Unlike other artists who tend to work in one medium over another (painters and sculptors, for instance) and can define and identify themselves in that way--conceptual artists usually work in a broad range of mediums simultaneously, because the unifying thread in their work is the ideas and concepts being manipulated. This can be done with traditional art supplies, found objects and ephemera--or even through writing and performance art. Chances are good that if you recognize yourself in these steps--you already are a conceptual artist--and maybe just didn't know what to call what you do.
Instructions
1. Look at things differently. You will be taking concepts, ideas and paradigms found in everyday life and turning them on their ears, exploring some part of the idea that has grabbed hold of you. Having a journal or digital recorder to capture your thoughts and work out ideas as they come is a helpful tool to make sure you don't forget that "Aha!" point you just made to yourself.
2. Embrace satire for it will be your faithful friend in your ongoing efforts. Satire can be represented visually in juxtaposed images, or more often, as written works presented as essays, scripts or even novels.
3. Understand that nothing is off limits, and some people may not like that very much. Treading on other people's "sacred cows" will not get your name on their holiday card list, but don't let that dissuade you from poking holes in what you see as simple-minded beliefs, misguided notions or ideas that are past their time, but still being propagated by the masses.
4. Find the line between being mean and enlightening, and choose a side. Calling yourself a conceptual artist doesn't give you carte blanche to be a jerk. Without contradicting the no boundaries concept, this is about respecting your subject. Just as a painter is expected to treat his model with the respect she deserves as a human being, you too, must respect--if only academically--the ideas that you are manipulating.
5. Expect people not to "get it," sometimes at first and sometimes never. Conceptual art can often be subtle, and when you extend a concept to a ridiculous degree to make a point, some may take you seriously and become confused. This sort of art is not generally intended to appeal to the lowest common denominator; not everyone is willing to see his or her beliefs and ideals examined so closely. While you can try to force your art on them, you may be choosing a road full of frustration on both sides. Still, the point of conceptual art is to make people think, open minds and enact change--and that is seldom accomplished by rolling over.
