Asking all artists....Is artistic ability inherited? Can it fade away if you don't use it?
I believe artistic ability is inherent in all artists. A ‘non artist’ so to speak can develop their skills somewhat, but a ‘natural’ artist will always surpass the ‘amateur’. An ‘up and coming’ natural artist is also wise to further develop his talent! I also believe it is partially ‘in the genes’ … I am an artist, as were my father and his brother, who was an amazing artist of many mediums. Oddly and admittedly, neither of my sisters or mother have much artistic ability. My parents did not influence me (other that dad’s genes) or encourage my artistic ability much, which was hidden for many years until I was 13 or 14. It just surfaced ...I went from drawing 'stick-men' to pencil crayon drawings of autumn scenes around a covered bridge in New England. I sketched much for a few years and in '78 did a series of water colours, with no training in watercolours at all (which is a very difficult medium). It felt comfortable, I was very methodical and it just happened. I also play guitar and piano, have a good eye for photography and generally a creative guy. I have not done any sketched or painted for many years and at one time I considered myself an accomplished artist. I will tell you …retirement for me isn' to far away and I have always wanted to pick up the brush again when that time arrived. I do not expect to have lost any of my ‘touch’, and will have a whole different perspective on life. I’m looking forward to it! Maybe I'll be a 'Grandpa Mosses'.
Lack of artistic ability?
Some of the most emotionally influential art in the world has been by people who were not expressly "talented" in drawing. A perfect technical proficiency in art can create realistic looking images, but without any feeling they are just that...images, not art. You do not need to be a great renderer of "trompe l’oeil" to express yourself. One of my favorite artists draws very cartoony things, and still manages to capture a huge range of emotions and subjects in her work. You should check it out to see what I mean. Go to bridgetovertroubledwaters.com and click on "Comics" to see what I am talking about. If you have the desire to create you will surely be able to draw.
What are signs of great creative/artistic ability in a natal chart? (music, visual art, writing, etc.)
Hello Truth Seeker:Greetings to you, yours and all that is around you,Thank you for your question on Quora. I will be delighted to contribute my opinion.Being on worldwide forum “Quora” it is my desire to help you - the seeker, it is my aparigraha (selfless service).I practice Jyotish - Vedic astrology, my answer is based on this astrology type.Let’s look at your list in sequence:Musicians: Let’s take three “musicians” from this list: Source: Top 20 Musicians of All Time, in Any Genre: The Complete ListFor “musicians” look for the placement of Venus.* Ludwig Van Beethoven, born December 16, 1770 at 3:40 AM in Bonn, Germany.* Michael Jackson, born August 29, 1958, 7:33 PM Gary, IN, USA* Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935 at 12:25 PM in Tupelo, MS, USA.Visual Art: Let’s take three “Visual artists” from this list: Source: Top 10 Most Influential Visual Artists of All TimeFor Visual artists look for the placement of Venus (artist):* Pablo Picasso born October 25, 1881 at 23:15 in Málaga, Spain.* Leonardo da Vinci born April 14, 1452 at 21:40 in Vinci, Italy.* Vincent Van Gogh born March 30, 1853 at 11:00 in Zundert, Netherlands.Authors: Let’s take three “Top Authors” from this list: Source: The Best Writers of All Time For “Authors” look for the placement of Mercury (authorship):* William Shakespeare born April 23, 1564 at 7:40 AM in Strat. upon Avon, England.* Fyodor Dostoievski born November 11, 1821 at 18:30 in Moscow, USSR.* Count Leo Tolstoy born September 9, 1828 at 22:30 in Tula, Russia.This is my opinion.Now you may do your own research based on Jyotish - Vedic astrology.Trust my answer helps, informs, inspires you in your quest to quench your thirst for knowledge,Enjoy your quest… explore, educate, experience and enlighten.Vivek E. ParasWith best wishes from Trinidad and Tobago, West IndiesFootnotes:[1] View my Profile at Quora[2] View my Blog and Posts on Quora[3] Jyotish does not predict, it simply prepares you [4] The best way to ask an astrological question[5] My Disclaimer, Caveat and Note[6] Best remedy for a better life [7] If there is no remedies, then what is the use of astrology?
Is there a relationship between musicality and writing ability?
Just my opinion here, as a writer (enthusiastic but not particularly successful):I don't think there is much connection between the two things, except perhaps in an abstract sense. An author needs to be able to visualise a scene, to "feel" a character and write from the character's point of view. To feel an overarching sense fo where his/her story in going and when to raise the drama, when to subtly drop a hint... Such things may well build on similar imaginative resources in a musician, but as a musician, I am every music teachers' nightmare. My favoured instrument is a wooden spoon and a cast-iron frying pan. I am hopeless at playing any instrument, but writing comes naturally and easily. It would be cool to hear from a writer/musician about how he/she experiences the two creative processes. Where they are similar and where they differ.
Why don't music artists make their own music?
The REAL reason is major record labels have a monopoly on what is written, produced, and distributed to the general public. Labels stand to make the most money when they control the content. Labels invest in what works, not what sounds good and rarely take risks. If an Artist is discovered has the look, has the right voice, and is willing to set aside their personal beliefs and integrity, the new artist is set up with already established writers and producers and they create new music, so it is completely owned by the label. What ever the Artist created previously is shelved as if it never happened or is ignored. These previous works have no monetary value to the new label, because they do not own the rights to that work…unless agreed upon. This isn’t the scenario for every label, but it is quite common in the Pop music world. Indie Labels are completely different and most will allow the Artist to remain in creative control as long as it fits a specific genre.
Why is art, poetry, creative writing, acting, dance and music considered to be great skills when they don't solve problems in life such as the food and energy crisis? They provide mankind with enjoyment but is that important to the world?
Your question seems to assume a limited view of these categories of the humanities. Look again at the list; find the common denominator. Each of them is a form of communication, thus to see them as not solving specific problems is akin to saying "Communicating doesn't cure cancer, science does."Flip the thinking, and you have the thought that leads one to wonder: "Can we cure cancer without communicating?" Then it becomes easier to see that one need only look at the possible functions of the humanities. I'll take art, as that is the area I have studied the most. Art, I learned much to my surprise, not only serves to provide esthetic benefit, but also it serves to change the perceiver. And, the one I didn't see coming, it serves to change the artist!" Here is the link to my telling this life altering story: Roderick House's answer to Artwork: What experience with art affected you in a profound and unanticipated way?And even though you didn't really ask this, think of the way an art class can affect a young student who struggles with taking multiple choice tests. That was me as a young student... I am a divergent thinker. Multiple choice tests favor convergent thinking (there is only one correct, or best, answer.) In an art class, I could see that there was a completely different way of thinking; I could see that there were many ways to communicate using art. This honors my way of thinking! That to me is a powerful and critical lesson that helps me learn and grow.
What is one artistic or musical talent you wish you had?
Not to be a total narc, but I was blessed with many talents that I squandered or didn’t bother to develop. I dabbled in all my arts professionally. Everything came easy to me. Except presenting my work.I wish I had the talent to frame my work - art, writing, music, dance - in a way that’s easier for the public to consume. A good example is my music production skills. Just. The. Worst. I have fucked up so many good takes oh dear dog!I used to write and sing all the time. Very easy. But getting the best of that translated in a mix proved impossible. It’s the same for my other work. It’s all intuitive flow, rarely intent. I sort out the meanings later.I am not an editor, nor do I have the self-awareness to understand how an audience would best receive my work. These abilities are what make an artist a true professional. Even if it means someone else is doing it for them.
What is the most artistic zodiac sign?
I don't know why but every Libra and Pisces I have known have been very creative in one way or the other whether it's art, writing, musical ability etc...they are just very creative signs. Virgo is also another one that is usually musically inclined. A lot of Virgo guys I know have really good singing voices.
What do artists, musicians, writers, actors, designers, etc. think about this answer?
The answer, and the original question for that matter, seem to be confusing two, possibly three points: Being creative, working in the arts, and doing what makes you happy. Problem solving usually requires creativity, which makes it desirable in any workplace, this is true. If "Anonymous" is suggesting that a classically trained pianist could find equally compelling and creative work as a computer scientist, I would agree, but only in one, very specific case: That the musician is denying their true passion for computers by playing the piano. What I'm hoping is a more realistic solution:I consider myself a creative type, and have recently tried my hand at computer programming. Even in the early nuts and bolts, its easy to see the realm of possibility that a programming language can afford to the initiated. I'd dare say it's almost pure creativity, what you can make a computer do for you. Learning the language(s) and getting to that point, however, require a lot of time and dedication; time that I would not be able to spend mastering illustration or playing music. What I'm banking on, is that adding elements of this technical tool set to my belt will allow me to expand my horizon of creativity, maybe create a job that wouldn't otherwise be available. I'd rather not give up doing what I love, in order to make money doing something that doesn't inspire me. Creativity and inspiration produce much better results when in each others company. Also, quantifying creativity in one field over another is absurd. Blind people can read, thanks to Louis Braille. Does this make him more creative than Mozart, or Ray Bradbury, or even Markus Persson? Not everything is a competition.