Today I was told by the owner of a gallery in Middleburg, VA, where some of my pieces have been showing, that one of my pieces was sold this past weekend. I had the momentary feeling of accomplishment, "Yes, now I'm a real artist!" This was the same thinking when I heard some of my music being performed 30 years ago, and thinking, "Now I am a composer."
Why does my mind tell me that my work can only be validated by others? Who decided THAT?
I create music and/or art every day, some of which, no-one else has either seen or heard. Does that make it not real? Not valid?
I am an artist. I am a composer. No-one else has to experience it for this to be valid.
