Here in America, it's election day, and I just got back from casting my ballot. Maybe you did the same today where you live. Because, if you listen to the analysts and pundits on TV, these are the most trying times in our Nations history.
After the Civil War, that is.
And the violence and social upheaval of the Reconstruction Period.
And World War One. And Two.
Oh, and don't forget the Great Depression. That one sucked pretty hard. Congress wasn't bickering with each other about whether to extend un-employment benefits back then. There were no unemployment benefits! But in today's world, everything has to be spoken of in hyperbole and absolutes. The Most this, the Greatest that. You'll never hear a talking head go on TV and say, "These are the most mildly annoying times in history!" But the truth of the matter is that if you are unemployed, or are self-employed and trying to make a buck, it doesn't matter that the depression of 1876, or the Panic of 1893 was harder times, to you-- these are the worst of times.
I will be the first to admit my sales have not been stellar through these economic times. But I still paint every day. I tend to think of it as stocking up on inventory. I am optimistic enough to think that good sales are right around the corner. Unless I'm wrong. Maybe this blog explains the reason... Either way, the one constant in the art world is: Somebody other than you will make a killing in art. Ever notice that? Four year old child prodigies selling paintings for twenty or thirty thousand dollars. Monkeys and elephants slapping paint on a canvas and it too goes for tens of thousands. What gives? Is that what the people want?
Something as deep and meaningful as this?
Image courtesy of Pong, an 11 year old elephant artist
Or, maybe this is what the public is clamoring for:
This one was done by a Chimp.
I can't compete with those. I guess I'll just have to keep biding my time, painting my pictures, putting them out there, and wait for the current storm to pass. But, I will wear a monkey suit when I paint, if that will help...
6 comments:
Well, at least you still have your sense of humor! ;)
Hi Kevin,
Restez optimiste... Il est vrai que parfois c'est injurieux de s'apercevoir que des "..." (il n'y a pas de mot pour ça!) ose être regardés et se vendre... pour des sommes colossales...!
Cependant dîtes-vous qu'il vaut mieux conserver son art que de le vendre à bas prix... Vous y gagnerez plus que de placer l'argent d'une mauvaise vente en banque. Dans quelques temps vous parviendrez à vendre honorablement votre travail... Résultat le meilleur placement encore est d'engranger vos toiles au chaud. Elles prennent plus de valeur. Cependant il faut manger!!!... Bisoussssssssss
Thank you Karla, I try!
Thanks, Martinealison for the helpful advice!
Monkey costume? Ok I'll come paint in the coop again to see that!
I posted about a similar thing awhile back, except that the artist was in fact human and so were the judges. You might be interested in reading it. Its titled, Is art dying? It got a lot of comments, passionate ones!
http://susanroux.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-art-dying.html
I'll let Martine-Alison know that you're language challenged and get her to post her comments in english. She's my very good friend.
Susan... You are right, I am "languaged challenged". Especially in English! I'll go check out the post you mentioned. But I really wasn't decrying the state of art today, I was trying to point out that there is money to be spent, and I want some!
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