In this blog, I’m going to discuss and acknowledge the profound challenges artists face. 

The implications of the downturn in New Zealand’s ‘soft’ economy have put artists into extreme poverty and suffering. 

Factors such as rising costs and fewer jobs mean people simply don’t have any disposable income to buy art.

Artists’ creative expression is vital to a healthy and open-minded society.

Art affords hope, rouses feelings and touches souls in a way that words cannot. Working artists are crucial, because they inspire, evoke and challenge societal perspectives.  Their creations spark conversations and make a massive contribution to our cultural identity.  

Artists bring unique skill sets in the sense that their work influences, inspires and helps us find beauty and joy, and see brand new perspectives.

Ever noticed artists are broke?  Or their art isn’t popular until they’re dead?  IMO this is because many artists are intuitive with high EQ and are (evolved) well beyond their time.

They would likely deny it, but I reckon many artists are the more valid thought leaders and futurists. A closed mind belongs to the unevolved. People who won’t evolve - stay stuck in the past repeating patterns over and over, then weirdly, seem surprised when they get the same results. 

Artists open their minds and flow into their imagination to connect with and express the world around and beyond us. 

But they also experience profound barriers and heartfelt challenges.

Being an artist as a career path is generally not recommended due to a combination of reasons.

Firstly, it’s a struggle to make a sustainable living from art. Materials often cost more than what people are willing to pay for the artwork. I am open about the fact I make a loss on every painting.  But I am fortunate enough to work full-time, to offset the cost of making my art, as it is my mindfulness, and I love it. But most artists are not in my position.  Their only income comes from people buying their art, and artists’ creative work is undervalued by society.  Not having a regular or defined income creates financial instability, inherent money problems and barriers to purchasing materials. 

Being an artist can be lonely. Many work in complete isolation, juggling their wellbeing, whilst being completely up and inside their creative heads. So, yip, we go a bit mad. I’m a bit mad, but mostly in the vague menopausal sense, but I’m pretty sure my pals would argue otherwise. Vincent Van Gogh cut off his own ear.  The recluse Edgar Degas in a totally grouchy tone once wrote to critics, “Is painting done to be looked at? Do you understand me? One works for two or three friends who are alive and for others who are dead or unknown.”

There’s no doubt about it. It is an emotional roller coaster being an artist. We pour our hearts and souls into our creativity. It’s terrifying to put yourself out there in an attempt to build a reputation. It takes an incredible amount of time and effort to gain any recognition as an artist. Yet artists still fail to reach a wider audience, or even the right audience.

Artists find validation and purpose when their work sells. But if art doesn’t sell, artists grapple with self-doubt, internal conflicts, money problems and existential questions around our lack of value and purpose in society.  

Many artists are intensely private so that their creativity can flow, unimpeded. Like me, artists can be uncomfortable in the public eye. I’m a happy hermit and will sprint far, far away from the spotlight. It’s just not my vibe.  My last exhibition was in 2010 in Edinburgh, Scotland. At my shows I cringe like a rabbit caught in headlights.  My preference is to never do another as I feel very small and super anxious with my heart and soul exposed on display for all to see.  

Selling online allows me time to do my own thing at my own pace. There’s no rushing to meet gallery or exhibition deadlines. I like marching to my own drum, well okay to techno or progressive house music. 

How can you help artists? 

Well by reading this blog you’re helping because you are world curious and want to know - thank you, we appreciate you.  Please do encourage and tell artists what you like about their work.  Be mindful of unintentional devaluation if you can’t afford to purchase an artwork, instead please tell artists that even though you can’t afford to buy their art, their heart and soul is more than worth the price they've set.

It’s unacceptably cruel to bargain or expect a knock down special from vulnerable and struggling artists.  It’s morally wrong that artists do not see the value of their work in their lifetime – while many, many others financially benefit from art that is not their own to benefit from.  It’s white collar crime that brokers, galleries, shows and middlemen make more money than the artists ever do.

Even though I’ve not sold any artwork lately – I have another job so I’m doing ok, but many artists are not.  

If you really want to help and have any spare cash, please offer to buy struggling artists materials and clearly explain that there’s no expectations from you other than you want to support their endeavours.  

Also, where possible buy direct from artists by searching online or connecting with artists in your community.

Message to all the Artists
Thank you for undertaking one of the most difficult and least valued professions. Chin up, keep your eye on the prize and keep producing!  Your work nourishes souls.

Advice from one Artist to another
Your expression is unique.  Express yourself in your own unique way.  Unless constructive or solicited, don’t take too much advice re your art from others. Or you can run the risk of expressing ‘advised’ art, which loses your authenticity and uniqueness.  Be and do you.

Your art evolves and gets better and better the more you do it.

Also, ignore the critics.  Opinions are not facts.  They are opinions. Mostly, opinionated people are never happy unless they’re unhappily complaining or criticising. Being mean or disrespectful exposes those who won't do mahi / work on themselves to be a good human. Therefore, their unevolved opinions haven’t earned consideration of your ears.  Listen only to those who want to help you rather than hinder your precious time and energy.

Avoid the shallow swimmers when you're in the deep end.

Create a self-care plan and please be kind to yourself. 

Remember: Every day is a brand new day.

I'm sending you love and the warmest wishes from Plimmerton, Porirua, New Zealand. 

If you've scrolled this far here's an aligned tune called 'Get my mind right' by Tony Breaks and Shyam P.  Listen here on YouTube or here on Spotify