Many of us think, or would like to think, that the pursuit of art is one of those ’pure’ activities, not marred or influenced by commerce, or money; that the making of art is a spiritual exercise, a personal realization or self-actualization; or that making art needs to be about some worthy purpose like making a statement on our society and the way we live. Those are very lofty ideas, but what is the reality?

Let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that art is all about these lofty ideals. The reasons why we make art, or involve ourselves in activities or businesses related to art, are many and vary widely. In many instances, it IS about money. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as we see it for what it is.

For many of us, making art is about the enjoyment of it and while there is the hope of sales and making a living at our art, that goal is probably unattainable. For us, yes, making art is a personal pursuit, one which provides a challenge and which leads to feelings of enjoyment, pride and accomplishment; one which also has a social component in the friendships you make along the way with other artists and also the viewing public.

For us, making the occasional sale has many desirable outcomes. First, it’s a sensational boost to our feelings of satisfaction and success. Second, and quite importantly, it helps to pay the not-insignificant expenses of making and promoting our art. For some, making money is more important than to others, because they’d like to make a living at their art so they can give up their day job and paint full-time.

However, for many involved with the arts, it’s about money. Sometimes, IT’S ALL ABOUT MONEY. People who provide services to artists like selling art supplies or framing services, it’s a business, a business run to make a profit. Commercial galleries are interested in showing what they think will sell, not necessarily what is good art, not that the two are mutually exclusive. It’s about sales and money.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that there’s something wrong with this. After all, they’re running a business. But that’s just it: IT’S A BUSINESS. It’s not about the art, it’s about the business. Mostly, it’s about staying in business. I understand that.

My point is this: sometimes, all that talk of pure art versus commercialism is just a lot of hooey. To one degree or another, we are all concerned about the money. So let’s not pretend that some art is better or more important than others; they’re just different, that’s all. The reasons why the art is made in the first place, and how it’s promoted and sold, vary widely and to my way of seeing things, it’s all valid. What drives us in our endeavours is personal and different for everyone.

For me, I think that it’s okay not to worry about the money too much. Maybe there are benefits to being able to make art just for the pleasure of it, just for MY pleasure, without the worries, problems and stresses of running a business at the same time.

Suzette

"The artist has to resign him or herself to perhaps only rarely receiving outside approval in the form of money and honors, and continue true to their internal vision. Or else chuck it all in and go to Law School!" (Nancy Bea Miller, Philadelphia, PA)