Ask ART SLUT is now a weekly column in Conch Color Magazine

 Ask ART SLUT
by Barb Benson GrOb with The Gallery Goddesses:

Welcome back, everybody! This column will now be a regular feature in Conch Color Magazine, in Key West. SO, check it out!~

 Everybody already knows me as the ART SLUT. So, this is the first installment of the Ask ART SLUT advice column, in print. It’s a combination of crafty advice for creative living & excerpts from my book,

 ”The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It”, along with some seriously sassy input from my colleagues at the Art Bar- The Gallery Goddesses. Our mission is to inspire & assist, artists & others, to live life creatively!

 This week’s question came from a local artist who’s struggling with the concept of making a living doing something she enjoys - over & over again- versus creating ‘high art’… Hmm, I wonder why she came to me? Anyway, she loves both, but seems to be feeling some pressure to be a “real’” artist.

Here’s what the girls have to say:
-Rebecca says, “Contrary to romantic notions, no artist wants to be a starving artist. I find that paychecks have a way of fueling the creative juices I need for projects I want to work on…”
-LO says, “As a graphic designer, I make other people’s visions reality. I’m their hands & I still get up at 3AM, excited about work. If that makes me a sell out, so be it.”
-Barb says “Do what you love & the money will follow, but don’t starve to death in the meantime.”

Today’s excerpt excerpt is “SELL OUT”:
 ”Isn’t it weird how some people will talk about that ‘Poor Starving Artists’, until they get ‘discovered’ then, will call them a ’sellout’? Anyone who tells you you’re a ’sellout’ for making a living is jealous or threatened by your greatness. Think about it. They wouldn’t call a successful architect a ’sell out’. Would they? You deserve your success. Take well considered risks to reach your goals & don’t give that kind of ignorance power by acknowledging it. The biggest pay-offs come to the biggest risk takers, and the best luck goes to the hardest workers, every time.”

-Andy Warhol said -”Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.”

Today’s featured artist is: Lorraine Buhrman. Check out her fabulous graphic designs, mosaics & more at www.designsbylorraine.com

The Ask ART SLUT advice column is written by artist/author/entrepreneur, Barbara Grob and is a mix of excerpts from the author’s book, “The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It~ As a Visual Artist”. She is currently the Director of the Key West Art Bar, where she works with Art Historian - Rebecca Rex and Graphic Designer - Lorraine Buhrman. Check it out at the corner of Margaret & Caroline, in the big, yellow ‘Flagler Station Bldg.” 10-7 daily & 11-5 Sun. 305-296-0424.

Thank you!
Barb

Ask ArtSlut Annie