I believe there is a place of solitude an artist must attain—a place where one discovers who they are and what they are about—their deep beliefs and inner convictions. It is out of that place of understanding and being at peace with oneself that individuality begins to be birthed and is expressed through the creative process. As the real artist in you becomes evident, your art evolves and you are better able to develop your own individual technique and style. There is no longer the need to attempt copying the works of others. For me, technique and style are the elements that make some artists stand out above others.