Artists Against Starving Artists

By: Deb_Magelssen Mood: angry Date: 10/13/2008 09:12:23 Music: Anything with Drums!

Okay, I know that this "Starving Artist" myth has been with us for decades.  And I know that there are others who have tried to overcome and eradicate this damaging myth-a HUGE thank you to those people. But, what is frustrating to me is that it seems nothing has changed over the years.  Why are artists still believing in this notion?  I know of a few artists who believe as I do, but I also know of several who believe that they cannot make it as an artist.  I think we need a huge movement in the art community to change this. Really change this so the next generation, doesn't have to go through their art career being rewarded with a few pats on the back, no real respect, and just a little money in their pocketbooks.   

The starving artist myth has affected me during my whole life and my career as an artist.  It has held me back and I allowed the belief to penetrate my mind and heart to a point where I was self sacrifing myself and not growing as an artist. No wonder I feel stunted sometimes and frustrated because I feel like I am a fish swimming upstream in a thunderstorm.

I was able to teach a some art classes last week at a high school and the myth is continuing with our teenagers.  It made me so angry and sad.  I am glad to see that there are colleges know that have business and marketing added to their curriculum that is a part of their art courses.  Thankful for that- I never had that in my college days.  My professors all told me that to have an art career was not what a real artist does. "An artist is not an artist if they get paid-that's Commercial Art, and you don't want to be one of those!" 

What on earth?  What damage they did to some of us!  For twenty-thrity years, I believed I could not have an art career because I wanted to be a TRUE artist.  Let me tell you, now I am furious!

So, I just want to say that starting today, October 13, 2008, I will be fighting this myth as often as the opportunity presents itself.  Whenever a person says something derogatory concerning an artist, I will speak up with truth.  I will use my bargaining power when I am dealing with galleries, framers and any organization that works with the arts. If those organizations become condescending, I will fight back with respect and truth-and with kindness. But, I will speak my mind to those who try to tell me I cannot possibly make a living as an artist-to those I say, CANCEL!.  I will not receive the negative information and untruths that they believe.  They are not artists so they cannot possibly tell me what is good for me. I will only listen to those artists who love what they do and are getting paid for it.   I am taking charge of my own life and career, starting TODAY!

How about you?  Will you stand with me? Just imaging what we artists could do to change our world if we took action against this damaging philosphy. This could spead as a movement. Let's start raising the standard, get respect back in regards to ourselves as artists and our choice of careers, and getting rewarded monetarily for our work!