The Long Run: How Artists Sustain a Creative Life Over Decades
Stacey D’Erasmo’s new book, "The Long Run: A Creative Inquiry," explores the lives of artists who have navigated the challenging path of a lifelong artistic journey. From dancers like Valda Setterfield, who continued performing into her 80s despite serious injuries, to writers like Samuel Delany, who has published over 40 books while battling dyslexia, D’Erasmo unravels the hidden stories behind their enduring commitment to their craft. She argues that the romanticized image of the "starving artist" ignores the reality of real people facing real needs, particularly financial challenges, while diligently pursuing their artistic passions.
Key Takeaways:
- Artists are real people with real needs: The "starving artist" trope overlooks the importance of financial stability in sustaining an artistic life. D’Erasmo highlights that while initial artistic spark can be intense, the true heroism lies in finding ways to sustain that passion for decades, often amidst the demands of financial realities.
- Time is more precious than money: Artists, especially those juggling a day job, are constantly wrestling with the conflicting clocks of their work and their art. While financial security can provide a safety net, it’s access to time that often becomes the limiting factor for many creatives.
- Reinvention is a path to longevity: While some art forms, like dance, require early retirement, many artists reinvent themselves to continue their creative journey. This might mean exploring different mediums like choreography, directing, or even shifting to a related field that draws on their artistic sensibilities.
- The "weirdness" of art becomes a comfort: As artists age, they gain a deeper understanding of their creative process, embracing its inherent complexities and idiosyncrasies. This leads to a greater sense of freedom, a willingness to experiment, and a less critical perspective on their own work.
- Creativity is an organism, not a machine: It’s natural for creativity to ebb and flow, requiring periods of rest, reflection, and exploration to rejuvenate. D’Erasmo emphasizes the importance of stepping away, even for extended periods, to allow for new inspiration and perspectives to emerge.
‘When You Starve the Artist, You Starve Artmaking’
D’Erasmo challenges the notion that artists thrive on constant deprivation. In fact, she argues that "financial stability is a godsend to the artist," as it frees them to focus on their artistic pursuits rather than concerns about basic needs.
"The less you have to think about money, the more you can think about what truly matters to you", said D’Erasmo. However, she acknowledges that achieving financial stability is often a major struggle, which ultimately hinders the creative landscape.
The book delves into the realities of balancing a day job with artistic passions. It explores how artists grapple with the tension between the urgent demands of work and the less predictable pace of artmaking. D’Erasmo observes that "we long endlessly for more time", a poignant reflection on the constant struggle for artists to find the space and resources to nurture their creative endeavors.
‘There Really Is No Free Lunch’ for Artists
D’Erasmo acknowledges the significant financial costs associated with various art forms. From film, which "just inhales money", to visual art, requiring specific materials, to dance, with its demands for rehearsal space, costumes, and talented dancers, the challenges of resource allocation are ever-present.
"Artists, writers and arts organizations all spend a fair amount of time seeking grants and other sources of funding just to keep the lights on", she observes.
Even the seemingly less expensive medium of writing requires funding for publishing and distribution. D’Erasmo points out that "there really is no free lunch" when it comes to the financial needs of sustaining a creative life.
Economic Inequality Shapes the Creative Landscape
D’Erasmo highlights the profound impact of economic inequality on the art world. She argues that it not only dictates who gets to create art, but also who gets to pursue it as a career.
"We’re missing out greatly on what those people might be able to do not for a moment or a season, but for decades", she reflects, emphasizing the lost potential when individuals with inherent artistic talent lack the resources to nurture and develop their gifts.
Reinventing the Artist: A New Chapter in the Long Run
D’Erasmo challenges the conventional view of a "retirement age" for artists, particularly in disciplines like dance. Drawing from inspiring examples like Valda Setterfield, who transformed her life after a career-threatening accident, and Vera Wang, whose Olympic figure skating aspirations led to a successful fashion career, D’Erasmo reveals the possibilities of reinvention.
She notes that "often, people reinvent themselves by opening up a slightly different channel through which their gifts can flow", highlighting the adaptability and resilience of artists as they navigate the changing landscapes of their creative journey.
The Advantages of an Aged Artistic Perspective
D’Erasmo underscores the unique advantages gained by artists in mid- and late careers. With less self-doubt and a deeper understanding of their craft, they often embrace a more comfortable relationship with the "weirdness" and challenges of creativity.
"[It’s] the willingness to be open, to be vulnerable, to be a beginner, to be out of one’s comfort zone", she observes. This perspective allows them to "take the risk of flopping", a necessary element of growth and experimentation in any creative pursuit.
Creativity as an Evolving Organism
Finally, D’Erasmo reminds readers that creativity is a dynamic process, not a machine that runs consistently. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging periods of disillusionment and taking space to replenish, reflect, and explore new avenues of inspiration.
"Stop…Go somewhere else, do something different, maybe for an hour, maybe for a year," she suggests, emphasizing the importance of allowing creative energy to ebb and flow. By understanding this natural cycle of artistic expression, we can better appreciate the endurance and evolution that shape the long run of a creative life.
