Working at an engineering college and living in a blue collar town, I constantly feel that I have to justify my choice of career. I perceive that people look down on me from time to time, because working in the art field isn’t a “real†job or isn’t as meaningful as an engineer or an IT person. Lately, I have been grappling with this feeling almost every day…and this was especially true over the holidays for whatever reason. As if it isn’t hard enough to do what I do without feeling marginalized on top of it all. At first, I really didn’t give all this a second thought, but something changes when the people closest to you start to play along….
At any rate, I was reading a few interesting tidbits online last night and came across the website for United States Artists. They have a little factoid page that really put some numbers to what has been bothering me over the past few weeks:
A country that loves art, not artists
In a recent survey of attitudes toward artists in the US a vast majority of Americans, 96%, said they were greatly inspired by various kinds of art and highly value art in their lives and communities. But the data suggests astrange paradox.
While Americans value art, the end product, they do not value what artists do, the act of creation. Only 27% of respondents believe that artists contribute “a lot†to the good of society.
Further interview data from the study reflects a strong sentiment in the cultural community that society does not value art-making as legitimate work worthy of compensation. Many perceive the making of art as a frivolous or recreational pursuit.
My guess at the cause of the discrepancy would be to go back and ask those same people how they define “art.” Maybe in their minds, the only good artist is a dead artist.
Probably…a dead, male aritst. It would have to be a painter.
I just think that as an artist, one is so influenced by their surroundings…and it just seems like there is an incredible amount of negativity or misunderstanding.
If no one painted there would be no paintings. If no one sculpted there would be no sculpture. If no one sang or played an instrument there would be no music. I am certain that 96% of people would say they enjoy feeling well. But less than 27% enjoy exercising or eating right or taking medicine. And even fewer have the wherewithal to study and become a doctor. Historically In various parts of the world throughout history the perceived value of artists has risen and fallen, but it generally hovers around a relatively constant mean. It is the way of human nature. We seldom understand the essence of what we prize nor are we, except in times of crisis willing to do what is required to keep it safe. The thing I find most troubling is your own concern over the issue, which could only be so troublesome if you yourself doubt the value of your contribution. It is the way of humanity to question itself and its motives. But it is imperative that we recognize that doubt if we are to combat it within ourselves. Don’t let the world tell you who you are Barbara. It needs you and your art much too desperately. –Illya Leonov
I think my post came from months of frustration concerning this topic…sort of chipped away at me until I felt like I couldn’t put up with it anymore. I know a lot of artists who have confidence issues from time to time. I think this plays into my post and just adds to the frustration!
I think you are right(“The thing I find most troubling is your own concern over the issue”) and thank you for your comment.