An Artist's Age Doesn't Matter
Contradictory to popular belief brought on by media, talent isn’t always the most useful or important in an artist’s teenage years and early twenties. Many artists become popular within this time range in their lives due to a variety of reasons.
Often most artists in their teens and twenties are driven by a passion to prove themselves, express their frustrations, and want to be noticed. Additionally, people like to buy what’s considered in vogue at the time; and younger artists provide that image and sense. However, this doesn’t discount the artistic importance of creations made by an older artist.
The energy produced from a younger artist is likely to be stronger than an older artist, and that would resonate with a larger range of people. However, even though energy may elicit a stronger reaction, it can still be a superficial product. An older artist is often less “energetic” because the need to impress others often dissipates with maturity and age.
Genuine self-expression from an artist should be the goal of making art. Art made by maturity from age may not draw the attention of popular mainstream. Despite this, the truth behind a creation’s meaning can be just as relevant.
Popularity in art is interesting because it demands familiarity but it also loathes a recycling of material. For example, a genre of music is popular within a context. It has to be familiar enough to be liked and listened to but not too similar as to be labeled a copycat.
Music that is too unique or odd is often labeled avant-garde, eccentric, or post-modern. Artistic boundaries shouldn’t be pushed for the sole sake of pushing boundaries. However, true creativity can take an artist to some completely new boundaries.
However, if it comes as a genuine passion to do something completely new, then take the chance and dive in head-first. Decca Records became infamous in 1962 because they rejected the Beatles as they auditioned for them. They were unknown at the time and their music was, of course, revolutionary. It was reported that the record company had said “The Beatles have no future in show business.” Despite the age of the Beatles at the time, this is a perfect example of how volatile the public opinion is and should not be a defining point of what “good art” is.
It’s not uncommon for younger artists to make the mistake of imitating, to a certain degree, what is popular at the time. It would feel great to sell records and be popular, but it would feel even better to do it while being genuine.
True art is able is felt in the heart or perhaps in the subconscious mind. Whether fame and popularity is achieved isn’t quite important if you aren’t being genuine. Even if you affect the life of just one other person by producing a genuine piece of art, you’ve made a better contribution to the world by expressing something real.
For related reading, please check out: Work to Inspire, Not Impress.
