The Society For Artists Who Make More Money Than Lawyers

This idea was sparked at my friend John Neuenschwander’s former gallery, Aveneda (after a few glasses of wine, no doubt). It’s a funny title, and half a joke. As soon as I apologize to my lawyer-father and acknowledge the help and value he’s contributed to people throughout his illustrious career, I’ll get on with this society of mine.

The gist is anything but a joke. It’s pure economics, straight from the most American economist—the father of modern economics, Adam Smith (who wasn’t American, but a Scotsman). Somewhere along the way Smith talked about profit being a byproduct of quality.

There’s purity in that very capitalist thought. It doesn’t focus on arbitrageurs, or other financial chicanery to make a buck. It’s simple. Trade money for value; trade value for money. Make something well and get paid for it.

So, after a few glasses of wine, thoroughly enjoying John’s excellent eye for Central Oregon’s better artists, I launched into the design of my new society. My comparison is the beautiful Lee Kelly sculpture along the Parkway, titled Bend’s Gate, I believe. I love that sculpture. It pleases me every time I see it. It makes my day better. Given, I don’t know who paid for it, but if Bend residents all paid a few dollars more in property taxes, it’s a few well spent dollars if you ask me.

Contrast that with the emotional experience of writing a check to a lawyer. (Sorry dad. You’re just a placeholder). Point is, does it make you feel good? Sometimes. Sometimes it feels like a pain in the ass and like you’re paying too much and you’re unsure where your value is. But not with art. Not with me.

If art makes you feel that good, as it does me, and you derive real value from it, shouldn’t the artist be duly compensated? If you feel you get the same value from a sculptor as you do from a lawyer, shouldn’t the sculptor make a few hundred bucks an hour?

Money for value; value for money.

And that is the concept of The Society For Artists Who Make More Money Than Lawyers. (I love you dad). We’re currently accepting members.