Art Has Value
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Art Has Value

In other words, don't pirate art.

62
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.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70730
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132351
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments