The entire process of making art has come under suspicion. Why do artists work to produce art using traditional methods, vise-a-vie- authentically, mechanically by hand, without aids, while posers produce work for the trash heap?  I believe the reason is the same - recognition and respect.  If you produce real art the old fashioned way, one hope’s to gain the respect of society and of course their peers. Many, many would-be artists don't have the skill, the training or know-how to pull off a work of art, so they resort to trickery or fakery to get a result. They may even fool most of the judges some of the time, but making 'real' art results in producing a body of work, an inventory. It is not easy to keep producing work year after year if you are producing fakes or using gimmicks. You would have to either get bored or begin to lose interest. Also the fear of being found out, over time, must become overwhelming. I can’t imagine having to explain my process to others not the least of which other artists; especially if you begin to gain notoriety. The pressure of being found a fake would be enormous after a while and cause one to either stop altogether or devote themselves to learn the art process after much study

Over time, the fakers will tire or worse be found out and will be weeded out while real artists will prevail. We should be diligent in judging art for galleries and shows, but the fakers will sneak through, once or even twice.  In the end they will not prevail over the long haul. I always think we should be judging artists considering a body of work and not one piece placed into a show or gallery. When you look at fifteen or a hundred pieces, the proof will be in the pudding and all will know if this person deserves to be called 'artist'.

One prevailing aspect about making art is expression. Artists want and need to express themselves and what is in their hearts would never want others who see their work to question their motivation, processes and more importantly their sincerity of purpose. Not everyone can be an artist. It is just the nature of things. Just as not everyone can be a pilot or doctor or scientist.  But the beauty of making art is that just about everyone can express themselves through the making of art.  But, and there is a big But, many of these people will show “creativity” and produce “creative” pieces- and here is another big But- none of it may be considered art in the truest sense. Because to be good at anything it takes education, experience, dedication, devotion and a single mindedness to get up every day and work at it. This is the arena where real artists are made. This is the theater that few are willing to be in. Living, breathing, producing art is what makes one an artist.