We often hear the word influencer tossed around in today’s social media-driven world—usually referring to someone who promotes products, trends, or lifestyles to a broad audience.
Social media influencers thrive on visibility and quick engagement, building their followings through brand deals, viral trends, and aspirational lifestyles. Their goal is often transactional—to monetize their reach through partnerships and sponsorships. Living on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they shape pop culture and consumer habits by promoting what’s popular, hoping followers will imitate their tastes. Their influence is driven by relatability and attention metrics—likes, followers, and views—rather than lasting artistic depth.
In contrast, an artist who influences others does so not through trends, but through the power of their vision, authenticity, and mastery. Their goal isn’t to build an audience for visibility, but to explore and express something true—and in doing so, they spark insight and courage in fellow artists. Rather than shaping consumer tastes, they shape creative thought. Their legacy is built on originality, integrity, and emotional resonance. And while they may never “go viral”, their work becomes a lasting part of the artistic dialogue—an invitation for others to reach further and create more honestly.
This idea of meaningful artistic influence has been deeply personal for me lately, especially through my recent exploration of vessels—both as tangible art objects and as metaphors for containment, offering, and transformation.
That exploration was sparked in no small part by the work of my friend and fellow artist, Shannon Weber. Her raw, intuitive fiber vessels—organic, mysterious, deeply rooted in place—stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw them.
Shannon never sets out to “teach” with her work, but her authenticity and fearless craftsmanship opened something in me. Her pieces whispered permission: You can build from instinct. You can honor materials. You can make containers for spirit, not just function.
That influence didn’t make me want to copy her—it made me want to listen more closely to my own hands, my own materials. It shaped how I approach my own vessels, especially in workshops.
When I teach, I’m not just showing students how to construct a form—I’m inviting them to fill it with meaning. The energy flows forward. I see students begin to trust their own stories and discover that their vessels hold more than objects—they hold essence. And then, they influence others in turn, through their courage and creativity.
Want to see what can be accomplished? Here is a link to a catalog of work from students in the recent Ephemeral Vessels workshop at UTSA/SW. We started the journey together, but they began to follow their own path as we worked together over the two days.
And of course, I carry the strong influence of other artists in this ongoing exploration – Joanna Powell Colbert, whose earth-grounded, sea-and-seasons centered spirituality helps me define my purpose in creating these forms. The insights I gain from her work flow into the vessels I create, filling them with meaning and intention.
And my dear friend Michelle Belto introduced me to the transformative qualities of wax years ago. It now adds a protective layer to my vessels while enhancing their surface with depth and luminous beauty. There are so many metaphors of influence in that process that dovetail into my work.
Here is a new form I’m working with to take to Ireland for our Vessels workshop there this summer. I call it the Five Knot Vessel. It’s small and simple, easy to pack and carry home, but has lots of possibilities. In spirit, it carries the presence of those who’ve guided me—Shannon, Joanna, Michelle, and so many others whose influence travels with me like quiet companions, woven into each layer and knot.
This is the living, breathing cycle of artistic influence: one artist lights a path, another follows and forges their own, and the light spreads. Not through algorithms or brand partnerships, but through the shared language of making. It’s quiet, powerful, and lasting.
Lyn, grateful for every creative influencer in my life ♥
I love everything about this! And you, Michelle, and Joanna have been terrific influencers in my life! Now I will need to learn more about Shannon! Thank you for sharing so willingly and beautifully your techniques, ideas, and inspiration.
Ann, you do everything with purpose and love – keep spreading peace and telling about it. Sending a giant hug –
Oh, Lyn! What a lovely message to read on this raw & gray Cape Cod morning. I so appreciate your thoughtful exploration of the contrast between transactional & inspirational influencers & influences and the role they play in our lives. Such rich food for thought. As I begin my day I will surely be giving my gratitude & blessing to the artists & others who have helped shape & fill my vessel over the years, you & Michelle Belto top among them! Thank you.
Inspirational vs transactional – love that!
You are ever-generous with your words and your wisdom, Joy – we are so grateful for you.
Grateful for YOU! Wish I could be there in person…but will continue to be “influenced by your beautiful heart…
And I by YOUR heart – I so look forward to your posts and your insights – as always! ♥
I needed this post so much. I caught myself falling under the spell of a couple of art influencers in recent weeks and was actually questioning why I didn’t want to be more involved in building an audience on social media. I finally woke up when I realized this is not why I do art. Still, I was feeling lonely in taking this stand. Thanks for affirming my choice.
I understand. It’s like making art for the sole purpose of selling it. There’s good in selling art, and there’s good in having other people look at it, but it’s empty if that’s the only reason you’re making up a story.
Lyn,beautiful post. I too am inspired by Shannon and especially by you❣️
Linda, I owe you the world in inspiration – your work grabbed me from the start and I have learned so much from you.
Your name is on my list. Thank you for influencing Me!Laura
Back atcha – wish we saw each other more often. I miss your graceful ways!
Dear Lyn,
Thank you for this lovely and inspiring article.
You are an inspiration and certainly my kind of influencer ❣️ Karen
Karen, you always have a special place in my heart – so good to hear from you. ♥
Ah…Lyn Belisle, you just grabbed my mind and heart with this post. I am so excited for vessel exploration in Ireland! ❤️
Me too, Zinda – we will sail the unknown seas~~ 🙂
Lyn,
I love the way you so simply and beautifully express the contrast between influencers and meaningful influence. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. ♥️
Thanks, Robin – somehow, the word “influencers” has bothered me and I wanted to think it out and be grateful for my own influences – and you are one!
Oh Lyn. Once again you have spoken right into my own heart. I share those same two creators, along with yourself, in my own inner circle of creatives whose work has given me so much. I suddenly feel clumsy with words. So I will reach for Rumi,
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.
Rumi
XOXO
Tears, dear Ann – no words. Sending a hug.
I am grateful for you being an Influencer in my life! So glad you are going to Ireland this summer.
Thank you, Kay – you have been my friend for so long and my life is richer for it – thinking of you. ♥
Inspiring Story. Both your words and photos encouraged me to explore vessels, incorporating both plaster and wax. Possibly filling them with asemic writing.
I have done exactly that same thing – it’s liberating and meaningful.
I want to incorporate some ‘thing’ to honor Gerald with a vessel created in Ireland. He always wanted to go but never got there before he passed. Maybe this year in some form!
Beautiful thought! A ceremonial vessel is the perfect art object to create in someone’s remembrance because it embodies both form and function—it’s a container, a keeper of memory, presence, and meaning. Like the person being remembered, it holds unseen depth. Whether empty or filled, it invites reflection and reverence. Its shape becomes a symbol of the life it honors—sacred, unique, and enduring. Gerald would have loved it.
Love this latest post Lyn, you’re such an inspiration ❤️
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