Another Art Quote Worth Facing in America, and my Thoughts

"America is no place for an artist: to be an artist is to be a moral leper, an economic misfit, a social liability. A corn-fed hog enjoys a better life than a creative writer, painter or musician. To be a rabbit is better still." -Henry Miller

Sometimes I come across a quote that is so solid and rings so very true even when I disagree with a load of other issues regarding the author, even with his work, I still sometimes share the comment. This is one of those. I responded to seeing it online with:

"Though I fully agree [with his points in this quote] my sanity and giving gifts to others via art is a calling I accept and relish right along with the crucifixions. Resurrections happen via the sharing of art."

It's obvious that people have to have food, clothing, shelter and as an artist, tools and elements of whatever form of art they create to enable them to actually craft their art.

This reality plus whatever other issues of health -mental, physical, emotional and such, all affect these basic needs and the fulfillment of a person's artistic gifts and calling.

In light of all this Miller's statement is more than a theory or bitter concept. His own life and writing was such it isn't hard to fathom why he moved to France and lived there for many years.

Still, what caught me was the truth of the sentiment. It is the rare person and moreso artist of any art mode who doesn't fret or ponder how to make a living doing art. This is even more true if they support a family.

Further, actually having the time to not only make but really progress as an artist means the basic necessities of life have to be gotten. In light of all this it becomes clear that in history the wealthy and powerful -usually both, provided employment for many of the greats, for example J.S. Bach. Without "patrons" many an artist whether painter, musician or etc., the particular artistic venture would have never been able to bloom in skill to then share with the wider world.

Plenty of artists have worked "side jobs" or themselves practiced and shared their works as such having to support themselves and their families by other labor. While that is a noble and often required life for an artist one can see how it affects actual creativity.

I honestly don't want to discourage anyone but in the real world mere romantic dreams often only come by hard work and "part time" if at all -and sometimes never happen at all.

None of us has unlimited energy or time in which to work as a creative artist.

Then there is both the excitement, acceptance and sharing of a particular piece or series from an art-maker... and often the disinterest or rejection of their offering/s.

Artists themselves change, grow, risk with each shared effort and it is a deep dive to consider "one-hit wonders" or those whose first works were very popular while later in life they found little praise or sense of value from earlier fans and supporters. It happens all the time.

Creators, unlike God Himself, change, morph, move on just as many if not most in their audience do also. Tastes and styles go in and out of fashion and therefore support and considered worth.

I find all these are important factors to face with regard to any artist's willingness to live a largely artistic life. One's belly as well as ego will be challenged and if one continues the path, rather tempered due to these things.

There is no shame whatsoever in art-making as a hobby or side gig, though some dream of of artistry as a profession -in fact their only profession. Yet and always- truth is deeper than mere dreams.

It's also often more stark and wrought with pain and sacrifice. Most honest musicians who have spent real time in the music industry have experienced the nails of corporate game-playing as well as their own folly in both artistic and business decisions.

Know it or not, sometimes it is the actual gift of God that a writer, musician or other artist goes unpublished for their own sake!

My view and that of many concludes that God has gifted people to serve, share, facing both praise and ridicule as well as apathy re. art-making. If we are willing to deal with the crucifixions we will also discover resurrections and life!

For me, that metaphor is more than ideology. It is part of my personal daily relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In my own life, acceptance or rejection is simply part of the artistic gift and call -and I'm convinced was in God's Own mind prior to His creating me. To do what? To serve "whosoever will" and do what I must in order to pursue and be faithful to my calling. This is all true in both art and everything else.

This is a matter of faith and trust in Jehovah Jireh (the God Who provides) and of course doing what I must in the natural, practical sense in order to love the world by truth and work -including the work of artistry.

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn