The Guardian has an interesting essay on what success does to an artist and his work. While I knew Picasso was very rich, I never knew Rubens was.
I have pursued success in art since I was very young, but I have never once thought about what I’d do or what it might do to me when I get there. Interesting. Discuss.
Gabe Says:
May 2nd, 2006 at 6:03 amVisit Gabe
Is money the result of a successful artist?
Gabe Says:
May 3rd, 2006 at 5:22 amVisit Gabe
I don’t think “result” was the right word. Money can be the result of anything successful. Maybe the real question is: Is money the gauge of a successful artist?
This can be looked two different ways, 1)Does how much money someone makes from their artistic endeavors determine their level of success? or 2)Is the work of a successful artist created merely for financial gain?
To the real artist neither of these things should matter at all. Success should come from within and should be determined soley by the artist himself/herself on wether the idea was achieved or not. The artist should only seek money in order to allow for more materials or time to create.
Dave Says:
May 3rd, 2006 at 6:35 amVisit Dave
I guess I think money IS part of it.
Like it or not, money is the way success is judged in our culture. In this case, being a wealthy artist means that you have a large body of work that has sold well. Probably it means major museums have purchased some of your pieces. Large companies have your works in their conference rooms. Other rich people own your work.
There may have been another Picasso, but the world didn’t know him because he didn’t join museum collections or have big galleries carry his work. It’s sort of a “tree falls in the forest” thing.
I do believe that money shouldn’t be the motivation for creating artwork; you won’t be very satisfied with your life if that’s the goal, since that kind of success is less likely than winning the lottery. If you want to get rich, there are lots easier ways!
Dave Says:
May 3rd, 2006 at 7:47 amVisit Dave
One other thought: I think we may be discussing both “success” and “fulfillment.”
Success is acclaim, recognition, awards, and … money.
Fulfillment is pride in your work, satisfaction, contentedness.
I think they can go together, or separately.
Gabe Says:
May 3rd, 2006 at 8:05 amVisit Gabe
That is a good point about “success” and “fulfillment”. Perhaps fulfillment is more important to me then success.
What about artists like Van Gogh and Nick Drake? Neither were considered successful during their lifetimes, unfortunately they both comitted suicide. It is hard to say if either of them felt fulfilled with their work, would they be considered successful now?
Gabe Says:
May 3rd, 2006 at 8:08 amVisit Gabe
I am staying at home working on the house today. It is fun but it seems like it could never end.