Being an Artist in a Weak Economy

The Collapse (Mixed Media on Canvas)

I've been reading some articles on the economy and how it's affected the art world. As an artist I've been reflecting on how it affects me and what approach I can take towards coping with the current situation.

Hardships will pass and new and better times will come by,  in the meantime I've realized the following things:

• There are things we can't control and we need to accept them as they come. Sometimes it's better to go with the flow.
• Slow times are good for the creative process. Less phone calls and e-mails give artists more time to spend creating.
• We have to adjust to these new conditions whether we like it or not. This is where I apply the lessons of my life in Colombia. I learned to live and be happy with what I have. Downsizing is hard especially if we don't know how to let go.
• I have to follow my instinct, I've listened to instinct more than reason throughout my life and I've never been dissapointed.
• I should use my worries toward the creative process. When I have strong emotions I have to paint them, I'm sure something interesting will come out.
• I can only go forward.