Make art or not...that is the question

Hi all,

This post is my "Keep it Simple" post. Many of my artist friends feel troubled with the economy, the sales (or lack of sales) they are experiencing, and the funny little thing I call the "chicken little effect." No...the sky is NOT falling and the sales are tougher to find but there are people buying art these days.

If you are not creating art - you are hurting yourself at the moment. I don't want to go into using "hope" as a reason to paint but if you don't paint what will "they" buy? In other words, hope is useless in terms of success. Don't put money in advertising because you HOPE to make more sales. Don't paint more paintings because you HOPE someone will buy them. And don't ever HOPE you'll be discovered because you were promised "EXPOSURE". Hope is useless...you have to want to succeed at being an artist and to be an artist you must produce. It is that simple folks!

My words of inspiration are this...paint because you are an artist and you must create a product if you ever want to sell it. Yes, times are tough...but it will get better. To my full time art friends - I applaud your sense of being. You are the rock for many of us who dream of going full time. To my fellow part-timers - Keep working on it. Don't stop because of that "crutch" you call a job! Yeah, it may suck to go to work everyday; but at least you are making money to help support your habit. Now get out there and paint!

- Michael