Personal Dedication to Work and Sacrifice

I've had a lot of conversations recently dealing with what kind of measures it sometimes takes to live as a working artist juggling a "normal" life. Realistically I think we all have our profound challenges and in my experience there is no such thing as "normal". These conversations and some recent experiences led me to write a short essay on my life and the decisions I've had to make in an effort to be true to who I am. If anyone would like to give it a read Dead Link Removed. I'd also love to hear your experiences and perspectives as well. I shouldn't have to say this but some people need reminding so I'll ask from the start that everyone please be respectful of both what I'm sharing and any experiences that others share here just as you'd like people to be respectful of yours experiences and perspectives. Thanks! Happy Holidays to all and I wish you an abundance of happiness and beautiful photographs.

Happy Holidays and thanks for your inspiring message.

I've been reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and found that Pirsig did something similar to your plan. So it can work.

Thanks Bill, I appreciate that Happy Holidays to you as well! I've come so close to buying Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance a number of times but for some reason I haven't read it yet. Maybe it's time!

I admire your dedication! I wish you the most success! Andy

Although Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a worthy read, the two best books I've read on producing great work and learning to master anything are.... The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (This is a must read) as well as Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod (also a must read). Those two books might be more useful to your art/relationship and steady work than getting up at 4am. Of course after reading them, you might decide you have to get up at 3am. LOL.

I've given a number of college lectures to Photo students over the years and always suggest they read these two books before they head out into the jungle.

Also remember, no one said it was going to be easy.

-Rob Skeoch

Frag...In a 1979 interview entitled Inside New York’s Art World, artist Louise Nevelson said: “I think that when someone is willing to live and die for something…that means it is in the genes.” That pretty much sums it up…many an artist is willing to live and die for their art.

Most artists don’t do art to make lots of money, they just care about producing their art. No one is saying it would not be nice to make some money. But for me it would have to come as a ‘no effort’ offshoot from my own work and not as the prime goal. The only time money comes into the discussion with me is when I ask the question…do I have enough money to do the project?

If I look at all of the projects I’ve done in the past 48 years, 0% of them would have been possible if they were based on making a profit. Consequently, I could have never shot ANY of the photo projects I’ve ever done, if I put making money first.

In an intro to his review on Amazon of Among the Bohemians: Experiments in Living 1900-1939 by Virginia Nicholson, Lleu Christopher distills what fuels the bohemian life.

“Nicholson has a genuine appreciation for the bohemian spirit, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by many obscure artists, poets and others existing (often marginally) at society’s fringes. For some, the idealistic decision to forsake conventional society for a life dedicated to art, romance, poetry or perhaps a vaguer idea such as beauty or authenticity was never rewarded with any kind of material success. Was there any compensation for those living such marginal lives? Nicholson makes the case that for many, a life dedicated to art, romance and freedom is its own reward. For those who embody the bohemian spirit, material comforts and security are not worth the price of suppressing one’s creativity and individuality.”