Real artists prosper!

Real artists prosper!

Why Real Artists Prosper: Debunking the Myth of the Starving Artist

The Encounter at the Bar

A few weeks ago, I was in a bar after a show I’d just seen. The place was crowded, and I managed to grab the last available chair at the bar. I overheard some guys discussing art.

One of them said, "F**k, man, these a**hole artists who are into money are bulls**it. Real artists starve, they work their shit, and live in misery to create some good work." He turned his head to me, seeking my confirmation.

This guy reeked of warm beer, a mix of cheap cologne, and the joint he probably just smoked. No offense to those who are into it, but to my sensitive epicurean nose, the only shit I smelled was his weed stink coming out of his mouth – hence the association. Besides all that, he looked like he hadn’t washed in a week, with long hair, smelling like he just woke up, and blackened nails. He was the kind of woke desperado artist with more colors on his head that puts the black-backed dwarf kingfisher to shame.

So he continues talking his nonsense to me like we’d known each other for centuries. Despite his hobo-chic artist vibe, I also noticed he had the latest iPhone 15 ProMax in his hand.

Dispelling the Starving Artist Myth

I looked at him straight and, in as calm a voice as I could manage (because often I can be as loud as one SOB can be), answered,

“Listen, moon, here's the cold, hard truth lots of artists don’t wanna hear: Real artists don’t starve – they f****ng prosper!"

He looked at me with blazing eyes, trying to mumble some offensive shit. I think his brain was too overloaded, glitching out, and his eye sockets were about to pop like that poor emoji in the latest Apple ad. His world was crumbling right there in front of his friends.

I continued, “Real artists don’t waste their time believing in the myth of the starving artist or engaging in petty gossip. Instead, they pour their heart and soul into their craft, and the universe rewards them with an abundance of cash, fame, and probably a few groupies too. But as I can see, you’ll never reach that point with the amazing conclusions you are presenting to us here tonight.

Art and cash have been intertwined since the beginning of time. You have to change your fucking perspective, man, and maybe only then you’ll understand what I am trying to politely communicate to you.”

I purred the last sip of my favourite gin-to from my glass and left.

Why This Story Matters

So now you may ask yourself why the fuck I am boring you with this story? Or most likely, you may think I am wrong. However you feel at this moment, or if your inner ego wants to give me shit, take a deep breath and let's dive into it.

The Myth of the Starving Artist

For most of your childhood, you have been programmed and told that living from your art is impossible. Your parents, not to mention other family members or society, were preaching that being an artist is just not something you can feed yourself or your family with. They say you have as much chance of success as an artist as being alien-abducted and probed – chances are zero to none.

Also, the popular belief is that all artists were poor and starving. My father was one of these early adopters of not believing I could do anything with my art. My teachers used to approach me and laugh in my face, saying I could only feed the fire with my art and that I dream in color. For some of my colleagues, they would advise them to go home and learn how to be a housewife – that’s how bad their talent was.

Now I am sure they all meant well, but then again, what the heck did they know, or how many real artists did they know? Truth is not many.

Breaking the Cycle

The idea of the Starving Artist is a useless myth that holds you back. If you are curious enough, you will learn a whole other truth and it states:

"You Don’t Have to Starve"

Here is a breakdown of what real artists do and don't do:

What Real Artists Do

  • Explore and Understand: Real artists use art to explore, explain, and better understand their world and their place in it.
  • Create Change: Real artists use their art to make a better world through their message and way of thinking.
  • Innovate and Experiment: Real artists continuously discover new ways of expressing themselves, innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
  • Reflect and Challenge: Real artists harness their creativity to interpret and reflect on societal issues, offering unique perspectives that challenge conventional norms.
  • Advocate for Social Change: Real artists use their art as a catalyst for social change, inspiring others to think critically and act compassionately.
  • Embrace Diversity: Real artists experiment with diverse mediums and techniques, always seeking to expand the horizons of artistic expression.
  • Connect Emotionally: Real artists delve into their personal experiences to create deeply resonant works that connect with audiences on an emotional level.
  • Advocate for Justice: Real artists employ their art to advocate for justice and equality, amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
  • Leverage Technology: Real artists embrace technological advancements, integrating them into their practice to create groundbreaking, innovative art.
  • Draw from Nature: Real artists draw inspiration from nature, translating its beauty and complexity into their creative endeavors.
  • Foster Community: Real artists utilize their art to foster community and build bridges between different cultures and perspectives.
  • Pursue Mastery: Real artists constantly refine their skills and push themselves beyond their comfort zones, striving for mastery and originality in their work.

What Real Artists Don’t Do

  • Follow Trends Blindly: Real artists don't conform to trends simply to gain popularity; they stay true to their unique vision and voice.
  • Avoid Controversy: Real artists don't shy away from challenging or controversial subjects; they embrace the opportunity to provoke thought and dialogue.
  • Accept Mediocrity: Real artists don't settle for mediocrity; they continuously strive for excellence and innovation in their craft.
  • Create for Money Alone: Real artists don't create art purely for commercial gain; their primary motivation is to express themselves and communicate their message.
  • Plagiarize: Real artists don't plagiarize or copy others' work; they respect originality and the creative process.
  • Fear Criticism: Real artists don't fear criticism or failure; they use feedback as a tool for growth and improvement.
  • Isolate Themselves: Real artists don't isolate themselves from the world; they engage with their community and draw inspiration from diverse experiences.
  • Ignore Their Inner Voice: Real artists don't ignore their inner voice; they trust their intuition and follow their creative instincts.
  • Avoid Experimentation: Real artists don't avoid experimenting with new techniques and ideas; they embrace change and the potential for discovery.

Financially Successful Artists Through the Ages

Renaissance (14th-17th Century)

  • Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): Italian polymath renowned for works like "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper".
  • Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564): Italian sculptor, painter, and architect known for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and "David".
  • Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520): Italian painter and architect famous for "The School of Athens".

Baroque (17th Century)

  • Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640): Flemish Baroque painter known for his vibrant and dynamic compositions.
  • Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669): Dutch painter and printmaker celebrated for works like "The Night Watch".

18th Century

  • Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721): French painter credited with the creation of the Rococo style.
  • Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788): English portrait and landscape painter.

19th Century

  • Claude Monet (1840-1926): French painter and founder of Impressionism.
  • Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890): Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose works became extremely valuable posthumously.
  • Paul Cézanne (1839-1906): French artist and Post-Impressionist painter.

20th Century

  • Pablo Picasso (1881-1973): Spanish painter and sculptor, co-founder of Cubism, known for "Guernica" and "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon".
  • Salvador Dalí (1904-1989): Spanish surrealist artist famous for "The Persistence of Memory".
  • Andy Warhol (1928-1987): American artist and leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop Art.
  • Jackson Pollock (1912-1956): American painter and major figure in abstract expressionism.

21st Century

  • Damien Hirst (1965-present): English artist and leading figure in the Young British Artists movement, known for his controversial works involving death and preservation.
  • Jeff Koons (1955-present): American artist known for his work in popular culture and for his large stainless-steel balloon animals.
  • Gerhard Richter (1932-present): German visual artist known for his abstract and photorealistic paintings.
  • Julian Schnabel (1951-present): American painter and filmmaker.
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988): American artist who rose to success during the 1980s as part of the Neo-expressionism movement.

Social Media Artists

Conclusion

Real artists are defined by their dedication to authenticity, creativity, and continuous growth. They use their art not only to explore and understand the world but also to challenge societal norms and inspire change.

Their commitment to innovation and emotional connection drives them to push boundaries and explore new artistic frontiers. Conversely, real artists resist the lure of superficial trends, commercial motivations, and the temptation to play it safe. They value originality, embrace criticism, and remain engaged with their communities, always striving to make a meaningful impact through their work.

By understanding what real artists do and don't do, we can better appreciate the profound role they play in enriching our culture and pushing the limits of human expression.

The reason I didn't include unknown names is because there's a big possibility you wouldn't know or have heard about many others. So, I named a few presuming you have heard about these.

Real artists can and do prosper. It's about changing your perspective, investing in your craft, and refusing to buy into the myth of an old system that is collapsing in front of our eyes including the myth of the starving artist.

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