Artists have different "acts" in their creative lives. Sometimes it happens in a linear manner, other times for someone like me who stepped into their identity as an artist later in life, the acts happen simultaneously.
A question once asked of me set me thinking of my identity as an artist. Was I an artist first or an educator first, I was asked.  I would say that it's not a matter of what comes first, just as it is not a matter of making art with people or for people.  I make art because I have to for health and wellbeing - others' and mine.  Teaching is a vocation.  I bring these two passions together through my community and public art projects