(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ricky Gervais says its his responsibility to term himself an artist.

The British comedian is due to host the Golden Globe Awards next year, and has been discussing his career ahead of the event. He admits he used to worry about seeming too earnest about his job, but now feels comfortable enough to be open about his feelings.

For the first years of being famous I was scared of using the word 'art' because I thought it was pretentious, he explained to British newspaper The Sun. But now I think it's my responsibility to consider myself an artist because that's why I'm doing it and it's being honest. I can't apologise for that.

Ricky then attempted to explain how strongly he feels about his job, using a metaphor. He likened making people laugh to creating furniture, explaining the best comedy has been years in the making.

The 49-year-old added he strives to make people emotional through his work, and likes to think he has made some of his fans weep as theyve been so moved.

Art, TV, furniture making, most tables are rubbish. But when you see a really brilliant table that the guy spent four years making and he was a master craftsman and it's lasted 700 years, you want to cry. It brings a lump to your throat, he continued. And, yes. I want to bring a lump to your throat. (C) Cover Media