Support Artists

Dixya Poudel

A painter applies strokes of colours through the brushes in his or her artwork. A sculptor chips away at a methodical pace to create statutes. A singer/songwriter strums the guitar for a tune. And an actor rehearses lines written by writers who create works of fiction and non-fiction. All of these people are known as artists. 

When I was young I thought artists were only painters or drawers. I aspired to be an artist although I didn’t know what it really required. I imagined myself applying paints on canvas while I conjured up figures, still life and even abstract art. However, my knowledge was limited when it came to the understanding of art. Now I know that artists are a broad range of professionals and even dilettantes like me. As my sketchbook fills with drawings and studies and my paintings pile up, I have realised it is fulfilling to create art. However, I am doubtful that it will enable a lucrative career in places like Nepal where art collectors are few and appreciation of art is obscured. 

Most professional artists in Nepal have other side jobs in addition to their pursuit of art. They supplement the expense of procuring art materials by higher paying jobs. Most work as art teachers as they carry out artistic endeavours in their free time. It is a sad truth that Nepali parents don’t envision their children as artists even though they may be quite talented. Even as the youth today are breaking the glass ceiling when it comes to their artistic careers, such tendency is more prevalent in the western nations than in the developing ones.  

In developed nations, art is a beacon of culture. People go to museums with their children to view, study and ponder upon the centuries-old paintings. They attend theatres and classical music concerts to embrace the high culture. Further, they read literature almost religiously and are knowledgeable about the arts and humanities. Students who are pursuing science are encouraged to learn more about the arts as they are introduced to a versatile and well-branched education. A sense of high culture is incorporated from an early stage to children who learn to play musical instruments, write book reports and act in school theatre plays. Further they are taught the importance of writing creative works and papers as well as to learn the ropes of visual arts. It isn’t surprising that students in western nations grow up to be well-informed about the arts.

Further, in such nations, artists can ensure a comfortable living through their artworks. There, singers can make a living by penning down their songs. Actors are well respected in a highly paid profession. And writing is a respectable profession with many opportunities to thrive. Next, visual artists such as painters and graphic designers are sought-after professions. It is thus discouraging to look at the art scenario in Nepal which is still lagging behind. One can’t help but feel dismayed over the lack of artistic endeavours in Nepali communities. However, looking at social media profiles of budding Nepali artists, it isn’t all hopeless. Yet, there remains a gulf when it comes to connecting artists with audiences in Nepal which is why it is all the more important to support artists in all ways possible.