“If you curse the rich, you’ll never be one of them.” -Rev. Ike
I recently posted this quip from Revered Ike on the Artists Who THRIVE Face Book page and it received a bit of backlash.
That bitter backlash, typically born of feelings of failure, didn’t really surprise me. That backlash just reminded me of another one of my favorite quotes. This quote from Oscar Wild is one that artists who curse the rich should keep in mind, “When bankers get together for dinner, they talk about art. When artists get together for dinner, they talk about money.”
Obviously the artist and the patron have a symbiotic relationship as patrons of the arts are generally wealthy and artists, not so much.
I know that there are exceptions to every rule so please just hold your commentary.
If you curse the relationship between the artist and the patron, I can guarantee you that you’ll jack up your prospects of being an artist who successfully sells their work.
If you embrace wealthy patrons, like I have, I know that you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Why?
Because the fact is that over 95% of the wealth earned in this country was produced by self-made folk who come from middle class upbringings.
Luxury Marketing surveys and my experience confirms:
- that these wealthy folks are generally rooted in their middle class values
- they’re pretty grounded and down to earth so they have a finely tuned BS meter
- and they are charitable not only with their money but also with their time
Revered Ike and Oscar Wild speak the truth. Don’t be a hater. Let the truth set you free.
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Thank you for this! I never understood the idea of hating ‘rich’ people. As my decidedly not rich father used to say, “I don’t hate rich people; I want to be one someday!” He just happened to move in circles where he became acquainted with several of the big guys, including some members of the Rockefeller family, and you’re right. They’re just folks. Most of them have worked hard or worked smart to take care of themselves and their families. We all do the same. I’m tweeting this, btw. Thanks again for saying what I’ve been thinking for a long time!
I encourage you to be honest about your own biases. We all have them. Then you can better examine and change them if they are not serving you.
I totally agree! I know plenty of wealthy people, who pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps to get there. Sure, there are those that inherit wealth and those that are greedy and subversive. But as you noted, most millionaires are actually pretty down-to-earth folks, who live in normal neighborhoods and do normal things. Which is probably why they are still wealthy…they don’t spend their money on fancy homes and cars. I remember reading a Forbes article that talked about how many rich are entrepenuer types that had experienced many business failures, but they kept on trying until they got it right. And then it takes 60-70hr work weeks to make the business a go in the beginning. I appreciate those that can afford my work and appreciate the time it takes to make it. I haven’t been disappointed yet by the wealthy I’ve encountered. We must keep our minds open and let loose of the hate and jealousy, so that we can see the reality of what is before us…many times, normal, hardworking folk.
I tend to agree with you, however, I also know that it is easier said than done to overcome your own biases and preconceived notions. There are also very real disparities in the way that our political powers have treated the “wealthy” and the “middle class” or “poor” or “99 percent”. When your political and philosophical beliefs are somewhat in contradiction with your target market, it can be quite a moral dilemma.
This is perhaps the biggest stumbling block to my own success. I have had moderate success in marketing to the middle and higher echelons of the “middle class”, but it is very difficult to bring myself into the arena of marketing to more affluent patrons. I know it is my own issue, but one that I find difficult to overcome.
I do not seek wealth, per se. I don’t need a Lexus. It would be nice to have a reliable pick-up truck that I could pay off, though.
I think the backlash about Rev. Ike is his conning so many people! Rev. Ike took advantage of a lot of poor elderly people.
I don’t hate anyone, but I hate actions that take advantage of poor people, and I think that’s why his name brings about such intensity. I agree with you about artists and the wealthy. But despicable actions bring about passionate responses; and Rev. Ike is one who does that!
You have a lot of great information for artists and I appreciate your sharing.