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Art Quote by Karl Wiggins

“It's a difficult path that we tread, us Indie self-publishers, but we're not alone. How many bands practicing in their dad’s garage have heard of a group from the neighbourhood who got signed by a recording company? Or how many artists who love to paint, but are not really getting anywhere with it…” quote by Karl Wiggins
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““It's a difficult path that we tread, us Indie self-publishers, but we're not alone. How many bands practicing in their dad’s garage have heard of a group from the neighbourhood who got signed by a recording company? Or how many artists who love to paint, but are not really getting anywhere with it hear of someone they went to art school with being offered an exhibition in a gallery? How many chefs who love to get creative around food hear of someone else who’s just landed a job with Marco Pierre White? There’s no difference between us and them. There is, however, a huge difference in how everyone else perceives the writer. And there’s a huge difference between all of us – the writers, the musicians, the composers, the chefs, the dance choreographers and to a certain extent the tradesmen - and the rest of society in that no one understands us. It’s a wretched dream to hope that our creativity gets recognised while our family thinks we’re wasting our time when the lawn needs mowing, the deck needs painting and the bedroom needs decorating. It’s acceptable to go into the garage to tinker about with a motorbike, but it’s a waste of a good Sunday afternoon if you go into the garage and practice your guitar, or sit in your study attempting to capture words that have been floating around your brain forever.””

Karl Wiggins

About This Quote

Creative work is undervalued by society, which often prioritizes practical chores over artistic pursuits, despite many sharing similar struggles.

In simple terms: Society undervalues creative effort.

Key Takeaway

Creative work is often dismissed as frivolous.

Themes

creativity societal perception artistic struggle self-doubt validation

Mood

frustrated determined hopeful

Type

reflective motivational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • self-publishing author feeling isolated
  • musician hearing about a signed neighbor
  • artist hearing about a gallery exhibition
  • chef hearing about a prestigious job

Key Concepts

recognition family expectations social comparison creative identity

Practical Applications

  • Advocacy for creative communities
  • Mentorship programs for emerging artists

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can creators balance practical responsibilities with artistic pursuits?
  • What societal changes could elevate the perception of creative work?
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