The Lesson of Art

A few weeks ago, I received this letter via e-mail (typos and all):

“I am a 16 year old junior and I am really into art and thats what I want to do....I was wonder about the art you do. How did you know that this would be for you and I would like to know if your doing this for your income or because this is what you love. I would really appriciate if you would respond to me. Thanks for your time.”

Christien Towery

Here are exerpts of my response:

If art is the thing that makes your heart sing, then you must do it.

Once you decide that you are an artist, you have taken on two responsibilities. One of your responsibilities is to make the best art you can make. That means making not just technically good art: it requires you to find the source of art in yourself...Talk to the people around you. Travel and explore the rest of the world. Or stay in one place your entire life and document it fully with your art. Even though the source is in you, you must go outside yourself to discover it. No one else can make art that tells your truth.

The other responsibility you have is to make art your “practice.” ...Having a practice means that you show up for the work of art every day and do the work of the day, no matter what else is going on. This helps you develop good working habits and reminds your body that it’s time to work...

You don’t have to be “in the mood” to make art. If you go into the studio and begin to work, the work will come.

I make art because I wouldn’t be whole without this work...

Because you are young, people may discourage you from trying to make your living as an artist. ...Do art anyway, though, and be happy. And when people tell you that it’s too hard to make a living doing art, tell them that it’s too hard to live without making art.

This writing appeared in Flagstaff Live! on October 28, 1999.