Thoughts on Art and Money
the guiding question to build wealth as an artist — kening zhu
Kening Zhukeningonline.squarespace.com
Callings are different from career dreams—they suggest sustained action, rather than black-and-white achievement. All a calling requires is that you listen to it.
#137: When to give up on a dream
What artists really need, writes Amy Whitaker in Art Thinking, “is not to be paid to make the things they already know how to make, but to somehow find space inside their financials to play and take risks to develop the next thing.”
William Deresiewicz • The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech
So, money is good, and money is necessary, and money is that thing that tells you that what you’re doing is not a fool’s errand. But the money is also an albatross, changing your relationship to the art.
R. Eric Thomas • Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America; Essays
It also means being collaborative, not competitive, with peers and sharing research where appropriate. If there’s one throughline in all of these conversations, it’s the power of abundance mentality.
When he received a Creative Capital grant as an artist, Gottesman said, he was struck by “the sense of community that’s built when a foundation trusts... See more
When he received a Creative Capital grant as an artist, Gottesman said, he was struck by “the sense of community that’s built when a foundation trusts... See more
Who Pays for the Arts?
let’s break this down.
as an artist, you have creative superpowers. these are your gifts. truly acknowledge it, see it, be grateful for it. be proud of it, instead of constantly second-guessing yourself. don’t take it for granted or feel awkward around friends with money — or feel like your creativity/sensitivity can be an alienating barrier... See more
as an artist, you have creative superpowers. these are your gifts. truly acknowledge it, see it, be grateful for it. be proud of it, instead of constantly second-guessing yourself. don’t take it for granted or feel awkward around friends with money — or feel like your creativity/sensitivity can be an alienating barrier... See more
Kening Zhu • the guiding question to build wealth as an artist — kening zhu
Some open questions that come to mind: How many different relationships can we imagine between Artists and people who Enjoy Art, or who Want Art and Artists to Exist?... See more
Which of those relationships already exist (in visible, accessible structures that most people can understand)?
How many more COULD exist?
Which do we want to make Easier?
What are some