Art over Money

They say money makes the world go ’round. I think gravity does that, but money certainly can improve one’s quality of life. I’m an artist. As much as I wouldn’t mind having more wealth, I’ll take art over money.

My 17-year-old daughter works as a server. She makes some pretty good money for a kid her age. But if I recommend an artistic hobby or a nice walk along the waterfront, she shows little interest. She told me, “I don’t care about anything except making money.” Hopefully she’ll grow out of that mindset.

For me, art represents beauty and truth (not always beautiful). Making money from the music and writing I do would be great, but not at the cost of my artistic integrity. If I have to write pop songs or formulaic mystery novels in order to sell my work? Forget about it.

Once an artist gets paid a significant amount of money for a specific piece of work there is a danger. It could lead the creator to sticking to safe ground, creating only the things they know will sell. At that point, are you selling art or rubber stamps? I’ll let you decide.

I say keep experimenting and putting art over money. – dse

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Author: Dan Steven Erickson

Dan Steven Erickson is a great undiscovered American songwriter.