Rarity of Artistic Motivation

Creativity requires inspiration but inspiration is something that is rare. Artistic motivation is not as simple as having the prospect of getting paid for an artwork or having the opportunity to have an exhibit in a well-known gallery. Artistic inspiration is not directly connected to the need for material things, fame or financial stability. Ironically, many artists are at their most creative when they are experiencing human suffering such as being destitute, feeling rejected or losing a loved one.

The image of a suffering and hungry artist is stereotypical but many artists derive their inspiration from existential angst. This is not to say that most artists are somewhat sadomasochistic. The artistic talents of Vincent van Gogh, Ludwig van Beethoven, Francisco Goya and Ernest Hemingway are rare but they typify the tortured artist stereotype.

Suffering, whether psychological like depression or something physical, is a rare source of artistic motivation. The works produced from this source of inspiration is generally dark and disturbing. However, the artworks inspired by suffering almost always have deep meaning that provokes the mind.

Some consider the tortured artist stereotype as a myth, especially by artists themselves. The rarity of artistic motivation to create masterpieces is rare but the practical motivation to earn a living is plenty. Many artists are forced to become mere tools of propaganda or commerce because of their personal financial needs. This is true not only in totalitarian regimes like in North Korea but also true in supposedly democratic countries. Companies and politicians hire creative and artistic people for their own agenda.

For many artists, the works that they produced that are purely motivated by financial gains are not artworks but mere products of trying to earn a living. Artists who regularly earn from portraits and commissioned arts also reserve a portion of their time and creative energy to create artworks that they really want to create. The motivation for this type of artworks is sometimes sacrificed or temporarily put aside for more practical projects.

Even if an artist has the motivation to do such artworks, the circumstances might not be favorable. Many ordinary art patrons have difficulty distinguishing between an artwork created for art’s sake and something that is created merely for commercial purposes. Well, the general rule of thumb is that if it is a commissioned art or something that is displayed in the gallery for sale with a generic motif, it is likely for mere commercial purposes.

Rare artistic motivation may come from social conditions, particularly under repressive regimes. Some artists who are unfortunate enough to live in countries ruled by despots find inspirations from the socioeconomic and political conditions of their countries. This is a variety of getting inspiration from suffering but instead of merely personal suffering, the source of inspiration comes from the collective suffering of the people.

Artists who are inspired to create because of the socioeconomic and political situations of their countries use their art as a medium to express their opinions. They use their arts to influence others and initiate social change through a collective consciousness.