Being a painter (or as some might say, an 'artist') is a funny old business.
It's not something you'd normally choose as a career; it's something you just have to do.
As I've stated here before, I've had more work stolen throughout my career than I've actually sold (one was even stolen from a client!). I do have work in some good collections, but having chosen to avoid galleries as such, I've sold far less work that I would have, had I tolerated some of the appalling gallery owners I've encountered.
But being a painter is not only about painting. The horizon is far wider if one wishes it to be, and I have worked as a teacher, a graphic designer, even a garden designer. One of the strangest jobs I was offered was to paint the exteriors of large medieval tents, for a company that promoted jousting exhibitions. I declined.
Otherwise, I've cut stone, and built walls; and have always managed to live off earned remuneration, rather than any savings made from profitable investments, which I always saw as my pension.
However, as a career choice for the future, it may not be such a bad thing. With the advent of robot-forced unemployment, it may become one career that will survive. Someone with above average artistic skills, and a head for good design, should always find work.
Or, at least, I hope they will.
Not something I've given thought to and I think you are probably correct. It is hard to imagine many jobs that could not now or in the future be done by machine.
ReplyDeleteMany manual trades should survive; plumbers, electricians, builders, etc. But, you're right, there isn't much that can't be done by machines.
DeleteWhat grandchildren?
ReplyDeleteKeep your fingers crossed!
DeleteAn interesting life indeed...the time when it was assumed that skills and occupations were inherited and the line followed (and toed) is well past. However it does seem that skills and inclinations do get inherited..even if not used in the same field. Long may you prosper, Cro
ReplyDeleteOf course Pottery is another skill that should continue.
DeleteI wish one of my four would be carrying it on...the Oily One could...but is a bike mechanic, DD isa graphic designer, the Geek is...a paid Geek...and The Carpenter drives and does some carpenting...at least they're all happy enough
DeleteMathematics and Art are the main interests of him who shall remain nameless, I think the two subjects are connected - as to what he will do for a living only time will tell... perhaps he like his grandfather will be multi talented.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good combination to me! Time will divulge.
DeleteTwo of my granddaughters are published artists with their work being featured in magazines and small art houses. One is in college now and is taking Marketing and Art with the hope of incorporating them into Advertising. The other GD, who is very accomplished, has decided to go into Bio Engineering but will always do something creative for her soul. They both will graduate with student loans to pay off, so they need to have a profession that pays well.
ReplyDeleteThey both sound like professions of the future; it's not easy for young people these days to make the right decisions.
DeleteI hope you are right. My oldest granddaughter has her heart set on being an animator.
ReplyDeleteI would think that anything that doesn't involve 'making things', or driving, or with finance, will be OK. Movies, TV, and theatre, should survive.
DeleteMy grandson starts a Masters in Creative Writing this week so I hope at last we might manage a writer who earns a living doing it.
ReplyDeleteI used to write education articles for such as The Times Ed Supplement when I taught but never had the staying power to do much else.
My own children's degrees have all eventually become job related; so often they're not. I wish your grandson well.
DeleteThis is a nice optimistic post for someone like me who paints and hopes to get to a point where I can live on the proceeds. Whatever can't be automated (or francised) may be rarer and hopefully needed in the future.
ReplyDeleteSadly there are very few painters who earn their livings entirely by 'painting'. I've known several who do (including David Hockney), but generally they need to work very hard at the sales side.
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