What makes you an artist?

I think the question of whether a quilter is an artist has been circulating for a very long time.  There is a class of quilts called art quilts (defined as an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than the handing down of a “pattern.” It experiments with textile manipulation, color, texture and/or a diversity of mixed media. An Art Quilt often pushes quilt world boundaries."  But if you don't make art quilts, are you an artist?  I never thought I was, but I'm beginning to question that.

To further confuse issues, Modern Quilters believe they are pushing quilt world boundaries, but often argue vehemently that though they are artists, but don't make "art quilts."  They often call the quilts they make their "work," like any artist calls the things they make their "work."  If you google modern quilting you can see all the controversy associated with that movement; you'll see a ton over the year.  Here's my favorite: http://leniwiener.com/2013/06/the-modern-quilt-movement-and-controversy/ But ..... that doesn't answer the question of whether or not quilters are artists.

When you look up the definition for artist.  The text above is what you get.  And according to the third definition, "a person skilled at a particular task or occupation," a quilter can definitely be considered an artist.  And it doesn't seem to matter what "type" of quilts they make: art quilts, modern quilts, traditional quilts, foundation paper pieced quilts, English paper pieced quilts, or portrait quilts.  But it does seem to matter about the quilters skill.   Perhaps the level of skill is another reason I never saw myself as an artist.  Huffington Post had a great article about defining artists: , but it was published more than 5 years ago.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-grant/how-do-you-define-artist_b_582329.html

There is something in that article that spoke to me. "Artists are people who call themselves artists."  And that may be all that is needed. I never thought of myself as an artist before, I never called myself an artist.  Why is that?  Because 1) I didn't think I was creative enough; 2) I didn't think I was good enough: and 3) I didn't create art quilts.  But since I have begun modifying and most lately designing quilts and quilt blocks; since I do feel like I am a master at some quilting techniques, or at least good enough to teach others; and since I recently learned how to make a fabric self portrait, I now feel like an artist and I am comfortable calling myself artist.  And maybe that's all that is needed.  If you think you're an artist you are. 

What do you think? Which of these are art?

https://www.themodernquiltguild.com/gallery
http://www.soulsgrowndeep.org/gees-bend-quiltmakers
http://texasquiltmuseum.org/exhibits-at-txqm.html
https://www.saqa.com/

http://www.textileartist.org/quilt-creators-5-contemporary-quilt-artists/

In my opinion, it just doesn't matter.  Anyone who makes anything due to a feeling inside them, I consider an artist.  So whether you're following a pattern, improvising as you go, sewing traditional triangles, squares and rectangles together, or experimenting with mixed media --- if sewing and quilting is the way you get your feelings out (good, bad or ugly feelings), then I think you're an artist.  And I encourage everyone to let their inner artists out.  Be brave.  Try something new.  A new color pallet, a new technique, a new pattern or a totally new expression of yourself through a quilt.  Think you're an artist and you'll be an artist!