A Real Job

How many artists do you know who have been asked the question; "What do you do for a real job?"  How many plumbers, architects, builders and teachers get asked that question?  For some reason, a career in the arts is often seen as an indulgence, perhaps even a form of escapism. For many years I had that attitude, which is why I was well into my 30's before taking my interest in art seriously.  

Jacopo Chimenti (1554-1640)

Some years ago, I watched an interview with the acclaimed English abstract artist Howard Hodgkin who played the role of the cool, suave artist until he was talking about a particular art teacher he encountered when he was 16.  Clifford Ellis had established the first residential school for artists in England and who, Hodgkin said, made him feel that wanting to be an artist was a worthwhile occupation.   But by the time Hodgkin managed to get the words out, he was almost crying - such was the impact Ellis had on him.  Watching this scene, I thought to myself "I know where you are coming from."