In this capitalist society, everything has a price. Art is no exception. The cost of art is often confused with value, even though by definition they mean almost exactly the same thing. However, cost and value have vastly different emotional meanings. True value in art doesn’t come from a dollar sign, it comes from the expression itself.
In the modern age, there’s a focus on physical price. Even after buying something remorse often follows because it’s not about the thing; it’s about satisfying an insatiable need to consume. Driven by consumption for the sake of consuming, art has become yet another privilege in our society barred by high prices and elitism.
The value of art is socially constructed and it’s easy to get lost in the cost. When I talk about value, I am not talking about how much money a painting is worth. What’s important is what it means to create. Some artists are focused on money and that is perfectly fine, but true value lies in the way that art (in all its forms) is created and the context of the artistic process.
Nowadays there’s an endless stream of AI generated drawings that could pass as beautiful art. However, it lacks the personal touch of humanity. It lacks the thought process and individuality that humans inherently add to art. Without that context, it lacks value.
As an artist, I often get creative blocks. When inspiration finally hits, that feeling of “I am going to do this,” is where the process of valuation begins. To feel that passion and excitement of doing what I love is accelerating.
Another layer of significance is added when I follow that artistic process to the end. Accomplishing something and being proud of it is true nirvana. To value art is to have the capacity to love that expression of yourself.
I enjoy drawing and cooking and everytime that I finish a sketch or a dish, I feel better about everything else. I have taken a seemingly small step towards self-actualization and self-acceptance. Sharpening my pencils to prepare for a sketch is a small act of rebellion against the commodification of creation.
I escape from my problems and responsibilities through the process of creation. Every person is different in how they share, perceive and create art. It is an extension of the self. Just because it isn’t selling for millions of dollars doesn’t mean it’s worthless.
