Why We Need to Stop Calling It ‘Just a Hobby’
Look, I’m gonna say something controversial. I think we’re all lying to ourselves when we call art a hobby. I mean, honestly, have you ever met someone who’s truly passionate about knitting or model trains? They’re not just ‘hobbies.’ They’re commitments. And art? It’s the same thing.
Let me take you back to 2007. I was sitting in a cramped apartment in Brooklyn with my friend Marcus (let’s call him that—his real name is less… memorable). We were both sipping on $87 bottles of wine we couldn’t afford, and he was painting this massive canvas. I asked him, “Marcus, why are you doing this? You’re an accountant.” He looked at me, paint dripping from his brush, and said, “Because I have to.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
And that’s the thing. Art isn’t something you do because you have time. It’s something you do because you have to. It’s a need, a drive, a compulsion. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. And we do ourselves a disservice when we diminish it.
But What About the ‘Starving Artist’ Trope?
Oh, here we go. The old “but what about the starving artist” argument. Look, I get it. Art doesn’t always pay the bills. But neither does a lot of things. Should we stop doing them because they’re not profitable? I mean, come on. We’re not talking about becoming a doctor or an engineer here. We’re talking about creating something that moves people, that challenges them, that makes them feel something.
I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. He was a writer, and he was always complaining about how he couldn’t make a living off his work. I asked him, “Dave, why do you write if it’s not making you any money?” He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Because I love it.” And that’s the point. It’s not about the money. It’s about the love. It’s about the passion. It’s about the need to create.
But here’s the thing: just because it’s not profitable doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. In fact, I’d argue that the opposite is true. The things that we do for love, for passion, for the sheer joy of it—they’re the things that make us who we are. They’re the things that make life worth living.
So How Do We Change the Conversation?
First, we stop calling it a hobby. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a commitment. It’s a need. And we need to start treating it that way.
Second, we need to start valuing art for what it is, not for what it can do for us. Art isn’t a commodity. It’s not a product. It’s not something you can put a price tag on. It’s something that moves us, that challenges us, that makes us feel something. And we need to start treating it that way.
Third, we need to start supporting artists. Not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, spiritually. We need to create a community where artists feel valued, where they feel appreciated, where they feel like they can create without fear of judgment or ridicule.
And finally, we need to start creating. We need to stop waiting for permission. We need to stop waiting for the right moment. We need to stop waiting for the perfect opportunity. We need to just create. Because the world needs more art. It needs more beauty. It needs more truth. And it needs more of us to step up and create it.
A Digression: The Power of Community
Speaking of creating a community, have you checked out the community news update lately? No, not the big, fancy galleries or the high-brow art critics. I’m talking about the real community news update. The ones where artists are supporting each other, where they’re sharing their work, where they’re challenging each other to be better. That’s where the real magic happens.
I remember going to this little art show last Tuesday in Austin. It was in this tiny gallery, and there were maybe 20 people there. But the energy was electric. The artists were talking to each other, sharing their work, giving each other feedback. It was like this little bubble of creativity and support. And it was beautiful.
We need more of that. We need more of those little bubbles of creativity and support. We need more of those places where artists can come together and create and challenge each other and grow. Because that’s where the real art happens. That’s where the real magic happens.
The Bottom Line
So here’s the bottom line. Art isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a commitment. It’s a need. And we need to start treating it that way. We need to start valuing it for what it is, not for what it can do for us. We need to start supporting artists, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, spiritually. And we need to start creating. Because the world needs more art. It needs more beauty. It needs more truth. And it needs more of us to step up and create it.
So let’s do it. Let’s create. Let’s support each other. Let’s value art for what it is. And let’s make the world a more beautiful, more truthful, more artful place.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been writing about art and culture for over 20 years. I’ve written for major publications, I’ve interviewed some of the most fascinating people in the art world, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way. But I’ve also learned a lot, and I’m passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. I live in Brooklyn with my cat, Mr. Whiskers, and I’m always looking for the next great story.
Immerse yourself in the creative fusion of sustainable design and modern living by exploring this insightful piece on the transformative impact of solar energy in real estate, captured beautifully in solar-powered home innovation.
If you’re looking to harmonize your creative passion with financial clarity, this insightful guide on regaining control over personal finances offers a thoughtful approach to overcoming setbacks and fostering stability in your artistic journey.
Dive into the complexities of media and its influence on culture by exploring this insightful perspective from a seasoned editor in a candid look at contemporary journalism.
