The relationship between artmaking and financial success (or even security?) is a long one with mutual influences playing out in every artist's life. It ain't easy. Do we give birth to our creative ideas, despite the time and resources required, with hope that it will bring some benefit in the future? Or do we find ways of boosting the pragmatic security of life by simply working at a non-artmaking venture? I think most people do the latter, out of necessity (I know I have.) Is there a way to do both?
Artists that produce things that are easily multiplied such as photography, printmaking, comics, etc. can make a prototype and then distribute it to whoever wants it. Artists that produce one of a kind items aren't so lucky -- each and every piece needs hours of attention and nurturing to come into existence. Some are successful, some are not. Some are desired by others, some are not. Some are personal, some are public. When the piece is sold, it is gone, and another has to take its place. From the beginning. Add to this the lack of monetary value that labor intensive artwork receives, such as textile art.
Yesterday I found out that my afternoon students of three years are taking a break from their Saturday art classes. My first impulse is to fill the slot again with more students. My second impulse is to dedicate the same time to developing online materials that I can sell on my website -- online lessons and courses. Or, heaven forbid, just do artwork! Make more small works that can be sold for a reasonable price (unlike my beloved monstrosities) and keep experimenting with new techniques. This past year has been so busy I have lost my art time somewhere along the line, and am tired of saying "I hope I get to work on..." Finding a balance between the practical and self-fulfilling is important.
Maybe if I painted like Guston I could make enough art to sell daily and have time to clean my house!