My thoughts on Art: I quit, being an artist sucks!

“Life is a balancing act”

Amidst the haze of the pandemic (and here’s your trigger warning), I’ve had quite the introspective journey about what it means to be an artist in this modern age. Ah, the ever-romanticized image of the struggling artist – it’s almost like a rite of passage, isn’t it? Society, with its sometimes skewed priorities, often seems content to relegate art to the background. And the few who do take notice? Well, let’s just say not all of them have the best intentions. Many just see dollar signs and aim to capitalize on our sweat, blood, and tears. But hey, I suppose that’s the universe’s way of keeping things balanced, right? After all, artists merely sprinkle a bit of beauty here and there and document the raw, unfiltered essence of humanity. Sounds trivial? Exactly. Just imagine our days: lounging around, doing, dabbling with colors, and getting our hands dirty. Clearly, there’s no real “work” there. Or so the ever-enlightened masses would have us believe as they smirk at our dreams.

So here’s my revelation: I Quit.

I’m hanging up my artist’s beret. The path of relentless struggle? Been there, done that, got the paint-splattered T-shirt to prove it.

Plot-twist: while I might not want the label of “artist” and its accompanying societal and emotional baggage(and damage), my soul craves creation and authenticity. I yearn to make the world just a touch more vibrant, I want to preserve my culture, repackage it and have that inspire the future of my people. To dance and sing like no one’s watching (except maybe my cat – she’s always watching and she’s quite the critic). And, more than anything, I wish to surround myself with like-minded souls, those who see beyond societal stereotypes and recognize the divine act of creation. We can all raise a glass and a middle finger to societal expectations whilst setting ourselves free of these burdens.

Because, let’s face it, creating something from nothing? That’s as close to playing God as it gets, no! For real. And if the art establishments of today can’t recognize they’re in the presence of actual deities, perhaps it’s time for artists to rebrand. Let’s not be “artists.” Let’s be Gods.

Now, I can almost hear the chorus of practical voices asking, “But Chu, what about my bills? How do we eat?” To which I’d say: Remember who you are, you’re a creator. You’re a maestro of manifestation.

Thanks for hopping on this rollercoaster with me and subscribing to my newsletter. There’s a lot more where this came from.

With all the sarcastic passion I can muster, I genuinely love you. No, really. I love you. Truly.

Love,

Chu