A recent conversation with a talented 55 year old musician brought back memories of a dilemma most artists struggle with especially early on in their careers. Our discussion centered around the idea of "selling out to the man". This is definitely an iconic saying from the 60's. The fact that my well read sixteen year old daughter had never heard the expression confirmed this to me. The irony of my musician friend being 55 and still struggling with the "man" was a bit over the top. He was a lot closer to meeting the "big man" himself (where he could obtain a face to face response) than he realized.

Upon reflecting on our discussion it became obvious this talented musician believed that virtually anyone who was a successful artist had to be a sellout. He defined success primarily by money, recognition and/or fame. The musician was very strident and proud of the fact that he did not sell out. He could prove this by the fact that he was not a success. How cool is that logic? The sad part of this little story is that he is quite talented and hard working and he most definitely could have used some of the money that success might bring.

The musicians' dilemma is one all artist/painters struggle with as do many others. How does one "stay true to thyself" and their soul without compromising their art for a few bucks? In reality being true to thyself more often leads one toward success rather than away from it. The difficult part of the process is the long exploration and discovery of your own soul and living with the results. As a painter you pour your blood, sweat, time and soul into your artwork. You may or may not consider your painting well done, but you become so committed to that painting you're practically sleeping with it. You finally work up the nerve to show it to someone hoping for approval. They giggle in response, or maybe they say something soothing and half hearted or "praise the lord" they love it. Confident committed artists would deal with any of these responses in a similar way. They would ignore and not act on the reaction unless they agreed with it. If someone loves your painting, and so do you, sell it to them. You will both be better off. If you and your audience giggle in response to a painting, one of you can hold the painting while the other lights the match. If the artist and the viewer disagree ask the viewer what is wrong or right with the painting. The viewer (now critic) may open the artist (creator's) eyes to a new possibility the artist can learn to make use of. This is not selling out. You as the artist will be getting a free education in what others see in your work, or money, or maybe both.

If you are interested in musing with a group of like minded struggling creative types please join Mike Svob and Brent Heighton for 10 days of plein air paintingin the "artist's hangout" of San Miguel, Mexico. For information on this workshop, visit www.mikesvob.com or call Mike Svob at 604-535-1459.