I think that whomever came up with the concept of the “Starving Artist” needs some serious karma coming their way. So often the most amazingly talented and gifted artists of various modalities are told that what they really need to do is get a “real” job. How degrading! How arrogant!
Art is something that has existed for over 40,000 years…much longer than any contemporary legal practice or medical practice. It is something that has inspired people for thousands of years. It is something that has uplifted people’s downtrodden hearts through visual and musical stimulation. It has been used to tell stories of the people, to tell legends of the development of strength, will, and healing. It is of value. The ancient shamans would use art (and you have SEEN much of it on cave walls this many thousands of years later) to tune in to nature. They would use it to journey and to let the hunters know over which hill they will find the herd of deer or bison. They would use it to let the hunters know to NOT kill the one on the far right of the herd because she is pregnant. They would use it to warn the hunters that there is a wolf also hunting the same herd and to be wary.
Art takes us into the “zone” where, as we create, we connect with Spirit and with Nature. This is the first of the three-fold path teachings. I personally find that as I create art I arrive at inner answers to situations and circumstances that are challenging me. I also find myself in complete communion with Spirit…without having to smoke ANYTIHG. I also gain insights into things people have said along the way that come back to mind as I create. For me, to not create would be like saying, “Here. We are going to tie your hands behind your back…now swim!” It truly accesses all levels of consciousness for me. It connects me to the “World Tree” if you will.
To witness someone else creating something is truly inspiring for me. So see the focus and the heart energy flowing as the person creates is a true gift. It doesn’t matter if they are playing music, painting or building something. That connection becomes predominant in their energy field. I am most often simply in awe of it all.
Our society needs to start valuing art and its makers much more now. And artists now need to start valuing their work much more than they have…and stop undercutting themselves in order to make their art sell. People will buy it. Just put a fair price on it so that you can pay the rent and put food on the table and clothes on your back. If you value yourself and your work, others will as well.