Aug 17, 2022·edited Aug 17, 2022Liked by Don Akchin
Enjoyed this, Don. There are two separate issues I see in Michelle's experience, which are, first, taking up art as a form of creative expression, and, second, taking up art as a career.
Class is the elephant in the room: Most lower middle class and working class young people are, like Michellle, discouraged by family, friends, and even mentors from seeking a living in creative fields, and I think art in particular, which certainly contributes to the "imposter syndrome" Michelle mentions. What compounds the problem is that the naysayers aren't wrong: The art establishment , like book publishing, favors money and connections in determining who gets recognized. Young artists have to have one or the other, or preferably both, to be launched on a "successful" trajectory toward a high or even sustainable income, with the recognition and endorsement of the establishment .As Michelle notes, however, older artists can create full time, and sell their work, if they have assets accrued from a career (one, in Michelle's case at least did allow for creativity) and/or the financial support of a partner. Even then, without Art World patronage, they aren't going to be millionaires any time soon, no matter how talented. But making a fortune isn't the goal for most artists anyway, and there's a successful career to be had outside of the "system": Creating full time, and selling your work to the public, can both be very fulfilling, and even modest retirement income provides the necessary support to many more people as they age. Not to mention that age often brings confidence: Michelle's quite right to urge people to just do it!
I really resonate with that meandering around before you find what you want to do with your life. I had a massive amount of shame about that when I was younger. It's been a great feature of getting older to be able to let that go.
Thank you Don for this opportunity! I’m hoping I was clear in thought for your listeners. There is always so much more to say within the thought but nerves get in the way!
Thanks, Annette, for that additional perspective.
Enjoyed this, Don. There are two separate issues I see in Michelle's experience, which are, first, taking up art as a form of creative expression, and, second, taking up art as a career.
Class is the elephant in the room: Most lower middle class and working class young people are, like Michellle, discouraged by family, friends, and even mentors from seeking a living in creative fields, and I think art in particular, which certainly contributes to the "imposter syndrome" Michelle mentions. What compounds the problem is that the naysayers aren't wrong: The art establishment , like book publishing, favors money and connections in determining who gets recognized. Young artists have to have one or the other, or preferably both, to be launched on a "successful" trajectory toward a high or even sustainable income, with the recognition and endorsement of the establishment .As Michelle notes, however, older artists can create full time, and sell their work, if they have assets accrued from a career (one, in Michelle's case at least did allow for creativity) and/or the financial support of a partner. Even then, without Art World patronage, they aren't going to be millionaires any time soon, no matter how talented. But making a fortune isn't the goal for most artists anyway, and there's a successful career to be had outside of the "system": Creating full time, and selling your work to the public, can both be very fulfilling, and even modest retirement income provides the necessary support to many more people as they age. Not to mention that age often brings confidence: Michelle's quite right to urge people to just do it!
I really resonate with that meandering around before you find what you want to do with your life. I had a massive amount of shame about that when I was younger. It's been a great feature of getting older to be able to let that go.
Thank you Don for this opportunity! I’m hoping I was clear in thought for your listeners. There is always so much more to say within the thought but nerves get in the way!