Mason Currey's insightful book, Making Art and Making a Living: Adventures in Funding a Creative Life, explores the diverse and often unconventional methods artists have employed to sustain their creative careers. Contrary to the notion that financial backing primarily comes from affluent families, Currey highlights that the art world is rich with stories of resilience and creativity.
The narratives within the book span from the Renaissance to contemporary times, showcasing how artists have navigated challenges to express their visions. For instance, Louise Nevelson, a trailblazing sculptor, made significant sacrifices, living frugally while dedicating herself to her art, demonstrating that passion often trumps privilege.
Currey categorizes artists' journeys into several themes, beginning with the various jobs they have taken to support themselves. Artists like Grace Hartigan and Philip Glass have held jobs ranging from modeling to plumbing, showcasing their commitment to their craft despite financial hardships. Others, such as Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, also faced similar struggles, often living without basic comforts while pursuing their artistic goals.
Some artists choose to maintain separate careers to protect their creative energy, such as Franz Kafka, who worked in a family business, and William Carlos Williams, who practiced medicine while also writing. This duality allows them to create without the pressures of commercial success dictating their artistic output.
The book also delves into the role of patrons and funding sources, including government initiatives like the Works Progress Administration, which played a crucial role in supporting artists during economic downturns. Currey emphasizes the importance of community support and acknowledges that many successful artists have relied on collective efforts rather than solely individual achievements.
In the final sections, Currey illustrates the innovative schemes artists have devised to finance their work. From Chantal Akerman, who ingeniously funded her iconic film by working in a porn theater, to Jean-Luc Godard, who creatively navigated financial obstacles, these stories reveal the lengths to which artists will go to realize their visions.
Ultimately, Making Art and Making a Living is not just a collection of anecdotes; it serves as a testament to the adaptability and resourcefulness of artists across history. As we look to the future, these narratives inspire a new generation to embrace creativity, resourcefulness, and community support in their artistic endeavors.