Earlier today, my wife enthusiastically mentioned that she had sold another copy of small self-help book that she created for her non-profit organization a few months back. She has been very busy lately, and in a bit of a "funk" over a number of things not going right... so a bit of joy was a welcome change!
Her enthusiasm reminded me of an important aspect of the creative process and the life we live as artists and creatives:
Whereas I realize we're all out here because we love the creative process and putting our creativity into action, it's still likely that we ultimately end up considering the question ”so now what happens to this finished work?”
Like it or not, most people end up feeling better about themselves when other people actually buy something!
Sure, we can claim that we're "making art for art's sake, and that it's nice to get kudos and pats on the back, and be told that "your work is awesome..." but it's different when people actually put down their hard earned dollars, euros or rupees as an expression that they believe in what you're doing... sufficiently to pay for your work.
Lately, I've been doing some rather extensive bookkeeping for the purpose of preparing our income tax return for 2021.
Invariably, my accounting and tax software likes to toss out periodic "prior year comparisons" at me. The past couple of years have not been a pretty picture: My art sales declined about 35% between 2019 and 2020. Then decline a further 50% in 2021, from already depressed 2020 levels.
Ouch!
I'm not using it as an "excuse," but seeing the reality of "no sales" certainly goes a way towards explaining why my creative muse has been conspicuously absent for quite a while.
Maybe it sounds harsh or even mercenary, but what's the point of creating something, if it's just going to end up sitting in a corner, collecting dust, unappreciated?
Of course, I am also trying to come to terms with the idea that online sales have been pretty much a bust... it's very difficult to sell something that most people only "warm up to" when they see it in person and can hold it in their hands.
Hence the historical importance for us of art and crafts shows, festivals and conventions as the primary driver of actual art sales.
Anyway, my wife's enthusiasm was an interesting and poignant reminder of just how much selling your art can also serve as a subtle boost to your self-esteem and overall mood!
Thanks for stopping by! Do leave a comment if you feel so inspired, engagement is always nice!
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Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
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2022.02.11 AS-TXT-084/050