Pensamiento

I have sometimes participated in conversations between artists and art critics -most of the times as an observer- about the topic of “making a living” out of painting. And the conclusion reached was always the same and one I disagree on: that the end goal of the painter, the consecration of their artistry, is making a living out of art. I respect this position, nevertheless I disagree with the idea that achieving that status makes one an Artist “with a capital A”.

The painter must live “for” painting; being able to make a living out of it is only an added and welcome perk. To anyone that may be wondering the reason behind these lines, I can only reiterate what I said above. I often read interviews with artists who pride themselves on it and say that “since this or that other moment” they have been able to live entirely off of their art. And I can’t help but wonder where goes the freedom that comes from not having to live off of it. 

Why can’t an artist work –as many in fact do-, make a living, provide for their family and on top of all that, paint? Because there is not enough time? There is enough time for everything. Do they necessarily create better art because they are solely focused on creating? Absolutely not! Good art is only produced by the good artist, may them have a “day job” or not. Bad or mediocre artists will continue to be bad or mediocre even if their days are entirely dedicated to creation. 

The artist, as we have said before, is born. They must then discover they are an artist and after that learn to develop that talent, never forgetting it is a gift and not a prize. 

Jorge Rando, Malaga, Christmas 2005