A Manifesto

There's a pervasive mindset in our culture, that if you're an artist, and you make enough money to live on, you're selling out, prostituting your muse. As though it weren't a legitimate calling to produce art and feed oneself at the same time - or that the artist must choose a single option: to value their art either materially or spiritually; never both.

This is a rationale I've come to reject only by staring it very hard in the face. I can now see the holes in the fright mask. Behind them is a false humility that's actually rooted in hubris: the belief that art and artists are somehow special; not of this world; above other trades. Oh really?? Want to argue that when you need a plumber? A firefighter? People provide valuable services and create good things every day. And they make a living at it, as they deserve to do. If your toilet backed up, you probably wouldn't want to call an artist to fix it. But when you need an uplifting vision, the discount store won't do. The person you should get in touch with then is an artist.

To that end, I'm sending my Holiday Card promotion to my email list, and creating fun, affordable art to fit within real people's shopping budgets. I'm advocating for people to think about giving art for the Holidays this year. Remember that even if an original painting is not within your means, a signed print of that painting may well be. It's simple, it's real, it's local, it's unique, and it will keep you out of the craziness at the mall. It's even affordable, whatever your budget. But the best reason to give art to your loved ones - or yourself - is because it is uplifting and intrinsically valuable.

So, please visit my website, www.mainebrook.com/art , and think about how you would feel about giving someone you care about a gift that is beautiful and may be a cherished part of their life forever.

That's it. Commercial over. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and happy Holiday season.

Crow #3. 5x5" on canvas. 2010