What is an Artist?

Something I read in a music blog the other day shocked me to my core. A guy commented on a post that "artists do not exist" and that even if they did, they shouldn't be entitled to any special privileges.

The "special privileges" to which he was referring is the right to expect payment for one's work. He was saying that music should be free and that "artists" shouldn't expect to get paid for their music.

Reading this sentiment was shocking to me because I never for one second considered the possibility that anyone in his right mind would expect someone to work indefinitely without compensation (monetary or otherwise) and most shocking of all, to realize that some people think there is NO SUCH THING AS AN ARTIST.

How did this happen? Historically, artists were the ones who transcended the mundane world and brought down divine truths to help the rest of us to better perceive reality. Everyone in ancient society knew and appreciated the value of art and appreciated artists as the purveyors of beauty. What has caused this massive shift in thinking for the worse?

I welcome discussion on this subject. It is important to talk about this. Maybe it's that modern "artists" aren't doing their jobs well enough - or maybe it's that the public has been misled by corporate ideas about artistry for too long. Regardless, it's worth talking about.

To read more articles by Amanda Williams, please visit Hillbilly Culture.com.

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