Hey Becky,
How are you today? How are you really? It’s been a busy few days with all the things, but you really seem like you’ve got a lot on the horizon and that excites me for you! Friend, you’re 10 months into this year and I know you haven’t met half of the goals you set out for yourself just yet, but look at all that has happened. We should celebrate!
Anyhow, I heard your car is in the shop again and it’s bad this time. It’s a shame those Instagram likes aren’t dollars! Listen Friend, making a living as an artist is HARD. You can’t always see the progress being made or the impact you’re making, but please keep going! What you’re building is so much more than just numbers and I know it doesn’t seem like much right now while little so translates monetarily. But take heart, I have so much hope that all you’ve been working for will pay off. Here is a thought--Have you ever considered art as currency? I know that sounds a little cavalier, but hear me out. I was talking to our mutual friend the other day and he mentioned some work that he’d done in exchange for a substantial credit from that business; he went on to tell some pretty crazy stories of other things he’s bartered for. So I wondered if this is something you’ve considered? What areas in your community could you leverage a trade for your time, skill, or art to mutually benefit yourself and your community? As an artist in the modern world, it can be extremely difficult to source a regular paycheck because art is a luxury that many cannot afford. You and I both know that, don’t we?! But while many business owners, patrons, young collectors, etc may not have the expendable income to pay actual dollars, perhaps you can negotiate exchanges that would satisfy both the need and want? Finding liquidity for art in the marketplace has been a challenge since the decline in patronage, but what if you could circumvent that altogether? You and I talk a lot about how the market is ripe for innovative disruptions. With the declining gallery model, perhaps this idea of art as currency is creative way that artists can source more efficient support for their craft. Put your mind to that for a minute. I have no doubt you’ll come up with something innovative!
Be encouraged, Becky! It takes time to influence the culture, especially in the arts, but the collective influence is strengthening. How do I know? Because I can see it. Our country was founded on principles of the post art world...a rejection of the abuses seen in patronage gone wrong. And then came industrialization. No doubt it’s been a recipe for a radical decline in art appreciation on a foundational level, but there is a shift taking place in the market and it’s moving the tide away from the industrialized. People have a growing distaste for the mass produced. Their appetites desire something meaningful to fill their spaces with. Their eyes are being opened to art that speaks instead of the dead art we’ve been swallowing for decades. Isn’t that a funny thought?--even art has its counterfeit. Seems like confirmation of my previous postulation that art can be currency--maybe?
Lastly, when I heard your voice quiver on the phone I just wanted to wrap my arms around you and remind you that the hard days pass. Not every day carries the same weight. I don’t expect you to believe me right now, but I still think you need to hear it. Even if you have to take on a second job. Even if you have to pull back on commitments. Even if, even if, even if... God keeps his promises. Hold onto the dream, my friend! Don’t lose heart...and don’t be afraid to ask if you need someone to carry the dream for you…even just for a little while.
You’ve got this, Becky!
-Lauren