The image of the struggling artist is a familiar one in popular culture, from Van Gogh to Sylvia Plath, and many people believe that artists must suffer for their craft. However, this belief is not only untrue but also harmful to artists who are trying to make a living from their work. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of the starving artist myth, why it is still prevalent today, and how we can debunk it.
Origins of the Starving Artist Myth:
• The myth of the starving artist has its roots in the Romantic era of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this time, artists were seen as geniuses who created masterpieces out of inspiration and passion rather than for financial gain. This romanticized view of artists was perpetuated by writers such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, who wrote about the poet as a tortured soul, suffering for their art.
• In the 19th century, the art market began to boom, and artists were able to make a living from their work. However, the idea of the starving artist persisted, and it was perpetuated by the bohemian lifestyle of artists in Paris in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stereotype of the poor artist living in a garret, struggling to make ends meet, became entrenched in the popular imagination.
Prevalence of the Starving Artist Myth Today:
• Today, the myth of the starving artist is still prevalent, and it is perpetuated by the media and popular culture. In movies and TV shows, artists are often depicted as struggling to make ends meet, living in poverty, and sacrificing their health and happiness for their art. This portrayal reinforces the idea that artists cannot make a living from their work and must suffer for their craft.
• The reality, however, is very different. Many artists are able to make a living from their work, and the internet has made it easier than ever for artists to sell their creations directly to their fans. There are also many organizations and initiatives that support artists, such as grants, residencies, and crowdfunding platforms.
Debunking the Starving Artist Myth:
To debunk the myth of the starving artist, we must first recognize that it’s not true. Artists can and do make a living from their work, and there are many resources available to help them do so. We can also support artists by buying their work, attending their shows, and spreading the word about their creations.
• We can also challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions about artists. Instead of romanticizing the idea of the struggling artist, we should celebrate the diversity of artists and their work. We should recognize that artists are entrepreneurs, and their work has value both in terms of its artistic and economic contributions.
The Arts industry is 1 trillion and growing by 14-16% every year. There is money in creative so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
I hope this post was enlightening. The myth of the starving artist is not only untrue but also harmful to artists and the arts. By recognizing that artists can make a living from their work, and supporting them in their endeavors, we can help to debunk this myth and create a more supportive environment for artists to thrive.
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