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Myth of the Starving Artist



To expand on this article taken from Zen Creatif, Creative Zen, September 1, 2018, the myth of the starving artist is an old wives’ tales. And just like other misguided narratives it is time to cease the confirmation bias, especially in the arts, and most pointedly in reggae and dancehall music, dance, and related works of art. In 2018, it is an embarrassment to believe in this fallacy, an even worse to act it out by default. Perhaps regarding music, dance, and fashion, it is a generational experience that we can permanently end through information and unity.

Throughout the ages, we have often bought into the myth of the starving artists. Although, earlier works of art prior to the 15th century was largely commissioned by the wealthy class, even through the transition of self determined agendas, artist continued to rely on the state for funding. While reggae and dancehall artists stand in a distinct category far removed from European art, funding from corporate sponsors, elite class, and institutions is also limited. At times it is perplexing, as Jamaica is one of the world's largest exporter of indigenous art and culture. From the Rastafarian spiritual creation, to reggae, dancehall, and their cousin hip hop music, to culinary arts, and cultural expression, and fashion.

And today, as we continue to mobilize self determined agendas that liberate artists from capitalist structures, the wagon remains hitched to an imbalance of power. Though artists have gained creative control in the right to attain cultural power through recognition, chiefly through social media relations, often the transformation of this pathway to economic power remains a short fall. As experienced by many artists the conversion of the number of followers and their admiration to actual sales, return on investments, and brand equity is limited.

Certainly, artists appreciate fan love. But it is also certain that an artist needs to contextualize the admiration. As do the fans, that at times misplace their affections. Therefore, admiration for the artist is misconstrued as love for the work. Resulting in invested time connecting with fans through social media and a reduction in talent and business development.

As artists, often, passion drives the creative process. While it is morally inspirational to create for the love of the work and the love we experience as we connect to our immediate and distant communities, let us also keep the business aspect of it at the forefront of our minds.

Arguably, inspiration is the first key to creativity. And, it is usually flowing from an inherent stimulus to a time, place, space, people, and interaction of these basic components. In which our recollection or observation of the events can be a static or dynamic production. And like any good narrative, sharing with our community and distant relatives, the world village, is next step. Yet, within this development process financial intelligence is the second key to long standing success.

First, a financial driven approach affords investment in future projects because the love of creating for the sake of it usually lasts forever. Second, since artists are also considered leaders, even the pillars of communities, it is a more accountable and responsible approach that is certain to inspire the masses.

So, take the necessary procedures to get informed of your creative rights, moral rights, and related rights. And with the renewed interest in cultural interaction, appropriation and misappropriation is part of the process. Yes, perhaps art is like receiving good news. An artist is bursting at the seams to share it. But before you do, remember, not everyone with you is on your team. Take the time to get informed, protect your work, respect the work of fellow artists.

Keep in mind, art and other social values and variables are interconnected. When we speak of art, the variables of family, education, productivity, industry development, and health are near. To reflect on one is to be mindful of the impact your work has one the greater part of society. Securing the appropriate cultural and financial recognition grants many years to enjoy and expand your work with others. Salute to the wealthy artist. ©

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