The Paradox of Art
As an artist, you're either elite or starving. I find this very interesting.
What happens when a child says "I'm going to be an artist!" (assuming they've worked up the nerve to say it out loud, given what they've heard about artists up until that point)? Typically, they're encouraged to pursue art as a hobby, but not to neglect their "real job" skills or vocation opportunities. Or worse, they're belittled for wanting to do something that "wastes" time and resources that could be used "more productively."
Fast forward a bit to a young artist who managed to ignore all the "good advice" they received. As soon as they admit they're an artist, isn't the go-to assumption that they're probably a server or cashier somewhere so that they can get by enough to do their "art"?
Skip again to a financially successful broker who's favorite pastime is showing off his art collection... wait... what? If being an "artist" isn't really a thing, how did he amass his collection?
This is where we meet the idea that art can only be made or enjoyed by those who can afford to make or enjoy it. This idea is cultural and designates art as a luxury. Unless you have enough money, you are not supposed to (allowed to?) simply enjoy art, and you certainly can't make art (unless you also have a "real job").
The Paradox
Culturally, we spend the first ~25 years of people's lives telling them that art/artists are not realistic, then claim that "if people valued the arts, they'd demonstrate it with their money" and use the lack of funds coming from the very people who've been groomed to believe it is only a luxury as a justification to stop funding or teaching the arts.
Since this is a cultural issue, I propose that the solutions are also cultural.
Yes, solutions. Plural.
I have an initiative in the works that I'm hoping to get off the ground later this year (more info coming soon!), but I'm incredibly curious about other ideas you may have. What do you see as a cultural opportunity to affect the way average people see, think about, or embrace art?
Let's do some brainstorming!
XOXO,
