Am I Still an Artist if I’m Not Making Art Right Now?

Portrait I took at a Botanical Garden Visit last week.

Am I still an artist if I’m not making art right now? That question has been on my mind lately. It’s been two years since I created an art series like I used to. This time has been about healing, transformation, and inner growth. Sometimes, I catch myself being self-critical for not producing more pieces, experimenting with new techniques, or expanding my portfolio.

But in the end, I realize it doesn’t matter. If others see me as 'less of an artist' because of this phase in my journey, that’s not my concern.

But again, does this make me less of an artist? I feel my life is a work of art by itself.

Lately, I've been reflecting on what it means to be an artist, especially during the quieter moments when I’m not producing new pieces or creating as I used to. We often tie our identities to productivity—to the tangible output of our work—but does the act of making art define whether we are truly artists? Is it really the number of pieces we produce or how often we create that determines our worth?

For me, the answer is no. I’ve come to realize that art is not just something I do, it's who I am. Even in periods of stillness or change, my creativity continues to flow, just in different ways. My life, in all its complexity, is a form of art. The way I navigate through transformation, healing, and self-discovery is an expression of creativity. Every decision, every shift in perspective, every moment of growth contributes to the larger masterpiece of my life.

When I step back and look at it from this broader view, I understand that even when I’m not physically creating art, I’m still immersed in a deeply creative process. Life itself becomes the canvas—my experiences, emotions, and inner work are the brushstrokes. Every new chapter, even the challenges, are part of an ongoing creation.

Self portrait I took on my train ride yesterday.

So, no, I don’t feel like being less productive makes me any less of an artist. In fact, these quieter periods often shape the next phase of my creative journey. They deepen my understanding of myself, which then feeds back into my art. And if others can't see that, it’s not my responsibility to convince them. What's important is that I remain true to my own process, trusting that creation is happening, even when it’s not visible.

Living a creative life means recognizing that art is not confined to a studio or canvas; it’s in the way we live, how we move through the world, and how we choose to see things. Our lives are art, whether or not the world acknowledges it. In embracing this perspective, we uncover the truest form of artistry—one that transcends physical works and flows into the essence of our being. I’ve come to realize that creativity takes many forms and is always present, even in quieter seasons. From capturing moments in nature to sharing personal reflections, I’ve been expressing myself in ways that may not fit the traditional mold of “creating art,” but still speak to my artistic spirit. This period of growth and self-discovery reminds me that being an artist is not defined solely by the work we produce, but by the ongoing journey of exploration and expression.