Art Quote by John Waters
“I hate it when people say, I'm an artist. I think, well, I'll be the judge of that. And I don't think artist is a job description. It's a critique, a favorable critique, that someone else might apply to your work. I guess in the art world I'm not exactly a photographer, but I do use photography.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995, The New York Times, John Waters discussing art and identity
He argues that being called an artist is a judgment, not a job, and that artistic identity is defined by others' perception of one's work
In simple terms: Being called an artist is a critique, not a profession
Key Takeaway
Recognize that titles are external judgments
Themes
identity
self‑definition
perception
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Creative professions
- personal branding
- self‑assessment
- public perception
Key Concepts
Artistic identity
social labeling
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your own creative identity?
- Do external labels help or hinder your work?
A Different Perspective
Titles can limit self‑expression and create pressure to conform
