Motivations

Wealth! Power! Fame! Nah. Those might be nice things, but they’re not why I write. I write to tell a story, sometimes non-fiction, sometimes fiction that potentially teaches or at least chronicles a bit of life. As an artist friend said, “You’re obviously an artist because you’d produce the art even if you weren’t going to be paid.” True. But I also write because of the people who notice and are affected by my art, even if they don’t mention it. And sometimes, they do.

Recently, a friend posted this note by sliding it under my windshield wiper.

It is nice to be noticed.

I’ve heard this treated as a rule within marketing, but I consider it more of a guideline that ‘For every compliment or complaint that you are aware of, there are at least ten more out there.’ The objective realist in me knows that ain’t so because a comment can come in after the first person has bought one. Of course, the opposite must be true for artworks that are so controversial that they’re talked about even though no one has seen or read them.

Thanks for the compliment.

I received another, scribbled (nicely) on wrapping paper that came with a package.

I framed that one.

And there was the softly spoken comment about one of my photos.

I’ve never seen a photo that was that peaceful.

(I’ll leave it to you to browse the images. FineArtAmerica.com)

Gulp. Thanks. And I considered it a throw-away shot, one I exhibited in the gallery because there was a blank space to fill. Without a doubt, their opinion matters.

I also write about stocks and such (TrimbathCreative.net). I’m not millionaire again (yet), but I received an email from someone who wrote something like, “I can’t give you total credit, but I feel like I must give you some credit for helping me become a multi-millionaire.” Gulp, again. And you’re welcome.

The sum total of all of my compliments don’t pay my bills, yet. I’ve been selling my words and photos since 2002. I’ve lost track of the number of books I’ve written and produced, though the total is over 20, with more in work and more to come.

I know impressive artists who abandoned their work because it didn’t equate to a middle-income paycheck. Their work was excellent, but they left it languish for a 40-hour a week job that probably asked for more.

I am a fan of making art for myself but also for others, even if I don’t know them or know they need it.

One post from over ten years ago elicited this response. “I needed to read those words said that way at this time. Thank you.” I don’t know what they were referring to, but I’m glad I helped.

I am not the best writer or photographer. I may be good, but don’t have to be best. I don’t make much money from my books or images; that’s what those stocks are there for. But both for myself and whoever is out there who sees what I’ve made, I guess I’ll keep writing and taking photos. You and I are welcome.