Earlier today the AP released a 2009 Census Bureau statistic that states that 1 in 7 Americans live in poverty. This is a pretty somber statistic and it got me thinking about its impact on art. Artists are survivors, the veritable cockroach in the cataclysm, adept at thriving on a diet of Top Ramen, Country Club 40s and fast food value menus while always managing to acquire art supplies – legitimately or otherwise. When it comes to creativity, I tend to believe that deprivation is the best innovator. But given the years of plenty that preceded the recent economic fallout, I feel that it resulted in a lot of art that was less than inspired. Perhaps things were too easy there for a while? I’m not one to say. But what I’m curious is what to expect from art during these current, monitarily meager times? Perhaps art will regain its soul and say a thing or two about a thing or two instead of a whole lotta white noise.
argotandochre.wordpress.com 
Amen.
This month, my rent expense was 71% of monthly income, supplies 63% and food-plus 32%. Part of me wouldn’t have it any other way, the same part sometimes questions in bed at night wondering how long I can live at five-thirds of my means before something has to give… but that experience isn’t unique to the arts community. Perhaps the health insurance void is hardest for the arts community since so many of us are self-employed. Especially with the mandated insurance reforms we’ll be facing in the near future.
Far more shocking is the increase of wealth for the top 1% of earners in the country, also on the rise… the same people most of us bottom 20%, especially artists, are hoping to make a connection with. There’s some ramen noodles to chew on.
Difficult statistics to swallow. Paying these astronomical rents feels not unlike tossing money into the wind. But worse than that is most certainly the lack of health insurance that is worsening this whole economic situation for numerous Americans. So let’s make some art about it!