What makes an amazing artist? (Pt 1)

I’ve always asked myself when looking at great artists perform or
at an amazing piece of art, music or architecture, what is it that
makes it or them so special? What is it that differentiates that
person from the rest? Do they have a supernatural ability or a
connection to something greater that we will never know? Or is it
a talent that can be learnt? When we see a painting by Leonardo
Da Vinci or hear an amazing piece of music by Beethoven, we
see and hear near perfection that leaves us awestruck, but where
does the magic that we all recognise as genius come from? Could
it be a particular age or demographic? It would seem that it’s
something more than learning a particular skill and practising
a lot. The magic comes from the unique individual, the magic
flows through them and it is they who are the key to unlocking
that potential. They possess a particular mindset or belief and a
unique way of looking at themselves and the world.

So before a musical note, a dance step or any kind of conceivable
expression is executed physically in the world, it is firstly an
expression of who you are mentally, spiritually and physically. The
physical execution, although essential, is last in the chain and it is
the physical action that is the easiest to replicate and duplicate.
The other parts take some understanding, effort and thought.
For example, before carrying out the execution of a dance step it
is of utmost importance that we understand our own intentions
so that we can then convey that step effectively to others to
appreciate and admire in physical form.

It’s the great artists that execute a step or the mesmerising singer
who hits the right note who understand that a physical act is by
no means the whole story! I’m talking about passion, belief and
understanding. Of course with training and repetition you can
program somebody to physically move in a certain way. However,
there will always be the exceptional few that have something
extra; that magic that is clear to see.

This is something that is missing from the solely physical thinking
person who may believe that by schooling alone you can master
your craft. I’m talking about the difference between a true dancer
and somebody that can move their body. I’m talking about the
lasting artist who inspires and gives hope as opposed to one who
entertains briefly and is soon forgotten. There is a big difference.
The difference is down to the artist: who they are, how they think
and what they stand for.

An artist is an artist all of the time. A star is born a star (It’s just a
case of rediscovering who you really are) understanding yourself
and working hard to perfect your skill, whatever that may be. It
is an essential for all artists. So before you start on that journey it
makes sense to think about who you are, what you stand for and
how you can best be yourself. After that it’s simply a case of just
letting the magic flow through you…

By Anthony King

P.2 Coming soon!