I use to be pretty social in high school and even college but once I graduated and started focusing all of my energy towards art things changed. I rarely talk to those people that have nothing to do with art much less talk to anyone. I don't think that art itself has done this but it's the monster that I've created by not balancing my personal life with my professional life. Many successful artist find theirselves in the same situation but they direct their social endeavours towards those that are in the same profession. Being social doesn't mean talk to everyone but talking to someone.
This is a tricky question for me... I started creating art more out of curiosity (to see if I could do "something coherent" with a pencil ) at the same time my life went through huge changes (marriage, moving to another country, quitting school,etc). Since I don't have many friends here as I had back home I don't go out as much, I don't have people over as often, etc. But on the other hand, being an artist has given me the means to start interacting with people in a completely different way. I speak about my art with friends and strangers (I found out very soon saying you're an artist is a great conversation starter),I took art classes with people who had nothing in common with me (and became good friends, actually)I started a blog, joined online art communities ,etc...But I do spend a lot of time alone in my studio.
So I couldn't say if it's made me more or less social, but being an artist definitely changed me and the way I relate to the world around me, it has released parts of my soul I didn't know I had and given me a new set of eyes to study my surroundings.
Well, I actually love working alone in my studio so I can focus better and accomplish more. I love workshops and I attend at least 1-2 a year, but I am such a party animal that I talk to much and want to socialize-maybe I should get out more-anyways, I do love to be in my studio alone. I love having visiters, but when I am working< I need alone time to focus.>
I have been a part of many art groups and have been on the boards to volunteer and that helps with the social part-just getting involved is good to help with feeling more isolated. I used to plan paint outs with my group and I stopped doing that -mom was sick- but I see this summer someone is doing them so I am planning on attended a few. Love, Deb
This is a great question!!! I am very very social, love people, and enjoy groups ( most of the time) AND I have found that I am longing more and more to be alone with my art and journey more inward, more intensely, and with more focus.
I think for me, I have had distince stages in art..and the stage I'm entering into now is one of solitary creativity. I can feel it calling me, beckoning me to journey more deeply inward to push another creative edge and just tumble into the swirling energy of a new and more multi dimensional painting.
That is one reason I love ARt Scuttlebutt, I know I can reconnect with artists for stimulation and for feedback and expression, without having to leave my home, and I can do this at any hour of the day or night. That is actually a real safety net for me as I begin to take a step back from being so social into being more introspective.
Thanks for the question, it actually is very a provocative question and has helped me put into words what I have been feeling!
I have always been somewhat of an introvert and have been involved in some kind of art since high school, so it's hard to imagine my social life being any other way than it has been. I like to think that the art I make is natural for me because I am naturally a certain way: thoughtful, curious, sensitive (which isn't all that great sometimes), with a bit of wild. Perhaps art has been more of a personal activity and a way to express myself as I already am rather than making me feel more isolated or less social. Of course, the networking/business/marketing side of art that is necessary in any successful business calls me out of my personal comfort zone, For that I am usually grateful because it's encouraging when taking action leads to exciting opportunities. When those opportunities come it inspires balance between my introverted art-making and my more-social self.
I've never been the social type, being around a lot of people actually makes me really nervous. So i have always liked being alone and having lots of privacy. For the past two years i started working from home. Being a graphic designer and only needing a computer to work has allowed me to do that. However, i have made myself less available to family and friends more recently since i have started painting more.
I'm a loner not a social animal. I don't like interruptions when I work because it ruins the flow. I don't feel isolated at all but it isn't good to live or work in a vacuum either.
To combat this I recently joined a local group of artists. We have a gallery and in lieu of a hanging fee you "mind the store" for a two hour shift for every piece you have in. I have met many artists there and so far, it has been enjoyable.
After working two decades in a demanding "people" job where every second is taken due to a variety of responsibilities (teaching), I now cherish the quiet, the solitude. Often I don't even play the radio. I love to hear the birds, sounds of outdoors. I find solitude soothing, calming, necessary. I would not want 100% of my time spent this way - do love my family and friends. But I am finally winding down from high stress to normal levels of stress; the solitude definitely helps! Lucinda
Love, Deb 
