:.:.: Prestigious Professions of the Past :.:.:

This mixed media art series strives to depict the struggles that creative professionals are currently suffering from. It also personally depicts the four creative professions I am very passionate about but am finding it impossible to find work in. Each of the four professions currently has workers who are struggling to find quality work. To read about each profession and/or each work of art please continue reading.

"Artists Insignificance"

March 17, 2012
Mixed Media with Watercolour Paint, Oil Paint, and Graphite Pencil
8” x 10”
$100 (Or $375 for the Series)

The first piece in this series represents the struggles that visual artists are currently struggling through; especially artists who work solely with their hands and do not employ electronic “help”. Throughout history, particularly during the Renaissance, artists held prestigious positions in society and were honoured for their skill and talent. A very good artist could gain employment with various wealthy families, cities, religions, and so on. In fact, many wealthy families would spend their entire wealth on grand paintings or sculptures. However, in our current society visual art seems to hold little or no importance. Those artists, such as myself, who work solely with their hands and create classic pieces of art have a very small niche with regards to employment. Therefore, sadly, many artists are forced to take on another profession (if they find one) and their artistic passion and talent usually takes the back burner.

"Teachers in Abundance"

March 17, 2012
Mixed Media with Watercolour Paint, Oil Paint, and Graphite Pencil
8” x 10”
$100 (Or $375 for the Series)

The second piece in this series represents the struggles that new teachers are currently suffering from. As an extremely qualified and passionate teacher who is finding it impossible to find quality teaching work, I feel very close to this issue. Throughout history, particularly during ancient history, teachers were regarded as extremely intelligent professionals that were very highly regarded in society. Unfortunately this no longer seems to be the case. At this point in time there is a serious over abundance of teachers, specifically in Ontario. Because of this it is impossible for new teachers to find a teaching position in a quality school. Furthermore, because of the quantity of teachers who are applying to the few positions that do arise, those teachers who have a passion for teaching and did not “go into teaching for the summer vacation”, are falling through the cracks. The state of this professional is proving that even with a university degree and specialized education teachers are finding themselves unemployed and struggling to survive.

"Travellers Irrelevance"

March 17, 2012
Mixed Media with Watercolour Paint, Oil Paint, and Graphite Pencil
8” x 10”
$100 (Or $375 for the Series)

The third piece in this series represents the lack of travelling professions or even the ability to travel while maintaining a profession. Once again, throughout history travelling to new nations was a celebrated profession as explorers would return with new relationships, experiences, and knowledge. They would apply all that they gained in order to better their own nation and the people living within it. Our current society seems to feel that they know what is necessary of other nations and refuse to admit that their own nation could and should be altered. This arrogance is a major fault in our world today. Travelling the world should be something that is promoted and held in high regard. I definitely feel that there should be more professions that include world travel. At the very least, current professions should make it easier for their employees to travel in order to gain world experience. At this point in time, if a worker is lucky enough to gain full time work, they are given very little time off and are therefore limited to exploring only the world around their work. Sadly those of us who have a strong passion for travelling find it almost impossible to make a living doing so or find it difficult to travel while making a living.

"Writers Depreciation"

March 17, 2012
Mixed Media with Watercolour Paint, Oil Paint, and Graphite Pencil
8” x 10”
$100 (Or $375 for the Series)

The fourth piece in this series represents the current decrease in the book industry. Books used to be renowned, interesting, and most importantly, integral to society and passing on information. Now with the internet and having information so easily accessible, books and professional writing are losing their relevance in today’s society. I have recently delved into the writing industry and have definitely gained an understanding of writer’s struggles. There is such a lack of writing professions that deal with creative genres and those that do exist are few and far between. Even the thought of reading books electronically saddens me (though I do realize this is beneficial to the environment) as there is something solid and comforting about holding a book. The cover art, turning the pages, and of course, the essential book smell is something I personally cannot imaging loosing in my life.