My Place in Art

I have never really thought about my place in art. I have always lived with the idea that I will always have a place simply because no one does art like me. Because my skills are unique to me, the ideas are unique to me.

Yet, the more I do a formal study of comic movements, and other artists and musicians who are doing crazy stuff (crazy, not necessarily to be translated to literally crazy and outrageous, because most art that i respect are subtle and quiet), the more I realise that to market myself and to make money out of my art, I need to be very different, almost revolutionary. It is the age when every single book and story that is told is trying to be revolutionary.

I have an idea that, what if I strike a path that is less revolutionary, then in the contrast of all the revolutionary stuff happening, it might seem a different taste of air. Something different. But it is a risk, because trying to be not revolutionary can end up in works that are mainstream and boring.

And I have also started to think that mainstream arts and music are terrible.

So what is my place in art?

WHen I read about artists like Hiyao Miyazaki, M.I.A. I am inspired to be like them in my art: outrageous and bizarre. But then I read stuff by the other Japanese artist (whose name I just forgot) and stories by Ruskin Bond, and I realise there is a stronger self in me that wants to strike the less beaten path (I say less beaten, because it is also less dramatic and less sensational) and be more subtle and reserved about my stories and art.

This is how I get confused. But what is sure is that I will never bow to mainstream idea of popular art (popular art not to be confused with pop art!) maybe except to make easy money, because there may come a time when I do art for money that I am not ashamed to confess. It's just what I do. And will be doing. But my heart will never be there. My heart will always be looking for that niche for me. That little corner in art that belongs to me and me alone.