Murky waters: Navigating through the myths and rules of art making

This thesis is an exploration of some dominant myths surrounding western art and art history, and how various 'rules' around art making have emerged from the influence of these myths. Often inadvertently perpetuated within art education, the myths that surround art making impact everyone who wants to make art. We cannot escape their influences and it is my premise that the rules we adopt are largely responsible for determining our views on what art is, who an artist is, and how art should be made. Utilizing academic research, conversations with twelve professional artists, and excerpts from my journal, documenting my painting process while visiting New Mexico, I explore; the reality of how artists make art, the fears engendered by the myths and rules we internalize, and how artists navigate through rules to find their own voice. I then look at how art educators can best address the issues I raise.