The idea of the artist has changed some over the years. Now, when we hear somebody talking about an artist on television or radio, most times they’re talking about singers or members of bands that have recording contracts or sometimes other celebrities. I suppose Pop Art predicted this, but the whole business crept up on us. First came the term recording artists. Then later the recording part was dropped.
Not only are singers and other celebs all artists, there are also sandwich artists, coffee-brewing artists and so on. There are lots of artists in the service industries. Really, everybody is an artist. OK, why not.
There is currently an ad campaign here in Toronto for some kind of theatrical production happening in the city, a spectacle involving both people and horses. In the ads, they tell us we can come to see two and four-legged artists. That’s right friends. Horses are artists too. Maybe the show is great. I don’t know. Maybe the horses really are artists.
I like to make paintings. I’ve been doing it for many years. From time to time, I exhibit them. Occasionally I even sell one. From now on though, if asked if I’m an artist, I think the only response left is, “no, I’m a painter.”
27th Street 
okay finally I seemed to have found my password and am able to post a comment…ergh…perseverance ha ha
Well, I have seen a book about elephants painting.
But I think the sandwich artist aside….I don’t see a big deal calling a performer, actor, singer painter artist. They are all artists.
I hope this comment works…I’ve had some troubles posting on word press blogs…
Ya, I’m ok with the idea of everyone being an artist….but you have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, and I draw that line when it comes to horses. Horses are not artists.
Back when we were in school, I recall being perplexed when Bloore referred to himself only as a painter (and sometimes even a simple painter), but I’m right there with him on it now.
The meaning in language erodes over time.