Applause for Artists

Two outings this week have me pondering the fate of wonderfully talented artists in these dire economic times. I went to both the Philadelphia Craft Show as well as a marvelous production of A Winter's Tale at Penn. It featured five actors from London who managed to play all the parts by just changing a hat, flinging a scarf over one shoulder, or pulling up a skirt to reveal leggings. Presto! They were someone else.

The Crafts Show was equally awe inspiring. Amazing works of art produced by incredibly dedicated and talented artisans, many of whom were surfing the net on their laptops while waiting for customers. There is nothing so sad as a booth at a Museum quality show with the proprietors reading a book.

There is no doubt about it. The economy has hit a standstill and I truly worry about the self-employed who need to make sales to eat. It is tough enough to be an artist in good times; it is absolutely frightening to ponder how they manage to survive in these times.

Wait? I'm talking about me too! No joke--it is getting tough out there but my clients are managing (so far) to keep their heads above water, (KNOCK ON WOOD LOUDLY) and I just take it one assignment at a time.

Meanwhile, Son #1 is watching his colleagues bite the dust every two weeks and is living in fear that his time may come, literally anytime. That, too, is no way to work.

So hurry up Mr. Obama. I truly believe you need to fix the big guys fast because everything does ultimately trickle down to those who need it most.

In the meantime, go buy tickets to a local production of anything and give the actors a standing ovation.