Reviews from

An Artist Is A Rarity

Short Essay

19 total reviews 
Comment from Charlene0513
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

To michaelcahill,
It sounds like you are tooting your own horn. No pun intended. In a way, we are all after something that makes us better in our own muse. We all find our gifts when we hone them to perfection. But then again, nobody is perfect.
The language of interpretation is up for "grabs." But in all actuality, you did not specify any particular word that seemed a bit off to you.
Charlene0513

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2015
    The word is "artist". Sorry it wasn't clear. No basis to toot my own horn except for the humor. No question there. :)
Comment from RYME4U
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is excellent. I like the way you have worded this and defined "Artist" There are not many stars of today that would qualify, I'm afraid. Music, art, writing, sculpting ...all are arts but your point focuses on the quality of the art and the artist as well. You have written this with an excellent flair for writing. Great job!

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2015

Comment from Deniz22
Excellent
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Thank you for really getting into this...there have been some wonderful entries such as yours and it seems we lovers of words have found a rich vein to mine...and mind. Let's keep it going! Sorry...out of sixes. I thought your piece brought out another dimension of this salvaging of words. Well done!

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2015

Comment from JJ Rowe
Excellent
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I actually just said to my husband, I am having trouble finding the right words. There should be a place I can put in a phrase or description of emotion and it generates the right word. Thesaurussss do not do this. Thesaurus.com stinks. That is my million dollar idea. Too bad I'm an artist and not computer programing. I should have listened to my guidance counselor. :) This was great! nice job Mikey!

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2015

Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
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The first part about stars made me think of FS and how even mundane poetry gets a five. Actually, the same applies for artist. In your case, I have seen real improvement as you continue to apply your skills. An original contest that I hope sparks many ideas.

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2015

Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
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Hi Mikey,

Another great piece. I have the same feeling given to describe footballers (soccer players). An artist? They kick balls around on a park and miss more often than they score!

Striving to be an artist is a worthy pursuit. Me, I'm happy to turn out some decent things once in a while. My dream is to earn enough money from writing that I can support my family better, and spend more time with them.

Like yourself, I excelled in a small pool but at rugby. I was 'useful' at best.

I enjoyed this essay in you usual style which is very appealing to read. Truth mixed with humility and humour. You are probably further on your journey than you think.

- 'I sang, wrote songs, poetry and a short stories' - delete the 'a'

GMG

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
    I think your dream is attainable. Appreciate the positive words. I'm too stubborn to quit, so I hope I'm improving. :))
    mikey
Comment from CR Delport
Excellent
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Yeah, I have to agree with you. Britney is no Diva. Mikey, this is really well written and although no Star yet, I think you are a good artist :) Good luck.
Have a great day.
Christelle.

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
    I'd be delighted to be considered a good artist. As long as I can out sing Britney I'll be okay. mikey
Comment from Megalips
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Your first quote should be "The icy breeze cuts"...no biggy.
(A true artist would never use the word 'biggy'...except when lifting the sheets)
I like your concept. I suppose a lot of people on this site had the same experience on arrival. There is some real talent on this site. Everybody wants to be remembered as a genius. Your dissertation may come down largely to semantics....the title you assign and are assigned...definitions vary. I actually think some of today's musicians (pop stars) in particular, may be more talented than I'm willing to admit. Once in a while they stand up and sing an old song at the Grammies or do something a bit out of their 'comfort zone', and they actually stun me for a second. Some of today's 'artists' are victims of society's pathetic choice in art....the thing that drives their check books. I'm not making excuses for them. One could always refuse to lower one's self to the public mandate and sing on a street corner.
Good job with this Word Rescue!

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
    Hahaha. I wouldn't mind hearing 'biggy', but "no biggy" would not be amusing.
    I agree with all you say. On the money. I knew Lady Gaga had a great voice, but it was a surprise to hear just how warm her tone is when she sang the Sound of Music pieces. Love moments like that. Did you hear Aretha Franklin sing straight opera at the Grammys one year. Killer. It isn't wise to refuse to lower one's self. Eventually we all reach a point where we regret being a purist. They can sell hamburgers with my songs no problem. It beats the street corner. mikey
reply by Megalips on 19-Apr-2015
    Mikey, you can't beat a good hamburger...particularly if it's a 'biggy'
Comment from Tatarka2
Excellent
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Ah, Mikey, I wish I hadn't given away my last 6 (to a piece not nearly as good as this one). I've had exactly the same experience here at FS. Among my (very limited) circle, I'm always the best writer. I'm used to it, I expect it. I'm lazy. But here, I'm just in the middle of the pack, if that. A humbling and educational experience. Yes, I agree. We have to stop making everything MEGA, DIVINE, SUPERB, SUPER -. The meanings of words thus become murky. If everything is the "BEST," what does "best" really mean? Thanks for your essay. I think you'll do well in this contest.

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2015

Comment from nelliesellie
Excellent
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I loved your commentary. You are so right. Our words have lost their value. You have used the music world as an example. We use the word 'artist' very loosely. You can be called that with out doing the hard work to earn the title. There are few who are reaching that level anymore. It is that way in most professions. Great work.

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2015