Many people believe that artists do the work they do because they love it. Well, of course they do. Is that not why doctors do their work? Is that not why teachers do what they do? Why should artists get paid for what they do? After all isn’t it satisfying enough to be able to create whatever they want? Shouldn’t they put it out there for us all to enjoy. That is enjoyment enough.
While enjoying dinner with some friend’s of mine, one of them relayed a story about Annie Proux. Yes, the author of the gayest cowboy book ever. (Pun intended). My friend had been one of the organizers of a local celebration of literature. As a result, she ended up sitting with Annie at a dinner. At one point, Annie sighed about how tired she was. This was one of many events that month she was attending and she missed being at home. She also said she sometimes got bored and annoyed with the kind of event they were attending. While relaying this story my friend added something to the tune of “She shouldn’t be complaining. I would kill to be able to spend my whole time writing.” I pointed out to my friend that Annie did not spend her whole time writing, she was also attending events where she had to entertain people she would never see again. My friend said, still, she is really lucky.
Now since this time, my friend has had a child and I wonder if having to take a 6-month book tour would be burdensome to her now. This friend of mine is an experienced writer who has had her work featured in various publications. She is a very good writer. But, she made the choice, health insurance and food over starting a full-time writing career. Not that she can’t have one in the future, but she is choosing to not put that career on the front burner. (More on that later).
Back to my friend’s comment. Since when were people not allowed to complain about their work? “I don’t get paid enough”, “My boss sucks.” “My uniform itches.” Artists do the work they do with love and passion. And if we want to keep art alive in our community, we must keep the artists alive as well.
I won’t pretend that artists can’t be arrogant, but usually they have a reason or they are just a fool. The more you know about art and the more you trust your own artistic gut, you can see the difference. I don’t believe Annie Proux was being arrogant. I believe she had thought she had found a kindred spirit in my friend, who would understand what it meant to have to sell oneself, when all one wants to do is write. Artists never leave this conundrum of commerce verses creativity. They just enter different levels.
