With the events in the last 24 hours I felt like this was a topic that was very important to me to share. As a political turmoil begins to boil over I witnessed many creators desperately wanting to share opinions. As artists we have a very loud voice which acts as a double edged sword. As the things we speak about echo loudly so will their responses. It is important for artist to realize that opinions can create or destroy careers.
Without going into much detail about the tragic events that have occurred there is a strong bias in the air. There is also a call for violence that has been answered. Many people are affected by these recent events and are looking towards public opinion in support or disapproval. This article is about neither, but the actions of artists and the power and consequence of art.
Art is a powerful tool. It has the power to move people and to generate opinion. It has unlimited potential to express ideas and statements. As artists we have a very strong emotional connection to events and people and we tend to express our selves through our art. It is our best medium of communication. We release all those feelings into our art. But political art has a price.
Political art to express one's opinion about an event has a risk. You will make friends or enemies very quickly and if you do not do your due diligence you may make a foolish mistake that could cost your a lot of fans. I know what some of you are thinking... I draw for me and if they like it they like it and if not that's their problem. Nothing wrong with that unless you plan to make money out of it. Remember artists, just like their art, are remembered and many people will keep you categorized around your opinions and views. Sadly that is the art world and many artist take up philosophy to cover that base.
I'm not saying don't voice your opinion about something powerful through your art, I am saying once you do you become committed because the general public does not accept apologies. Stand by your guns and take the consequences or stay neutral.