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Art, a business?

This was the question that made its way into my head when a friend of mine brought it up.

Being a student of an unconventional art school, FAD International, people (or rather artists) around me are quite open-minded, and listening to their thought processes making way to ceaseless discussions is a delight for someone like me. It was in one of those discussions when my friend said that Art is business after all. Before saying anything, for that one moment, it did cross my mind - Is it a business?

I wish I could agree with him, but I don't. If making money was my sole purpose of getting into art, I would rather have stayed and slogged as an engineer, eating dusty wada-pavs and sugary tea on site. In fact, as far as I can see, not one artist is into art because it will bring him money.

I believe the moment you start measuring your art as business, it loses its meaning and your creativity becomes a horse with reins; the purity of art is corrupted and all you have in your hand is just a business deal. That being said, on the heals of it another valid point came up - How am I going to pay for my food? (There were many questions that followed this one simple question on my mind. But, nothing beats the food.) So, what am I supposed to do, now that art is not a business for me?

I'm not saying that I won't accept the money that I get out of my paintings. Money is definitely important to keep oneself happy; only, how much money should be the concern. Somehow, even after jumping from a good job to the life of student didn't disturb the fluidity of my life. Somehow, I managed to tune myself into it; thanks to the world of colours that I have got myself into. If art is a choice that a person makes, then there's nothing that will stop that individual from being happy in it.

Art has given me a way to let out my thoughts in more understandable manner. I'd rather let it mesmerize me instead of controlling it.

~ RN

Comments

  1. Sylvia DeeOctober 26, 2013 at 7:25 PM

    Totally agree, very well said!

    ReplyDelete
  2. PriyaOctober 26, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    Loved that last line. Anyway, if you get to study art and convert it into your career, choosing another job only to make more money is out of the question! Or, at least, that is what I tell myself whenever someone asks me what 'scope' BA in English Literature has!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 28, 2013 at 7:52 PM

      Heyy, thanks, Priya! You're absolutely right; and you'd know better ;P

      Delete

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