I believe in helping others. Artists in particular, for two reasons.
First, their journeys are hard. Society doesn't reward or even compensate most artists for their work. They struggle simply to be able to continue in their efforts.
Second, art is a social good. A gift to humanity. We should acknowledge that. If others don't I will.
Through friends I recently became acquainted with a young glass-blower in Ohio (Ian). He's been pursuing glass for a few years and is very ambitious in his artistic goals. Ian hasn't achieved any success yet but that's okay; public attention is fickle and not a judge of merit.
Ian posted online that his car was recently broken into and the thief took all of his valuable glass-blowing equipment. Ian needs to replace the equipment to keep working but lacks funds. I contacted him privately, offered to help him purchase new equipment and mailed a check that he received today.
I can't think of a better use of that money.
(P.S., I'm not identifying Ian's last name to keep this private.)
What a lovely thing to do Ally! xxx
ReplyDeleteYup. That's how I roll. :)
DeleteArt is coded as weak and feminine in our society, and so undervalued, despite its obvious benefits to the creators and viewers/experiencers. Kudos to you for helping out those who struggle, Ally. There's a special vibe about you and your generosity when you spread it in the world. <3 Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila. This just feels natural to me.
DeleteThis kind of help is priceless. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ivana.
DeleteWhether Ian becomes a household name someday or just makes some good art, he'll never forget the gift of having his art tools returned to him.
ReplyDeleteYou're a true angel on earth.
Probably right. Thanks.
DeleteOh Ally, that was SO good of you!!!! That was a immense thing to do and something he will never forget!
ReplyDeleteSo many people don't appreciate art. I saw a post on Insta recently where someone discovered some asian knockoff company had stolen her drawing design which she had made into products and had used it on lots of substandard cheap products. She urged people to report the company and was showing how sad and tired she was of people copying and using her designs.Someone in the comments said, "I don't know why you are making a fuss, they are similar and nobody should own art so it shouldn't matter that they used your designs. We should all be able to use art however we want." Honestly, I couldn't believe the sheer stupidity and entitlement of that individual at saying that to someone whose livelihood was threatened!x
Yes, that's entirely wrongheaded. If creators aren't protected and rewarded for their effort, their incentive to create disappears and society will suffer. That's the very foundation of copyright law. "Intellectual property" is property.
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