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Constructing an artistic identity

Author

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  • Alison Bain

    (Trent University, Canada, abain@trentu.ca)

Abstract

This article investigates occupational identity construction among contemporary Canadian professional visual artists. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews I draw on the perceptions and subjective experiences of 80 Toronto visual artists to explore how individuals consciously articulate and act upon an occupational identity that they have carefully and deliberately chosen. I demonstrate how the informal nature of artistic occupational definitional parameters can render the title ‘professional artist’ an empty signifier. Given the limited means of clearly distinguishing between professional and amateur, and the lack of recognition attributed to artistic labour as ‘real’ work, I argue that professional status comes largely from drawing on a repertoire of shared myths and stereotypes to help create an artistic identity and project it to others.

Suggested Citation

  • Alison Bain, 2005. "Constructing an artistic identity," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 19(1), pages 25-46, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:19:y:2005:i:1:p:25-46
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017005051280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geraldine Pratt, 1999. "From Registered Nurse to Registered Nanny: Discursive Geographies of Filipina Domestic Workers in Vancouver, B.C," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 75(3), pages 215-236, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kimberly D. Elsbach & Francis J. Flynn, 2013. "Creative Collaboration and the Self-Concept: A Study of Toy Designers," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(4), pages 515-544, June.

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