No Money But Joy

Many of us in the free world grapple with the challenge of finding a sense of purpose for our existence. What does one do with this life we are given? To even contemplate this question seems like a luxury compared to places on this earth where bare necessities and survival take precedence. But natural gifts and potential with insufficient application or expression, incur a restless, floundering spirit, an inner malaise that undercuts the quality of life. At worst, these gifts– whether it’s generosity, intelligence, or creativity etc., risk atrophy or waste through poor choices. They’re also vulnerable to manipulation and abuse by others for their own gain.

A sense of purpose is never restricted to a single profession, role, or world view. But it does need to be something one can call their own, a way of being or place in the world– regardless of how many or how few are also in league. It provides anchorage, a point of reference. It gives individuals a chance to realize potential, to learn who they are, what they are made of, and to offer services to the community. Even the quest to uncover a genuine purpose, acts as a viable, temporary substitute for the purpose itself– a learning driver’s permit so to speak, towards the day a true one emerges. Certainly, making art is one of the more fulfilling ways to spend a lifetime. But a right or worthy path is no guarantee of success. Life does not necessarily get easier. Opportunities, serendipity, the universe– fails repeatedly to align with the kind of charmed signs one had hoped for or expected. Commitment, hard work and resolve can’t always prevent disappointment. What is success for an artist? Answers vary according to definitions of both success and art. Also, what constitutes a failed artist? Again, not everyone has the same criteria. We all grow up exposed to standards of accomplishment and good fortune set by others. The trinity of money, looks, and popularity exists everywhere; the art world is no exception. Doing what you love and getting paid for it, is the dream come true most artists want, as far as conventional achievements are concerned. Within this category are bonuses such as decent promotion and representation through honest dealers or agents. Endowments, awards, prizes and grants. Excellent or prestigious venues for exposure. Steady patronage and clientele or at least a healthy market demand for the work. Popular success involves elements of fame, recognition, peer respect and admiration– even when money is less than forthcoming. To have work known, discussed, reviewed, studied, taught or deemed otherwise influential is a reward in itself. It reinforces intentions, builds confidence, provides encouragement and support. As far as looks are concerned, I’m so thankful art is one profession where, for the most part, my physical appearance matters less than what my work looks like. There are however, subtle ways for an “attractive” artist to profit. Arguably, this can be done through reputation– the charismatic, intriguing self-image an artist presents to the world. The “bad boy” of the art establishment, a woman referred to as a “high priestess” in her studio– creates an aura of glamour, a fascination about them that piques curiosity and interest for their activities. It’s hard to ignore notions of success that depend on external sources of validation. Acquisitions of money, critical acclaim and leverage are a boon, especially if they make a fundamental difference between starvation and meals, or whether work is even seen. There’s no denying how difficult it can be when others receive such for their efforts and one’s own work doesn’t. But for every artist who “makes it,” legions don’t. Many great artists died impecunious while others were reviled by the art establishments of their day. Even those who do “make it” are subject to sudden reversals of fortune and unforseen problems that arise from success itself. A single mother and sole provider for her children, paints bowls of fruit that repeatedly sell but is discouraged by her dealer from taking any creative risks that would alienate her buyers. A renowned sculptor gains unwanted notoriety when his nudes offend certain groups who protest and cause temporary closure of his exhibition. An avant-garde trio once known for their wild parties and youthful beauty– as well as their daring multi-media collaborations– dip under the radar as they age and collect health problems.

After I became an artist, it was twenty years before I sold my first large painting. That felt like a landmark. I live on a budget; extra money is always a gift. But major satisfaction came from the fact that I hung in long enough for it to happen. To this day, I still don’t make enough to live off of art and must supplement my income with a regular part-time job. Oddly enough, while I long to paint full-time as much as anyone, I’m grateful the job relieved me from the pressure of creating work merely to sell, even if it meant sacrificing time in exchange. That first big sale established priorities; the most I want out of any success is to just keep doing my work. To that extent, it is imperative for me, that any interpretation of success includes values contingent upon the creative process itself. Evidence of growth and development. Skillful integrations of style with substance or the ability to combine technical proficiency with emotional, psychological or spiritual depth. Work that exceeds one’s own expectations and limits. Producing the kind of art one truly wants to make whether or not it is liked or sells. The essential, rudimentary fact that if there is no joy or passion, no keen or deliciously nervous anticipation, no wonder or energy experienced for or by the process– something is wrong. If one life is capable of a million small deaths, so too the possibility of just as many triumphs. There’s no reason this can’t be applied to artists and their endeavours. I find it a poverty of imagination to declare any artist a complete failure based on a single set of rules. It is appropriate for every artist to decide, prioritize, and adjust any concept of success to suit their own purpose, no matter how eccentric– especially if it helps them to endure. How and when do I know if I’m successful? Long live the happy dance.