Living and working as an artist is a difficult role to play in our society. When people ask me what I do, I feel I must convey how committed I am so that “artist” does not equal “slacker.” Being an artist might be like joining a private club that has embroidered shirts to announce our affiliation. More permanent would be a tattoo placed on the neck in the manner of gang members. Perhaps we wish that being an artist would be viewed as a crowning achievement and the focus of popular culture. But should I look to society to validate my work or is it up to me to put that glittering tiara on my own head?