WHEN CREATING ART, WHAT COMES FIRST IN YOUR MIND THE MONEY IT GENERATES OR YOUR ARTISTIC SATISFACTION?

[Chito Salarza]

I'd like to know what you're thinking upon completion of an artpiece, is it the money it generates or your artistic fulfillment/satisfaction? I was baffled when I heard (saw it on tv) that what Damien Hirst sees in his paintings is the dollar sign.

[Rob Bennett (world of WEIRD)]

i was once told if you spend 2 months working on a piece you deserve 2 months wages, i am guessing what you would have made with a full or part time job.....

i have an extremely hard time putting an amount on my pieces

[Klaire aka Mystic Silks]

I feel the same way when it comes to pricing my work. I once exhibited my art work in a rural area art show.
Most viewers would comment , " How beautiful!", and move on towards the hot-dg stand. But one women stood in line wating for another viewer to move on;she already had her check book out. She bought two of my paintings.
After she wrote the check, she said, " Do you know that these painting you've just sold to me, in California would cost $1,000.00 or more?"
I shrugged and replied, " Well, this ain't California, now, is it?"
So, there you go--:)

[Reg (BlueFalcon)]

Artist? I can barely fit the title if at all. I can't draw a decent duck. I produce"Fractal Art" (many may not consider fractals an art form).

I use fractaling as a form of relaxation and spiritual connection. I have sold a few pieces of ny artworks but I do not consider my art as source of income. I am always pleased when others take interest in whatt I have presented. Money is certainly secondary having someone enjoy my work.

[Tony Murray]

i recently had the pleasure of speaking to a group of college students in an art class and my first question to the group was "Who here is an artist?"

i half expected the response which was no one raised their hand, save perhaps1.

I explained to them that being an artist is not necassarily associated with immense talent. "Talent can be learned, creativity cannot". (Murray) I went on to tell them that an artist is one who sees the world differently than others and who can use that perspective in many ways. An artist must decide at some point to call themselves that title.
Having done that will free you enormously to create in ways you never dreamed of. It is what is inside a person that makes them an artist...not how well they draw.

[Reg (BlueFalcon)]

I have pondered your comment for some time and have classified it as a "definition" of an artist. I find that definition, in my opinion, to an honest truth of gentle mentoring and encouragement to anyone.

Very well stated sir..

Reg

[Analgesia Collective]

Money. No, wait, satisfaction. No, wait. Money. Oh hell, we don't know.

If we really wanted money we'd get a job in the City.

So, honestly, we value our integrity beyond all else.

[Teresa Rebelo]

Of course integrity comes first. I don't even know how to value my paintings. It's difficult for me to put in figures my feelings.

[Analgesia Collective]

We'd generally be happy to sell each of our feelings for about £50.

[Teresa Rebelo]

To be happy doesn't mean to sell my soul to the Devil!!!!!!!!!!:)

[Austin Layhew]

Definaly satisfaction, bacause money well alway be there and your work wont. Last year i've sold one of my paintings and i truly missed it and i tried to replicate it and it wasnt the same painting.

[Allan Storer]

Well no doubt he is truthful. The "the dollar sign" in itself is artistic satisfaction for Damien Hurst. Given that artistic expression is a comment or mirror reflecting societal attitude at a certain time and given society's present obsession with all things material, superficial and celebrity, then Damien Hurst is "spot on". He truly is a present day artist, likewise Tracey Emin.They will certainly take their place in 21st. Century Art History.
How do I feel? you ask.? A little unadventurous, a plodder, somewhat envious, I reply. I love some of their work, but not all of it and to my chagrain, Damien Hurst's work [and now I have introduced Tracey Emin] I feel is a true picture/reflection of what is going on at the moment. I don't like what is going on at the moment but then did the Dadaists? Picasso and Guernica etc. Did we not know what they were thinking? Was it of more or less artistic merit , more noble or ignoble than the "dollar sign", a fainter or stronger feeling? Does it really matter as long as one feels something and makes comment?

[Monika Macken]

i thnik totally like Christine: it 's nice for your ego when someone wants to buy a work you painted, but there is nothing like the satisfaction of painting somthing that is the image of what you feel deep inside. Thinking of a painting I want to make, I'm thrilled, I can't wait until I am there before my canvas with my brushes and my colours...