This is a realistic comment, for sure, and I appreciate it. I do think there needs to be more of a conversation so that people understand better that we will lose the gifts of good artists if we don't support them financially. I'm not necessarily hoping to change it for me, but I do think a more active conversation about these things might shift things culturally in the long-run.

The truth of my story is that because of health issues, my artistic work is all I've been able to do. It's a weird symptom, but I literally can't working any environment with fluorescent lights (basically any job, therefore). So it's extremely painful for me, when I feel I do have something to give that isn't being acknowledged, because it really is the case that that support really makes or breaks whether I can pay my bills.

So.. I don't say it to complain so much as to start the conversation. I have found a lot of people are more willing to give when they understand the struggle. Most people just don't know. And people spend money on all sorts of garbage.. it would be good for people to become a little more aware and instead make more conscientious decisions to support "good things" on principles.

Yes, I am a dreamer. But I have real, long-term high hopes for those dreams. I may be foolish, but only those who look like fools at the beginning are ever able to effect big change :).

I like that your comments are challenging. Never hesitate to contribute!