I've noticed recently that a lot of artists seem to be down in the dumps. There has been a lot more hostility on some of the listservs to which I belong with a few artists even commenting negatively on one anothers' shows, successes and ideas. And it seems that a lot of people who wouldn't normally take up issues with things or complain are doing so. Essentially, I think the economy and resulting lack of funding & sales in recent years is really getting everyone down, artists & non-artists alike. And all of this energy seems to be feeding on itself.
I myself have personally been rather bummed out lately, feeling very unsupported. I've been trying not to get depressed, for all that I can't help but look at where I am and question why I haven't gotten further (and it's not for lack of motivation). Sometimes I feel like just stepping away from all of it and giving up on the whole thing, like trying to pursue my dreams as an artist just isn't worth the trouble and heartache. But giving up on myself isn't a solution.
Now, I'm not going to try to get all positive and tell myself and everyone to cheer up and be optimistic - that doesn't tend to work all that well. Especially since, although I do firmly believe in the idea of mind over matter, I recognize that artists as a whole tend to be very sensitive and attuned to one another and the world around them, and so keeping a sunny disposition can be even harder when encountering hardship and when others are frustrated and burnt out as well.
And I'm not trying to be depressing so much as to try and focus my own energies on making something of all this. So it is my goal to lay low for awhile, take the opportunity to be more introspective, and make work addressing how I feel at this precise moment rather than worrying so much about what I'm showing, selling or involved with in the art world. Don't get me wrong - I still plan to be active, but I plan to take a much needed hiatus and focus on spending more time in my studio. Right now, it seems the most productive thing that I can do.
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- ChaoticBlackSheep
- I am a predominantly conceptual artist working in a variety of media and techniques, including performance & installation art, assemblage, video, fiber, drawing and more. I explore many different themes and ideas in my work, including environmental concerns, institutional critique, feminism, identity issues and so on.
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3 comments:
"So it is my goal to lay low for awhile, take the opportunity to be more introspective, and make work addressing how I feel at this precise moment rather than worrying so much about what I'm showing, selling or involved with in the art world." I think there is nothing wrong with this- a lot of people seem to be more worried about making the scene/being in every show they can rather than focusing on their work. I don't even try to make it out to every event- IMPOSSIBLE! I'd never get anything done! I am getting ready to "disappear" into my studio again, too.
...Additionally, I have heard a little rumbling of discontent as well- even when someone has done good for themself. This is called jealousy- jealousy is a real thing, unfortunately, and artist's are prone to it. I personally like to hear about people doing well- for one thing, I can take a look at what someone is doing right and how it's working for them.
I caught some flack recently about being priced too low from some other local artists (not from the galleries I showed in, mind you). If I sold 24 paintings in one month, then I have the price right in my opinion BECAUSE IT IS SELLING. Perhaps they should take a look at their own pricing and ask themeselves if it is really worth what they are asking- I asked myself the same question some years ago.
Thanks for stopping by Colin.
I agree that it's impossible to do everything. We all need some down time from time to time, regardless of how active we may otherwise be. :)
And I agree about pricing - that is to be determined by the individual artist. Your works are very reasonable but you don't undermine yourself or your art.
I'll admit that sometimes I've posed the "priced too low" argument when I've seen artists offering works for less than they paid just to frame them, the cost of materials or the entry/acceptance fees (when applicable).
I also feel it is important not to undermine art as a whole. I run into this a lot in fiber art where people don't value or track their time near enough. Thus mostly I take up this issue more with self-proclaimed hobbyists and crafters who take on the opinion that they can't possibly charge more for something because it's a hobby and they enjoyed doing it. Whoever said that we aren't allowed to enjoy ourselves AND make money, though???
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