him(her)self :

- a lot of hart,
- the desire to be a vehicle of emotion, fun and beauty,
- the luck to have enough talent to realize what I mentionned above.

I don't buy this bloody theory that an artist shouldn't have an ego. An artist must be absolutely human and being human means having an ego. Moreover, you can't be an artist without a strong personality.

You can't be a real artist if you can't accept the fact that you're not perfect. And when you manage to let your flaws become qualities, then, you've become a genuine artist.

[m1469]

These are wonderful responses and very helpful. 

I have to say that this one here is particularly enlightening and freeing for me:

An artist is someone who's got deep inside him(her)self :

- a lot of hart,
- the desire to be a vehicle of emotion, fun and beauty,
- the luck to have enough talent to realize what I mentionned above.

I don't buy this bloody theory that an artist shouldn't have an ego. An artist must be absolutely human and being human means having an ego. Moreover, you can't be an artist without a strong personality.

You can't be a real artist if you can't accept the fact that you're not perfect. And when you manage to let your flaws become qualities, then, you've become a genuine artist.

Thank you  ,

m1469

[faulty_damper]

There are many different artists in every human field of endeavor.  They may not be performing artists like musicians, dancers, singers, et al, but could be artists in other ways like painters, graphic designers, engineers, architects, doctors, surgeons, teachers, et al.

One thing in common with all of these artists is that they will seek a better, more efficient means.  Perhaps the means may lead to some end but these artists usually do not look for their creations/work as a means to an end but just another step around an evolving circle with no beginning or end.  They are rarely ever satisfied with their work/output and think that they can do better and aim to do better each time.  That is why artists keep on trying to get their output to meet their ideals, which are usually bloody high and often just get higher and more difficult the more they accomplish.

Compare this to that of the ordinary person who usually has very low standards in most everything they do - what they are able do is sufficient enough.

I could go on but to be more concise, do you ask this question for an answer to the performing artist, specifically a pianist?

[m1469]

There are many different artists in every human field of endeavor.  They may not be performing artists like musicians, dancers, singers, et al, but could be artists in other ways like painters, graphic designers, engineers, architects, doctors, surgeons, teachers, et al.

One thing in common with all of these artists is that they will seek a better, more efficient means.  Perhaps the means may lead to some end but these artists usually do not look for their creations/work as a means to an end but just another step around an evolving circle with no beginning or end.  They are rarely ever satisfied with their work/output and think that they can do better and aim to do better each time.  That is why artists keep on trying to get their output to meet their ideals, which are usually bloody high and often just get higher and more difficult the more they accomplish.

Compare this to that of the ordinary person who usually has very low standards in most everything they do - what they are able do is sufficient enough.

I could go on but to be more concise, do you ask this question for an answer to the performing artist, specifically a pianist?

What you are saying here actually makes a great deal of sense to me.  I am quite curious about your thoughts and should wish to have you continue, if it would please you. 

This here, in particular, strikes me about what you are saying:

Perhaps the means may lead to some end but these artists usually do not look for their creations/work as a means to an end but just another step around an evolving circle with no beginning or end.

Again, I am quite interested in your thoughts.

BTW- Yes, I am thinking on this subject with the performing pianist specifically in mind, however, I am open to listening to whatever approach you have in helping me to better understand what you are thinking. 

Thanks,

m1469 Fox

[m19834]

1.  What do you feel are some of the most important character traits an artist/performer can have?

A pianist will find the way to play whatever pieces s/he loves, an artist will find the way to love whatever pieces s/he plays.

[db05]

I second sir faulty's opinion. First, we must find what makes the artist different from the ordinary person. It is the high standards they have.

Performance can mean different things. A great pianist might be just an ordinary student. An ordinary pianist might be a great cook. Or a scientist.

So as not to isolate other professions. Anything you do with that high standard is your art.

[pianistimo]

I used to think that it was achieving the unattainable.  A sort of mystic connection with the spirits and made available only to a few untempered souls.  It's actually just patience to wait for the right moment to 'break through' and express your own mind and your own thoughts - and not wait for some kind of 'inspiration' from elsewhere.  On this road, it might take you longer to get there - but at least you know you're not being manipulated.

For instance, if you practice 100 hours longer than the paganini down the street - you might just be a pretty good imitation.  And, however faster paganini is, you can always be musical in your playing which counts for a lot.  It's not just playing well that makes a great artist, but being able to comprehend and know where you are in the music and still completely lose yourself.  Most people can't get to that point because they aren't relaxed enough.  If you are an artist - you've probably spent enough time to know how to get out of many difficult situations.  ie going in circles - spending eternity in some sort of musical limbo.

[healdie]

1 - To feel oneself comfortable with people
2 - To be a good communicator

I know i am not good with either of these and neither was Glenn Gould

a touch of eccentricity will go a long way