This summer season, we have had three of our 40-something artists we work with at the gallery tell us that they are "cutting back" on pursuing their art.
In each case, the primary reason given was that they-- very functionally speaking-- "had to go to work" at a paying job. Along with that, came the subtext that they did not really "feel supported" in their creativity.
What Does "SUPPORT" Mean to You?
As part of our long term desire to have our Steemit presence ultimately work as a small "support system" for artists, we have to first understand what "support" actually means.
Of course, there are probably many different interpretations of that, so let's just open it up for discussion!
The "landscape" of a red autumn leaf, in closeup
I'm an artist-- as well as a "shopkeeper" with an art gallery. I experience "support" as existing on different levels.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT matters, in the sense that when I get paid for some of my work, it tells me someone thought my work was "worthwhile" enough that they were willing to give up something in order to have it. This is different from simply "liking" my work, but only caring enough to have it "for free." There's an "energy exchange" there.
However, "financial support" also extends to mean-- unlike the three artists who "returned to regular work"-- that I have the freedom to afford giving part of my time to art and creativity. Personalities are different, of course, but I personally find it very difficult to create when my primary concern is whether the electricity will be disconnected tomorrow.
Fall leaf on granite
SOCIAL SUPPORT matters because it often fuels inspiration; that is, it can be the spark that takes me from "idea" to "execution." My wife, for example, has always been very supportive of my creativity... and appreciates it "for its own sake." In contrast my mother (now deceased), spent most of my adult life trying to impress on me that I would be "much better off" if I took all that time/effort I put into art and instead put it into "working at a REAL job."
Whereas art/creativity is definitely something we should pursue "for ourselves," there's little doubt that the attitudes of those in our social circles impact how we approach-- and feel about-- our creative outlets.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT is perhaps a subset of "social support," but it bears a mention as well... I see this as the "greater" response to our art/creativity. Where you live, and you tell someone in the greater world that you are "an artist," how is that received? Do you live in a country/culture where artists-- in a broad sense-- are valued and honored, or are they seen as "flakes and deviants?"
DISCUSSION: I am sure there are other "kinds" of support, as well... so I'm just going to open it up to general discussion: What makes YOU feel supported? Other than the basic types of support I listed here, what other kinds can you thin of? If you DON'T feel supported, what would you need to feel more supported? In the small context of Steemit, what makes you feel supported as a creative/artist? What is your primary type of art or creative expression? Leave a comment!
The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.