Art Has Value | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Art Has Value

In other words, don't pirate art.

66
Art Has Value
Photographer in Venice

Almost a year ago, on June 21, 2015, Taylor Swift published a letter to Apple. In the letter, she explained why she would initially keep her music from Apple's brand-new streaming service, Apple Music. Her letter, and her earlier decision to remove her music from Spotify, sparked criticism from hundreds of people. They only saw Taylor's comments that Spotify doesn't pay artists very much and Apple Music wouldn't be paying any artists, writers, or producers for the 3-month trial of Apple Music. They thought (and many still think this) that she is greedy and only cares about herself. In reality, though, as Taylor explained in both of her statements, she made this decision in support of the smaller artists who don't have sold-out world tours and millions of album sales. The lesser-known artists need every penny they can get, so they can't pull their music from a streaming service that screws them over.

All of this is to say that, while I wish Taylor would return to Spotify, I understand her reasons and I agree with her.

Music has value.

Creative writing has value.

Theatre has value.

Art of any type has value. As C.S. Lewis said, "It has no survival value. Rather, it is one of those things that give value to survival."

Online streaming services and online piracy hurt the art industries and ignore the value of an artist's piece. Many people even expect artists to donate their creations and time by saying, "You'll get good exposure!" Exposure is good and all, but an artist can't afford to do everything for free. There's the cost of materials to consider, for one thing. Secondly, one free piece "for exposure" will often lead to another and another, and that creates a perpetual cycle where artists never get paid.

As a writer, I love to share my prose and poetic pieces. I don't mind putting them on my Tumblr or my blog, where it's free for everyone to view. But, at the same time, I want creative writing to be my career, and we live in a world where one needs to be able to make a living. So, I can't share all my writing for free, especially my novels, which I put months of work into. Would you expect a surgeon to remove your appendix or a mechanic to fix your car for free?

Art of any type is a career option. After all, we're often told to find a field we love so going to work every day won't be a hardship. Yet, creative types are often discouraged from doing what they love full-time because they can't make a living doing it, which is all because many people don't think art has as much value.

Value is subjective, I know. But art saves lives--a creative outlet is often the reason a suicidal person chooses not to end his or her life. Art brings joy on gray days. Art is more important than many people seem to think. Creating and/or enjoying art can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

So next time you're about to read a pirated book online, consider the author you are hurting. Instead of pirating the book, see if your local public library has it. And if they don't, most libraries have a system where you can request books for them to order. The next time you find a song you love on Spotify, don't download it illegally. Buy it on iTunes the next time you have spending money or, if you really love the artist, buy their CD. We can't all make it to Broadway shows, but you can support your local community theater productions and sign petitions asking for legal recordings of Broadway musicals. Go to local art galleries; go to local art museums--many are free or have student discounts or free nights. Make sure to credit artists when you use their drawings and paintings for posts. Give art the value it deserves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2886
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1735
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200990
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21402
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments