An artist recently sent me an image that hit a little too close to home. It showed the world literally going up in flames, while a tiny figure stood in the foreground desperately trying to interest passersby in a painting. When global crises dominate the news cycle, trying to sell your work can feel entirely disconnected from reality.
I felt this acutely during a recent ArtWalk when a couple walked into the gallery. I asked them where they were from, and when they mentioned their hometown, I could hear the sheer exhaustion in their voices from recent events in their community. Yet, there they were, standing in my gallery, actively looking at art.
When the world feels chaotic, it is easy to convince yourself that your creative output is secondary. The truth is exactly the opposite: when the ground shakes, art stops being a luxury and becomes a psychological anchor.
1. The Myth of Frivolity
When headlines look like a dystopian novel, your inner critic gets exceptionally loud. “How can I promote my landscape paintings when everything is burning?”
This is a natural reaction, but it relies on a completely flawed premise. Art is not inherently frivolous, and buyers do not view it that way.
Through decades of running this gallery, I’ve watched collectors consistently return to art during the most difficult cultural moments. Here is what is actually happening in the collector’s mind:
- The need for refuge: Collectors aren’t buying art to ignore reality; they are buying it to create a physical sanctuary in their homes.
- The search for stability: Human beings have incredibly short attention spans for pure chaos and actively crave a return to equilibrium.
- The human connection: A painting on a wall serves as a permanent, quiet reminder that someone, somewhere, is still capable of creating beauty.
2. Art as a Tool for Processing Tragedy
If you doubt the primal necessity of art, look at how communities respond to deep, visceral tragedies. People do not just write letters or hold press conferences; they create.
At the sites of recent community tragedies, we see mounds of flowers, paintings, poetry, and handmade objects left as temporary memorials. This isn’t a coincidence.
It is a human instinct to counteract destruction with creation. “I cannot fix this massive problem, but I can make this one beautiful thing.”
The contrast of a beautiful object against a dark backdrop makes that beauty infinitely more valuable to the viewer. Your job as an artist is to provide that contrast.
3. The Strategic Mental Health Retreat
Recognizing the profound value of your art does not mean you have to be a machine. If the news cycle is overwhelming your ability to think rationally, marketing your work is going to feel utterly impossible.
You have full permission to step away from the easel and the keyboard (as if you need permission from me . . .). One artist recently shared that he had to pull back entirely for three weeks just to regain his mental footing.
Here is how to execute a strategic pause without sabotaging your business:
- Pull back entirely: Turn off the news, shut the studio door, and stop trying to force inspiration when your tank is empty.
- Recharge the batteries: Spend time with your dog, pull weeds in the garden, and temporarily shift your focus to tactile, low-stakes responsibilities.
- Return with clarity: Taking a break isn’t quitting; it is a strategic retreat. When that artist finally returned to the studio, he produced the most beautiful print of his career.
One Final Takeaway
As artists, your fundamental purpose is to shine a light into the darkness. Whether you are actively promoting a new series today or taking a quiet month to rebuild your mental health, your creative voice remains necessary.
Never let the noise of a chaotic world convince you that your brushstrokes do not matter.
Question for Readers
How do you balance marketing your artwork when the world feels overwhelmingly chaotic? Have you ever taken a strategic step back to recharge, and how did it impact your creative output when you returned?
When the. World or even my world gets chaotic, creating anything with my hands is calming. Sometimes I just mend clothes or sew by hand in the evening. The important thing in creating at times like these is to avoid undue stress if I am able.
Even if others are suffering, I acknowledge that I’m safe in the moment. Doing small studies or experimenting with ideas takes pressure off.
Creating beauty is the antidote to the ugliness in the world today.
Thank you for this.
Thank you for this inspirational article, Jason.
There can be days, whether times are smooth or chaotic, when the act of creation gets hard. I have learned to clear my mind and remind myself that skills and learning are of eternal worth. Every attempt to make my art has become a quiet communion with God and a statement of my trust in Him and in the creative path He has bid me to walk.
That said, I feel that I may not be able to change things on a global scale, but I can decide to otherwise extend a helping hand in some way that is within my means and to someone in my personal orbit to create goodwill along with my art, too, and hope the butterfly effect works.
I just want to say thank you for posting this. It’s been a tough year and particularly a tough winter psychologically with the background of techno-oligarchal takeover, ecological doom, and war. I’ve grappled with this issue many days! Thank you for the perspective and encouragement.
I recently got two commissions and it was hard to begin them when my head felt like exploding from the overwhelming news and devastation in the world. Tomorrow I will create a reel for IG reminding people of my response to global crises by matching sales 100% for WCK and how we are stronger together. It feels like the only thing I can do to make a small difference at this time. People are still buying art. I sold a 40×40” painting last weekend that was $4320. People are exhausted but you are right when you say they are looking for something to make their home a sanctuary. An place of peace.
We Canadian artists are having the same issues. I was surprised yesterday to receive a phone call from a lady who had won a gift certificate for use on a piece of my work, at a draw that took place around 8 years ago. Long out of date, I decided to honour it. She is coming for a studio visit this weekend. (there is a good topic for you- should we offer gift certificates for our artwork?) I am looking forward to seeing where that goes. I am also following up on a commission inquiry.
First suggestions of possible sales in 9 months. Dire time for artists. Buying art for most people is on a back burner because rising living day to day costs are taking up their monies . Most of us have had no sales for far too long. I agree with your ideas. I just keep painting.
I don’t really pay a lot of attention to what is happening in the world, or for that matter in the art world. I paint because I need to, and love to, then I hope something I paint speaks to someone else enough to inspire them to buy it.
Recently I painted a small commission piece for a client who is weary of the things going on around us in society. When I sent her a photo of the finished painting, she was delighted with it and said it represented light in the darkness to her. It inspired her to write a poem to go with it.
Art moves people in ways that can uplift and inspire. I think most of us would like to sell our work, but that isn’t usually the reason we create.
Thanks for another great post, Jason!
Jason,
This subject takes me to your Openjng Day – date. I never forgot your story….
My own experience during covid. I kept doing g my studio tours. People needed a “respite” from it all.
We moved across town 8 months ago. We have placed a 12 x 16 shed in my backyard. My “grand opening” is today…. A newly replanted backyard with a little waterfountain. A new respite created. It starts at 4:30pm. Praying for the weather to hold…. check out videos of the space on fb @DebraVanceArt – it glows. Trusting GOD to get me through today….
Debra
Great article Jason, and I agree with you that the art we create makes people’s lives better. During these troubled times, we provide a profound type of therapy by spreading feelings of hope, peace, kindness, and joy, and I feel an obligation to keep helping people in this way.
I continue to share my tranquil scenes of nature on Facebook weekly, and via my monthly studio newsletter. I can tell by the resulting comments that people are deeply grateful for these happy, quiet moments I provide in their day.
Although gallery sales have slumped here in Canada since the tariffs were implemented last year, (although in recent months some collector activity seems to be returning), I am so grateful that direct sales and commissions for my work have held steady. I am reaping the benefits of growing my mailing list and Facebook followers for decades and sharing happy, heartfelt stories and exciting updates regularly with my subscribers and fans.
Humans perish without hope. Art offers the hope of something brighter. I feel so incredibly blessed to be an artist in these times. I try to stay balanced with my daily disciplines–meditation, writing, creating, walking– and then recognize how fortunate I am to be able to spend time doing that while many are struggling with issues of survival.
I read a lot of library books.
But mostly try to practice gratitude.
I had my best sales month ever last month, and picked up new gallery representation yesterday.
So we never know what will come! Please take care all, and thank you Jason for this wonderful community space and your constant support and encouragement 😊