Lecture Notes on Being an Artist and Personal Growth

Key Concepts of Being an Artist

• Multi-faceted Nature of Art: Success as an artist involves more than just creating art.
  • Importance of managing a business, having a studio, and employing others.
  • The misconception that being an artist is only about solitary creation.

Personal Transformation

• Calmness and Control:
  • The speaker reflects on their emotional stability and personal growth.
  • Significant lifestyle changes, such as giving up drinking spirits in 1999, have contributed to mental health improvements.
• Past Struggles:
  • Acknowledgment of a chaotic lifestyle marked by heavy drinking.
  • The contrast between past behaviors and current state of being.

Artistic Process

• Artistic Creation:
  • Mention of another artist (Tracy), who experiences emotional turmoil while creating art.
  • The intense emotions tied to the creation process can lead to meaningful work.
• Art and Life Experiences:
  • Discussion on how personal experiences, including trauma and loss, inform and shape their art.
  • Addressing topics like abortion in a way that resonates with a broader audience.

Public Perception and Criticism

• Understanding Criticism:
  • The speaker confronts harsh critiques from art critics and journalists.
  • Discussion on the nature of criticism and its impact on artists.
  • Importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision despite negative feedback.
• Art as Personal Expression:
  • The significance of creating art that reflects personal reality, even if it’s uncomfortable or misunderstood.
  • The challenge of defending one’s work against public scrutiny.

Financial Aspects of Art

• Commercial Success:
  • Discussion on how financial stability can foster creativity rather than stifle it.
  • The artist's background of poverty influences their desire for stability and comfort.
• Building a Brand:
  • The establishment of a shop (Emin International), selling branded merchandise.
  • Understanding the balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability.

Evolving Identity as an Artist

• Career Progression:
  • Transition from a raw, rebellious artist to a respected figure within the art establishment.
  • Participation in prestigious commissions demonstrates growth and acceptance in the art world.
• Reflection on Past and Future:
  • The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of art in their life.
  • If not for art, they believe they might not have survived their struggles.

Conclusion

• Role of Art in Life:
  • Art is portrayed as essential for personal meaning and survival.
  • The journey of an artist includes navigating personal challenges while contributing to the broader art community.