a person or being that identifies themselves as a creator of artof any sort

duchamp; el greco; stanely kubrik; lydia lunch; ray bradbury (you get the point)

An incredibly talented person who dedicates the time and hard work to creating a beautiful work of art, be it a sculpture, music, literature, or a painting. This person has dedicated years of work to mastering his craft, and deserve as much credit as any other professional in a field. They generally have a higher level of creativity and imagination. Contrary to stereotypical belief, they do not have to forego an education or be on drugs to be an artist.

Lynda marveled at the sculptors skill as she gazed at the realistic deer, soldered out of pieces of scrap metal. Dr. Smith was quite surprised and blushed when he realized that the artist he had been talking down to was also a doctor. Ralph, an aspiring artist, worked long and hard on his painting and was proud of the result.

Anyone who uses their creativity to express themselves. Whether they believe they are an artist or not.

I'm don't think of myself as an artist, just a person with some shit on his mind that needs to get out.

One who has the ability to transfer life onto any surface by the magic of brain/eye to hand coordination.