The Value in Artists
Image Courtesy: Britannica
Britannica Dictionary defines art as “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” In modern times, art isn’t simply just paintings and sculptures. It encompasses a wide range of crafts such as photography, music, film, fashion—even literature and architecture. Consuming art is a universal experience, with people from different cultures and backgrounds creating artwork for others to appreciate.
According to a Nielsen music study performed in 2014, over 90% of the U.S. population listens to music. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the most common pastime in the United States is watching television, with at least 80% of the country watching TV on any given day. In 2016, the Association For Creative Industries announced that 41 million adults performed craftwork at least once that year. Moreover, twice a year, fashion enthusiasts watch designs from designers all over the world in events in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
It’s common knowledge that individuals consume different mediums of art on a daily basis. However, are these creators supported and respected for their art which we consume?
Image Courtesy: Mpls St Paul
As a film student, I have been through the inevitable and uncomfortable conversation when someone finds out you’re studying something artistic and creative, and not something practical and realistic. I have been told, “Good luck getting a job,” and “That’s not an actual career” so many times I’ve lost count. I don’t think people realize how many famous artists and creators were told to pursue a different field but still chose to pursue art.
Colombian-born musician Shakira was told by her childhood music teacher that she had the voice of a goat and she wasn’t even allowed to join her school’s choir. However, Shakira persisted and signed her first record deal at age 13. As of today, she’s sold over 80 million records worldwide, which makes her one of the best-selling artists of all time. (And if we’re being honest, everyone has sung along to “Hips Don’t Lie” on the radio at least once in their lifetime.) Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh, is a highly celebrated artist in today’s times, but this was not the case when he was actively producing art for a decade in the 1880s. Art critics at the time rejected his artwork repeatedly. Due to his lack of support, Van Gogh only sold one painting of his in his lifetime. Now, his artwork sells at auctions for as low as $15.4 million and as high as $83 million.
Image Courtesy: Alamy
As a person studying art, it would be a dream come true to become a highly celebrated individual in my respective industry. Indeed, many other artists share this same dream. Unfortunately, the art is more valued than the person who created it. There are some exceptions, but most artistic creators are not rewarded or valued for the art we consume everyday. To change this, we can begin to support artists more by donating to filmmakers’ crowdfunding campaigns, hiring up-and-coming photographers for a shoot, and purchasing and wearing garments made by fashion design students. Attending your local market is also a great way to connect and learn about the artists (jewelers, painters, sculptors, fashion designers, etc.) in your area. Local markets are also where you can connect with artists on social media and share their content with others. Remember, without artists there will be no art, and we need art to absorb, just as much as we need air to breathe.
Strike Out,
Orlando
Writer: Tatiana Brown
Content Editor: Gabby Macogay
Copy Editor: Emma Twilley
Tatiana Brown is a content writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. If she’s not writing articles, she’s probably watching sitcoms or romcoms. She has an obsession with Mike & Ike’s, and is always snacking on something sweet. You can reach her at tatibrown14@gmail.com.