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One of the things I find so amazing about the West is the sheer number of artists. Ask someone out west "what do you do?" and you'll probably hear: I'm a sculpter. I'm a weaver. I do woodcarving. I'm a writer. I'm a furniture maker. I'm an actor. They may be farmers, ranchers, administrators, postal workers, and teachers, but many will identify themselves as artists first and foremost. Their galleries are in the homes of friends and family members. Their audience is the community they live in. Their critics are themselves and those close to them. The artists of the West create art for art's sake. They create for themselves. They judge their abilities not by reviews or awards, but by personal satisfaction. Perhaps in the less hectic, less stressful environment of the West they have managed not to lose sight of the meaning of art. Everyone has something to contribute. Everyone is an artist in their own way.
© Chris Moeller, 1998
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