It's pretty much a given that great numbers of the mentally ill are creatively inclined. Some of us sing or play music. Some create works of visual art. Some dance or act. Some are even creatively inclined with numbers. It goes on.

My question is how do you feel about your art? Do you consider yourself able? Or do you deny the claims of talent people press upon you.

I have been told I am a great artist yet it goes in one ear and out the other. It even embarrasses me for such attention. People have even told me I ought to sell it. Oh I could never possibly ask for anything in return. Instead, I have this habit of giving my art away - even when it has cost me a pretty penny to produce or make the investment of framing etc. Asking for money would mean risking criticism. I just can't do it. And so, I have my work 'on loan' all over.

Am I alone?

[Skeezyks]

There was a time when the Skeezyks thought of himself as a creative person. But that time is long since gone. Now I'm just a dullard...

[Marla500]

What kind of art do you do? I do not have a particular talent but I love basic art projects! Lately I have been doing paper mâché. I like to paint too.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Nope, I don't think you're alone there at all. I'm a guitarist of 13 years and have experienced similar things you've mentioned.

Originally Posted by Marla500

What kind of art do you do? I do not have a particular talent but I love basic art projects! Lately I have been doing paper mâché. I like to paint too.

Paper mache? That sounds really great. I love the tactile emersion in art. So very therapeutic too.

I paint with acrylics and of late pastels. I've dabbled with B&W photography. Actually 'dabble' is what I call what I do. I have a great deal of difficulty calling myself a artist - and I think I'm not alone in that.

[Marla500]

Justafriend, you are an artist! If you allow yourself to see that, and you begin to feel that, in time you will feel comfortable with it

I was at a silent auction for a charity event once and saw one of my works. I was greatly irritated. The person I had 'loaned' it too it seemed to me didn't think enough of it to keep it. All throughout the dinner I sat humiliated as no one bid on it. My embarrassment only grew. In the end though there was a small bidding war. At least the final bid was more than my own cost to frame. Still I was really hurt.

[Marla500]

You just needed a different audience for that particular piece. Everybody has different tastes. I bet it was really nice! I think there are lots of artists that were not ever appreciated in their own time but their works went on to become highly regarded!

[s4ndm4n2006]

At this point in my life I've found a balance between feeling satisfied with my artistic skills while knowing where my skills are lacking and have accepted it. I will always have much to learn and a lot of growing to do with my skills but I also know I'm more skilled than some and strive to be at the level of others. I'm content with that