Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Is Art Just a Luxury?

I have been asked this question by Scoutie Girl, a blog that discusses art and adding beautiful items to your life. Good Question..

Many artists have been asking that question lately with the economic downturn and there has been much weeping and wailing in the art world- more than a few galleries have gone down, never to return and many artists are running scared these days.

Yet, art is still selling and artists are still painting. I think the luxury question depends on the person making the purchase. If an individual buys the painting or object of art for investment purposes, then right now art is a luxury, a commodity so to speak. But if an individual buys a piece of art that speaks to their soul, it is a necessity.... it is something that satisfies an inner desire that has to be fulfilled.

Our job as artists is to create a piece of work from the heart and pray that it will connect with someone else along it's journey through shows, galleries, stores, etc... Artists will keep on creating, they have to because it is part of who they are. Hopefully through these difficult times they will survive as the world will lose much if they cease to create.

6 comments:

Liz Noonan said...

I like what you say about creating work from the heart, that should be true whether painting or pot making.

Susan McCullough said...

Thanks Liz- whether you create from the heart or not- I think it shows in the final product.

rachel johnson said...

Wonderful post! You said exactly what I was thinking about whether art is a luxury.

McMGrad89 said...

I love your comment, especially the part about art speaking to the soul.

Susan McCullough said...

Thanks Rachel and McMGrad89...I hope that artists can weather the current economic storm and not get discouraged- as artists we have to create- it would just be nice to make some sales as well- right?

Dr. James said...

Great question. You are a wonderful advocate for the arts. Great art is a question soul and skill. People with money will pay for the great works.