Replies: 14 Comments
on Tuesday, April 18th, Mathew Oakes said
There are so many examples of artists doing their greatest work before they are recognised, like Vincent who has already been mentioned.
I think that you have to be starving, to create the conditions where art happens around you.
well fed == complacent.
and then you have to wonder what art is...
Dedication to your intention alone won't guarantee that art happens, although you will probably achieve up-market craft.
Art is a kind of intangible thing that comes from the intention, but also the unintentional. And it has to be recognised by others, inside and outside art institutions.
And thats why its harder than being a CEO or lawyer, cos there's no guarantee that you're going to find it.
Its OK to succeed as an artist (i.e. maintaining a viable profession) but thats completely separate from making successful art.
If I feel like drinking a bottle of whiskey or taking acid might help my current problem, then why not? it might work, it might not.
Maybe hitchiking across the country, taking a new lover, sleeping on the beach, chewing betel-nut, anything is justifiable.
Do you know where you will find inspiration next?
on Friday, April 14th, Gary Lester said
What's the difference between a starving artist and a well fed artist?
Perhaps as little as one patron.
A highly skilled professional artist I met said that if you are not enthusiastic about your own endeavors why would anyone else be. Convince one. Than another. And another, and yet still another.
If you can do that .....well than maybe we could all cut back on this starving, struggling artist sad song that we hear over and over again.
Convince yourself if you can and others will join the enthusiasm!
on Friday, April 14th, look said
I find it difficult to defind success especially in the realm of art; because its a way of life.
Say..... do you think Vincent van Gogh was a successful artist?
The rest its a matter of choice. By others and by yourself.
look fr www.studiolda.com
on Friday, April 7th, Paul Dorrell said
It isn't, in my opinion, that the artist doesn't believe she/he isn't as dedicated, it's that society doesn't. Society--especially American society--rarely appreciates the struggle of the artist, along with the essential contribution that the artist makes (we'd be barbarians without it, although some consider Americans barbarians anyway). This plays directly into the common state of impecuniousness--which is acceptable for some, but less amusing when you have kids, elderly parents reliant upon you, and others in need of assistance.
I believe you can afford whatever you set your mind to, but getting there without compromising on your integrity can be a very hard road.
on Tuesday, April 4th, pete t said
This whole argument - artist vs. proffesional - is nothing but self dialogue with your own ego.
To compare your dedication etc. to that of a doctor or lawyer or sportstar - honestly indicates that you dont believe that you are as dedicated otherwise there would be no need to pose the question to begin with.
Dont be resentful that youre not making the big bucks, because it wouldnt change the way you feel, it would only change the environment you were in.
And if money could change the way you feel about what you do - then your not doing it for the right reasons to begin with.
Law, medicine etc. is more linear and structured. It has boundaries (although those boundaries expand and retract constantly) that art is not constrained by. Linear thinking is what makes us feel 'human' as opposed to simply being 'smart monkeys' and is rewarded socially and financially in a very modern heirarchal structure.
Dont buy in to this structure, your an artist - you cant afford it!!
on Monday, April 3rd, Paul Dorrell said
Sam,
Ay, artists are not lawyers, though sometimes lawyers are artists. Sure the approaches to discipline are different, as are those to inspiration, but baby that's a whole separate article. Tried to comment on your fantastic post regarding "Pregnant Woman," but the form requirements wearied me. Hope this is adequate.
Best,
PD
on Saturday, April 1st, Paul Dorrell said
Jose, Sam, Jennie:
Good points, all of you. I concur in many ways. How so? Ah, that's a complex question that I've love to answer, but right now I've got a parcel of teenagers waiting for me to take them camping. Stunts all night. Perhaps we can pick up on this later. Meanwhile, a good weekend to you all.
Best,
PD
on Saturday, April 1st, Kathleen Heger said
Reminds me of the Emile Zola quote "The artist is nothing without the gift but the gift is nothing without the work."
Yes, 2 million would buy a fancy yacht and that red 1955 Mercedes Gullwing BUT if you stop creating it will also buy you a huge knot in your stomach and the endless feeling that you are missing your twin. Seriously, who needs the ulcer and the constant background noise? Create and enjoy life.
Hey...is there another profession out there that can give you the same release that we feel? I doubt it.
In regards to the struggle, read the poem The Guest House by Rumi. It always helps to put things back into perspective for me.
"The Guest House" By Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
on Saturday, April 1st, walt said
I am often called Mr. doom and gloom at the college for talking about the level of discipline it takes to be an artist. Those students who take me seriously and even some who don't often contact me after graduation to beg me not to stop talking about the realities.
Anyone who can recite anything at length from memory has my vote. And the Wasteland is not some 3 line haiku. I can barely remember my phone number.
on Saturday, April 1st, jose freitas cruz said
Paul, well said. Unfortunately it’s not just the people outside the arts that don’t see that focus and discipline are important factors an artist should manage skilfully, I know of quite a few who go for superficiality in creative input and for the glamour of parties and night life to make it all look much more impressive than it is. And I could not agree with you more: before financial success should come your own personal realisation of having succeeded in achieving the work you aspired to create, regardless of what others think [or at least reached as close as you possibly could given the conditions, the knowledge and technique you have at a given time] – that is what makes you an artist. If you haven’t achieved that within you, you can sell as many ‘pretty pictures’ as you want, perhaps even make a living out of it, people might even call you an artist, but deep inside a part of you will ‘know’ otherwise – you can have as many bucks stacked away under the mattress but that other deficit will grow and grow the longer you insist on fooling yourself and others, and the day will come when it will haunt you.
Sam, I agree with you that the artist’s work cannot follow along the lines of the structure and routine of the more traditional professions, but it requires a structure and a routine which, as Paul pointed out, require even greater discipline. I’m in my studio from 9 to 3 but I continue to ‘paint’ after that. We don’t work 9 to 5, we ‘re at it 9 to 9. This requires greater flexibility and focus. Very often the solution to a painting or sculpture doesn’t happen in the studio but in the mind’s eye while we’re having dinner or on the crapper – but having said that, a good CEO or a good Lawyer will admit to getting a few good ideas there too! I’ll have to disagree with you, however, on something else you said in your comment. Discipline and rigour lie at the heart of all successful endeavours, and pedantry is not to be found only in the ‘traditional’ professions. Pedantry is the means by which all those who have become aware of the deficit they carry within try desperately to hide the painful truth from others. Its truly amazing to watch and see how far it can carry you and it is a ploy I’ve seen used with great success by more than a handful of artists as well as the others from the more traditional professions you mention – ideas and solutions come to them from lofty heights, never when they’re taking a S…! It always makes me smile.
on Saturday, April 1st, Sam said
Paul,
I enjoyed reading your article, it was thought provoking. I wondered though about your comparison of 'the artist' to other types of professionals - lawyers, doctors etc. I think that this is a contrast that people are often tempted to make, erroneously in my opinion. Discipline, rigour and pedantry lie at the heart of the traditional professions (lawyers, accountants) etc, whereas art, by its very creative nature, and hence also the arist,cannot work in the same structured, routined way. That is not to say that artists are not hard workers, because they are, but simply that their work, the result of creative inspiration, cannot be co-opted into the 9 to 5 grind of professional existence.
A comparison to the professional's yardstick of success, that is, financial reward, is also erroneous but I haven't fully figured out why.
Sam
www.sydneygallery.com
on Saturday, April 1st, Jennie Kenneally said
Wow, what a fantastic and thought provoking article! I know I work as hard as I physically can, I am laying it all on the line and I think I have what it takes, but the journey is so intimidating. It is exciting though If it were easy it wouldn't be any fun!
on Friday, March 31st, Paul Dorrell said
Walt,
Don't know what I'd do if I didn't write--or run a gallery. Will let you know when I get that two million, it just may not occur in this life. Well, there are more fundamental concerns at hand. Poetry? I love it. Still recite "The Wasteland" on a regular basis.
Best,
PD
on Friday, March 31st, walt said
Paul,
once you get your 2 million let me know. I have some paintings I'd like you buy. Don't know what I'd do if I didn't paint. Maybe write poetry...the other hardest profession.
