Remembering your values isn’t always easy to do. Ever had a bad day as an artist? Ever wondered where the next commission will come from? The next sale? The next print sale? Ever wonder if it’s worth sticking with it and heading back out to the “real” world? I’ve been on both sides, and being an artist is easily the best thing for me. I know this in my heart. But here’s the thing, it’s not always easy to do it. One needs to remember why one is doing it, and sometimes it’s easy to forget. I had one of those days recently, and I was thankful to receive this cartoon by Bill Watterson (of Calvin and Hobbes fame) as a reminder to keep forging ahead.
Below the cartoon is a cartoon video about how suffering is essential to creating good art. I’m not sure I agree with the video, but I do the comic strip cartoon. Take a look at both and leave a comment to let me know how you feel.
by Bill Watterson
On another note, here is an old Ernest Pintoff cartoon about the conundrum of being an artist. Even if you don’t agree, it’s a wonderful piece. Voice by Carl Reiner. (with Italian subtitles too!).
So what do you think? It’s true? Are artists doomed such that the only way to create great art is to suffer enough to create pure emotion? Or can art be learned, researched, and applied with a logical perspective?
My opinion? I chose “Define Suffering.” Remembering your values is key to whether your are suffering or not.