Talented portrait photographer to the stars decides to dedicate himself to his art- and dies penniless for efforts. Quick- can you guess the contemporary portraitist (mentioned) who made a very conscious effort not to go that route, and still almost lost house and home...
Watch Portrait of Photographer Who Captured Native American Lives on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
6 comments:
Hi Stan, I just saw this. I happened to write about Curtis on the same day you did. It wasn't planned, I promise. Maybe there's a Curtis movement afoot?
Hey, it happens- and hell, I hope so!
It seems to me that 99% of artists go through life unrecognized and unable to support themselves through their art. Monumental art is produced and subsequently consumed either by the masses or a select group of collectors. Artists seem to have it in their DNA to screw up any chance they get to create a sustaining enterprise. What we need are benefactors. Those people who know how to accumulate wealth and see the benefit in supporting an artist who's work they believe in.
Benefactors, yes! Unfortunately, "those who know how to accumulate wealth" are not going to usually invest in art unless it's (they're) a known and proven commodity. Those who'll invest in an artist "whose work they believe in" are probably not going to be quite as well off (although very much welcomed)... granted, those are my totally unsubstantiated "facts."
Wanna be my benefactor?? I've give you first shot.
Thanks, Eric! Almost did a spit take on my monitor...
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