This qualitative research project examines the processes by which various woman have come to assume identities as artists as well as the transformations in self perceptions that occur upon having adopted an artistic identity.  Prior  research on women artists and identity formation has tended to take either a strictly "externalist" approach (social constructionist or structuralist) or an "internalist" approach (psychological or biological), assuming that identity transformation is determined by either socio-cultural factors, or,  internal  psychodynamic mechanisms.   Some theorist suffice it is a more complex process.  Yet, by examining the conditions by which women artists' formulate identities, my research reflects the complex interplay of both internal and external factors responsible for the birthing of their artistic identities. Therefore, the formation of an artistic identity is both a subjective, internal process as well as objective, social phenomena. It is both self created and socially constructed.

The data in this research resulted in the construction of a transformational model of artistic identity. It explains the movement from a "pre­ artistic identity" or "naive" identity to a "neophyte" identity, which marks the point of conscious realization or internalization of an artistic identity. The quest for identity by naive artist is best conceptualized as an incubation period which includes an individuals self perceptions prior to the conscious realization of identity and the changes in self perceptions that occur as a result of the internalization of an artistic identity. Therefore, during the incubation period, the process of identity formation is mostly an unconscious orienting process and doesn't start to come into consciousness until an individual becomes sensitized to both internal and external cues about one's self.

The naive identity consists of four sequential phases that lead up to the neophyte identity: encounter, polarization, individuation, and integration. Each phase represents a small snap-shot within a larger transformational process. In addition, the movement from one phase to the next is dependent on two identity catalysts: internal cues and external cues. The catalysts are necessary ingredients that provide stimulation and information to an individual about herself which both aid as well as constrain the formation of an artistic identity.

In the encounter phase one is engaging in various creative expressions, which stimulates the flow of information (identity cues) from both internal and external sources.    In other words, knowledge of self is impossible without the experience of oneself as an artist.   However, in the beginning stage, one's orientation tends to be more "other -directed"-meaning there is a tendency to rely more on external cues as the main source of self-knowledge. At some point, the internalized messages about oneself from external influences come to be "polarized" or internally inconsistent, resulting in sharp dichotomies in self-perceptions, internal conflict and feelings of anxiety, which marks the polarization phase.

In order to resolve one's internal conflict, one has no choice but to differentiate herself or "individuate" from external influences--both familial and societal-- in order to create a sense of autonomy from others. This marks the beginning of the individuation phase. During this phase, there is shift in orientation from "other-directed" to "inner-directed" and a tendency to rely more on internal cues as a source of self knowledge, which aid in one's ability to become conscious of her desires. Once one is confirmed in her desires, she is then able to become aware of internalized beliefs and values that aren't in alignment with her desires and resocialize herself by consciously choosing her own values with which to identify.

During the integration phase, one is able to resolve her internal conflict through her ability to internally create meaning out of information she has received from internal and external sources.   By bridging her submerged world of emotions, intent and desire with her intellectual, objective, social world she isable to consecrate her internal polarities, which brings about the conscious realization and internalization of an artistic identity. This triggers a radical transformation in self perceptions, a heightened sense of awareness and clarity of vision. She is now ready to abandon her old identity as a naive artist and replace it with her new identity as a neophyte.