Monica and I watched "My Kid Could Paint That" the other day. Aside from the controversies about the nature and validity of modern art and whether or not the kid actually did the paintings herself (and seriously, who cares if Dad gave her a little guidance), it got me thinking about the pretentiousness of the art world - something that comes back to me every now and then.

Honestly, the artists, writers, musicians, performers...well, really anybody that I've really admired have always done what they do for the sheer joy of it. They don't care if others approve or like their work - or if they even make money. They just can't imagine doing anything else. I wish we could wash away the cynicism of the (art) world for good, and just do what we do for the love of what we do.

I think the problem is - and I'm fully aware there lots of artists who should learn something about the "business" of art - that money has become way too important to many artists, critics, and the public. Art has just become another commodity to be consumed. I'd like to be successful as an artist, but on my own terms...whatever that means. I'll let you know when I've figured it out.

Kill yr. idols.

[UPDATE: Thinking further on this, I work with developmentally disabled artists, and it's AMAZING what they do. The whole concept of a "gifted" artist or a prodigy is really a label the public pushes on artists, when I truly believe anyone can express themselves through art. We need an art liberation movement. Viva!]