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Elisabeth Seeger's avatar

Yes thats all true BUT- art is a luxury. And people buy a piece because there is just something about it that speaks to them- and its maybe not even your “best” work- people buy what they love. It’s often just not predictable. I never take that personally.

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Very true! Thanks for reading Elisabeth

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Luann Udell's avatar

One of the best essays on what matters when it comes to our creative work. I totally agree with your thoughts, and thank you for sharing them with us today

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Thank you SO much Luann!

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Mary L Hoffman's avatar

BRILLIANT blog!!!

YES!!!

Yes to everything you said!!!

YES, YES, YES!!! It is refreshing to hear. Thank you for this clarity! Thank you for this wisdom and insight. You've offered wonderful nuggets of great advice. I wish this could be shouted from the rooftops. It would be so nice to see this in every publication so that every Artist and would-be Artist could review it. Until then, thank you for posting this and I am grateful I was fortunate to read it.

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Thank YOU for your kind words!!

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Jim Serrett's avatar

Very insightful, I appreciate advice from people in the trenches doing the hard work.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

-

Look at nature, work independently, and solve your own problems. - Winslow Homer

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BIGSTRATUS's avatar

I enjoyed the read. I remember starting out my academic career as a mechanical engineer and then not feeling aligned with the path. Afterwards, I did finish my degree in Art, though it felt difficult to financially back myself up. Reading this made me understand that the two worlds can coincide and blend together.

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Thanks so much for your comment. I really think the culture played a big role for me too. It was the 1970’s when I graduated high school and realism was not at all popular or selling, and I was not willing or interested in creating art that was popular and selling. I often wonder whether I would have pursued engineering at all if I had seen a clear career path in art…. Alternate universes

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Denise Crute's avatar

Bullseye! Thanks for you insight!

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Thank you Denise!!

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Laura Krusemark's avatar

This is such a great reflection and wonderful words of wisdom- thank you Debra for always sharing your excellent perspectives!!!

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Debra Keirce's avatar

Thank YOU for reading and your kind words Laura!

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Doreen's avatar

Very timely for me. Sometimes I wonder why I keep doing art and am ready to quit since I'm not always getting the sales I want. Your points really struck a cord with me. Thanks.

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Debra Keirce's avatar

You are most welcome Doreen! And the world is better with you in it creating!

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