What defines an artist?

I am not sure if this is a sign of virtue or an indication for a lack of artistry. Today was a glorious, sunny 60 degrees in Seattle, so Linda and I decided to walk from 1st & Pike in Downtown all the way to Market Street in Ballard. We saw a lot of really neat things along the way from gardens, sculptures, parks, industrial landscapes, and even a river. I became inspired and awestruck from all these treasures hiding under my nose from living in this city for the past five years. In actuality, I should have taken pictures of them instead of trying to paint a mental illustration through words (although at some point I might try to recreate this adventure again and get those pictures to you). Why did I not take pictures of this journey? Because I did not feel the need to bring my camera. Why did I not want to bring my camera? Because I knew I probably was not going to use it any way. We ended up walking at a fairly quick pace through all of these sights and looked at things without standing still. I made sure to take in the scenery, but we barely stopped to “smell the roses.”

This drives my curiosity and peaks draws me to question whether not going slow and savoring the things around me was a bad quality. I know people always preach that you should take in your surroundings and appreciate what you have. It is implies you are an artistic person, taking the time to love and pull out things that require observation and inner reflection for hours on end. At least this is what I imagine the great artists of the past doing.

Though by rampaging through, I actually feel a lot more accomplished than I believe I would have otherwise. I am the type of person who likes to conquer. By having visited and discovered these lovely locations, I can now add them as another notch on my belt. Pictures are pretty, but I am more into living the moment itself. Even if it is fleeting, I can say that I am no longer ignorant. Does this indicate a more strategic and competitive mind? Am I not an artist? Does this mean I am more attune to a traveler, a vagabond who desires the art of the move? I would like to think so, at least. That is the romantic notion that will help me sleep at night in sight of my rivals.