I grew up with the whole idea of artists (and writers) by definition being "starving."

It was ironic because most of my extended family loved art and had fairly substantial art collections. Yet... they regarded art as something you did "for the love of it," not because you would get paid.

Art is not unlike professional sports. A handful do end up akin to superstars and get to sell their work — in their lifetime — for $50K per painting. Pretty much everyone else dreams and starves.

I've owned and operated two art galleries in my time on this planet... once for 13 years, another time for five years. In all that time, I — sadly — encountered maybe 3-4 artists who were commercially successful while being authentic and true to themselves. One — who remains a good friend — found a niche with her "fantastical" art at comic cons and is having the time of her life.

I think AI is working as a kind of "sorting mechanism," telling us what people find important about art. Are they buying the experience and soul of the piece, or just "something pretty" to hang over their couch?

My friend Boonie — who's both a therapist and an artist talks a lot about the respect you bring up. She particularly talks about the way artists are sometimes made to feel like they are "selling out" when they care about the commercial side of art. Try running that kind of thinking by a lawyer, or a doctor!

Sorry, I'm rambling a bit here because I'm actually writing a post that touches substantially on some of the things out bring up here!

Be yourself. Always. Because you're amazing!
xo