Except of course if you write a blog and have bone to pick about something. Then you can magically be creative in your view about money and art and people’s stolid opinions.
As recently as yesterday someone in my environment proclaimed that art should be free. Really? And why is that, exactly? As an artist, as a creator and as a tax payer, I strongly object. Why would any one deny me my right to be a contributing part of society, to strive from my innovation and enjoy the fruits of my labor? These are the privileges offered to any business person bold enough to carve their own path. I have invested time, much time, and money, more money than most people dare to risk, into my art. If you like what I do, it is worth the price of admission for the privilege of enjoying my intellectual property.
Had this person been in front of me I would have challenged his clearly obtuse view. I think George Lucas, Steven Speilberg, Steve Jobs, Madonna, Paul McCartney, countless poets, writers, technology inventors - must I go on? - would back me up on this one. What would you be doing with your spare time without us? What would you watch? What would you listen to? What would you read? What would you admire? What would you wear? What would you drive? What would you sit on? What would you be living in? Sigh! And one more thing, who will be around to create this Art For Free if we all die of starvation because we live in a money based economy and don't have any?
I am a writer, a painter, a musician and a songwriter. I am a contribution to my community. My art has value and I claim my right to earn a living from what I do.
Namaste!
Bianca
P.S. Allow me to add that I find it offensive to suggest that anyone who has taken the time to learn a craft should offer their services for free. I appreciate my dentist, my lawyer, my landscaping neighbor and all the rest of the people who send me a bill at the end of the day. I am happy to pay them for their fine services.
This personal blog was written by Bianca Pittoors. You may “share” it in its entirety. I respectfully request that you respect it as the intellectual property that it is. Thank you! All photos by Bianca Pittoors unless noted otherwise.
Bianca Pittoors & Marc Langis are Bianca Basso. Creators of original music with a vintage flavor, they are distinctive in their contemporary style.