If you are an artist who has used the excuse of a challenging financial climate for opting to forego your art productivity, you may want to re-think your decision.
After all, if Frida Kahlo could create beautiful work for a hospital bed, don't you think that her physical condition was even more justification for her to quit using her talent? The fact is that she did not quit and that is why she was successful.
So, why should a bad economy thwart your artistic endeavors? Perhaps you are thinking, "People do not purchase art when their financial lives have "gone down the tubes.
" Wrong again! Someone may postpone making a major purchase such as a car, but a work of art that is not too costly by comparison may be just what they need to cheer them up.
It could make them hold unto whatever sanity they have left after paying their mortgage, insurance premiums, and accumulated dental bills.
That is where you come into the picture.
If your art is visible for people to see and appreciate, it can also be what they need to inspire them during tough times.
If your sales have suffered as a result of the economy, you may also consider creating smaller pieces that are more affordable.
Now, those may not pay the rent, but those buyers who purchased your smaller work could ultimately look to you for larger pieces because by then, you would have already established your credibility with them.
Depending on the type of art you produce, you may also consider creating pieces that are personalized and can be used as gifts.
One day many years ago, my parents attended a very popular art show in the city of Laguna Beach, California.
At the time, they purchased a beautiful award-winning painting.
However, on the same day, they also met another artist at the show and admired his work that was personalized in a very unique manner.
The man gave them his business card.
Many years later when my father opened a new office, he needed art for his walls.
My parents found that little card tucked away in a drawer, called the man and commissioned him to produce two large personalized oil paintings.
What if the man had not given them his card? What if he had not continued to be cordial even after they left his booth empty-handed? You are probably starting to get the picture now.
Just do what you do and believe in your work and someone else will too.
It may not happen at this moment, but you have a gift to share.
Keep sharing it.
During hard economic times, no doubt, the inspiration you provide is probably even more appreciated when people need to be uplifted the most.
Do not short-change yourself by stopping your creative juices from flowing and getting your work out there for people to enjoy.