Number 33 Is encouragement important?

I've read many books concerning how to be successful as an artist and none of these books address the issue of encouragement very much. As a matter of fact they address the issues of how to deal with criticism to a great extent, probably because we artists encounter much more criticism than we receive encouragement.

As a teenager I cannot ever remember being encouraged to pursue arts as a profession. Perhaps nobody thought I had enough talent or, perhaps they just didn't recognize art as a viable option to make a living. I can understand that mentality given that the term 'Starving Artist' is more often associated with the profession of art than any other descriptive title.

I too am guilty of using that term when speaking of my success as an artist. I will catch myself explaining that I would be much skinnier if I didn't keep my day-job as a welder, meaning that if I depended on my art sales I would fall into the category of 'Starving Artist'. By doing this I too am guilty of sabotaging the profession. I must try, in the future, to elevate the profession of artist to a level of prestige that it deserves.

If you are one of those artists that is likewise guilty of perpetuating a negative image of artists I implore you to make an about face and begin a campaign to project to the world that an artist does have a unique talent that you cannot obtain at any school of higher learning. They can teach you technology all day long but not one teacher can teach you talent. You either have it or you don't. You know this, and not one person can prove otherwise.

Parents, in my opinion, are one of the greatest obstacles that a talented child must overcome. The child is almost always hearing expectations of the parents and being advised which professions not to pursue and which professions are more likely to provide a good income. Parents are not notorious for just encouraging their children to follow their dreams, unless that child has a dream that will likely rake in some good cash.

There is a pretty important ethical issue involved here. Is it unethical to encourage a child to follow his dream if the parent does not believe that the child's chosen profession will likely provide him or her with adequate income, even if the child is completely happy with his chosen profession or occupation?

I do believe that a young man or woman should strive to take care of themselves, but I also believe that they need to try to pursue their dream as long as it doesn't burden others that depend on them.

I have always been focused on art much more than making the dollar, and because of this I have made many bad decisions that put me in financial difficulties. I have not always been good at managing my finances. Luckily I have a brother that has helped me significantly over the years. He has been my Theo and I am most grateful for him.

I believe in my art, and, not if it becomes valuable, but when it becomes valuable it will greatly give back to him, his wife Mary and/or his daughter Natalie. I will not forget his generosity as a great brother nor will I forget his loved ones. He has never asked for a dime to be paid back.

I believe that we should always encourage talented people to pursue their dreams, because a person can give back much more to society through greatly developing his or her talents rather than merely holding down a job for the dollar that truly brings little happiness.

Talents are truly gifts, and I think it unconscionable to discourage their development , and regard them as unworthy wastes of our time. Talents to me are the Blossoms of Life, and we should always be thankful for the pleasures that they bring.

Finton