The definition of status quo:
"the existing state or condition." Literally: "state in which." Cultural definition: "the existing order of things; present customs, practices and power relations."
Seth Godin, in his manifesto [1], defines an artist as "someone who brings new thinking and generosity to his work, who does human work that changes another for the better." He includes innovators in any field (not just fine art) including science, business, education, etc. An artist, according to him, discovers things that "someone else might have missed, or envisions a future that's not here yet."
In short, artists challenge the status quo. Seth continues:
"The future of our economy lies with the impatient. The linchpins and the artists and the scientists who will refuse to wait to be hired and will take things into their own hands, building their own value, producing outputs others will gladly pay forâ¦The only way out is going to be mapped by those able to dream. (emphasis added in bold)"
As artists, we should challenge the status quo. Yet, all too often, we let ourselves be victim of the status quo.
Are you held back by the status quo of:
- Starving artist paradigm
- Gallery representation
- Invitational, juried shows
- Traditional marketing methods
- Perceived market
- Art trends
- Waiting for the dealer or gallerist to build your career
- Waiting to be discovered
- The famous artist = successful artist
- "I don't live in an art town"
- Etc., etc., etc. (what would you add to the list?)
Take Seth's advice. Be impatient. Don't wait. Take your art and art marketing into your own hands. Build your own value. Produce art that others will gladly pay for. Enable yourself to dream. And take initiative to act on those dreams.
Be an artist. Don't settle for the status quo.
Best Wishes,
Keith Bond
[1] Stop Stealing Dreams: What is School For?,by Seth Godin is a manifesto about problems and challenges of our current school system. An interesting read with provocative arguments.
