November 2024: What do you? They ask. I am an artist.
We aspire to be a free-to-read, share, download, and even print (use your home printer and recycle: a paper printed on the front can still be used!) magazine for all those seeking a moment with arts.
What do you? They ask. I am an artist.I respond. That’s fine, but what do you exactly do? They push further. For, I chose a line of work that is not conventional and not as ‘rewarding’ in the eyes of few, some, and many — no answer to the question is satisfactory. Is this for free? They ask. No. I respond. Could you give me a discount? They push further. For, I chose a path of creativity, which is supposed to thrive on ‘exposure’ — no answer to the question is satisfactory. Is this available online? They wonder. I am on social media channels. Everyone has to be, I think to myself. Perhaps I can copy and print. Why buy? They think to themselves. For, I chose to be on a journey where ideas can’t be measured — no answer to the question is satisfactory. The most pressing issues facing the artists in my community happen to be a struggle between being willing to work and forced to compromise, aspiring to pay bills and being compelled to share skills for exposure, competing with larger financially secure platforms, and being challenged to make space in the crowded world.
Each month, as we prepare a new edition, we encounter discussions on the above issues. Our aspirations continue to be guided by the philosophy that one day, the world will recognize arts and artists/artistes as a ‘real profession’, and as we further on this mission, all we ask of you is to support the colors, strokes, moves, words, struggles, accomplishments and efforts of arts all around you.
P.S: In an era of ChatGPT and Paywalls, we’re daring to create original content and offer it to our readers without a fee. Your support would go a long way. Subscribe to the portal, and meet us on socials as well.
Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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