There are great disciplines from being a sportsman that you can transfer into being an artist. The preparation, the sacrifice, the constant desire to improve.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I think of myself more as a sportsman than I do an artist.
I definitely feel like I'm more of an artist than an athlete. But I'm good at both.
As a sportsman, my aim was to help sportspersons grow. The idea is to see what is good for sport rather than what's good for individuals.
Kids can have great passion and great ability but if you have the facilities for your particular sport that can give you the inspiration to become a sportsman.
My participation in the Art of the Olympians is a natural extension of my athletic career. I find creating a piece of art in many respects mirrors my long jumping efforts illustrating that hard work and inspiration will always be the foundation for success.
In my regular life, I am very involved in commissions for cities and sometimes countries. And I think of public art as a team sport. The outcome is only possible with the interaction of all the players.
Nothing is a hobby - each discipline is its own world with its own high standards. Of course, every artist has 'minor works' that they do, but I don't think I have any 'minor disciplines.'
Artistry is important. Skill, hard work, rewriting, editing, and careful, careful craft: All of these are necessary. These are what separate the beginners from experienced artists.
To be an artist you have to give up everything, including the desire to be a good artist.
I have always said to young artists that scholastic training and the studying of art history are crucial to fully developing as an artist.