This week, I read an article by Shane McAdams in The Daily Beast titled, “The Myth of the Tortured Artist.”  In it, McAdams sheds light on artist “evangelicals” who cling to the notion of artist as “tortured genius.”  To these evangelicals, art and commerce do not mix.

“Most artists I know are liberal, anti-establishment types, but when the subject of money comes up they become Puritans, denying and repressing every urge to speak in business terms. But really, how impure is the desire to garner professional respect and reap enough cash to pay rent and keep making work?”

(McAdams)

I am familiar with the idea of the “tortured genius,” but not being very in tune with the art world, I am surprised to find this sentiment pervasive.  I am especially surprised that shunning money is considered necessary for authenticity.  Do artists really take themselves this seriously?  To McAdams, the answer should be “no.”  At least in part.

“The typical contemporary artist studio is less eccentric, filled with tools-of-the-trade, bookshelves, glossy art magazines, and memo pads covered with to-do lists…They [artists] aren’t visionaries, just creative people, making wonderfully physical–not metaphysical–things that should be admired, indeed purchased, by those who are moved by them.” (McAdams)

Is it possible to produce quality art without being a “tortured genius?”  Can one actually have fun and enjoy themselves or does that simple act negate art?  Check out the article here.