If you are like me, you sometimes will give to an organization or political person, thinking “I wonder if they are pulling one over on me?” The generous people who have, since the pandemic, continued to support my artistic endeavors, I owe not only my gratitude, but my art.
Outside of the monthly stalwarts, I find donations to be sporadic. And truthfully, I am also lousy at asking for help. It took the pandemic to break that pride of even admitting I needed help. Thus humbled, I am always amazed and grateful that those who do support me, trust that I will use the money for building my artist world.
So, just in case you are skeptical, I wanted to share that the next 12 songs of original music are starting to be worked on, since we (you contributors and me) were able to meet the budget goal needed to hire the producer. It took over seven months to get there, but we are there. Prior to that, monies were spent on having two more kids' videos illustrated. That brings an amazing number of viewers to YouTube.
Alas, we now live in an era when art is appreciated--but for free on the internet. Music is listened to, but mostly for free on the internet. Podcasts and creative content to inspire is there, but for free on the internet. So much opportunity exists to be seen, heard, enjoyed--if the artist has his or her patrons. And that’s where it is at.
This current music project means that we are currently tapped out. And there is a lot of preparation work for the art installation going up at the Gallery in Peoria this September to be done. And all the other projects survive, but barely. The time alone to create podcasts and a YouTube show is taxing and all done without any notion of compensation. It still exists as a labor of love.
So please understand that every bit helps. Money buys time and time eventually creates art. Art moves souls and inspires peace. It is a cycle that you and I, as partners, equally participate in. If you haven’t donated, consider donating for the purpose of humbling me further! If you don’t like using Buy Me A Coffee to make your gift, or PayPal. Contact me, and I will give you my mailing address. If Van Gogh had enough patrons, perhaps he wouldn’t have cut off his ear!
Together, we create.
Like this post? Read Martin's other blog here.