The Loneliness: Navigating Family and Friends' Lack of Support

​In this blog post, I've tried to capture the emotional turmoil of being an artist whose work goes unsupported by family and friends, while also offering perspective and encouragement for my fellow artists navigating this challenging journey. 

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​As an artist, I feel one of the most challenging aspects of pursuing our passion is facing the lack of support from those closest to us. It's a peculiar phenomenon: family and friends proudly proclaim your artistic endeavors to others, yet when it comes to actively supporting your work, they seem indifferent or even dismissive.

It's a sting that cuts deep. We pour our heart and soul into our creations, hoping for validation and encouragement from those we love. Yet, time and again, we're met with silence or a mere nod of acknowledgment.

It's not just about the monetary support, although that certainly plays a part for many of us. It's about feeling seen and valued for our talent and dedication. It's about having our loved ones believe in our dreams as much as we do.

So, why does it hurt so much when family and friends don't support our art?

When our closest circle fails to acknowledge our art, it can feel like a rejection of our identity and passion. We crave validation for our creative endeavors, and their indifference leaves us questioning our worth as artists.

Creating art is a deeply personal process. Each piece carries a piece of our soul, making it feel like an extension of ourselves. When our art is ignored by those we care about, it's akin to having a part of ourselves dismissed or overlooked.

As humans, we crave connection and support from our social circles. When that support is lacking in something as significant as our artistic pursuits, it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

While the emotional aspect is paramount, the financial implications of lack of support can't be ignored. For many artists, selling our work is not just about making money but also about sustaining our livelihood and continuing our creative journey.

The most perplexing aspect of this phenomenon is the realization that our art might only be valued once we're no longer around. It's a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that our creations may only gain recognition and significance in the aftermath of our absence.

But why wait until then? Why can't our art be cherished and celebrated by those closest to us now, while we're here to experience it?

It's truly disheartening when, despite our efforts to communicate our needs and desires, our family and friends still fail to support our art. It's understandable that this repeated lack of acknowledgment can lead to frustration and feelings of isolation.

In such situations, it's essential we recognize our family and friends may have their reasons for not engaging with our art, even if they understand its importance to us. These reasons could range from personal preferences to financial constraints or simply a lack of understanding of the value of art in general.

While it's natural to feel hurt by their lack of support, it's crucial not to let it overshadow our passion for creating! Remember that our worth as an artist is not contingent upon the validation of others. Our art has inherent value, regardless of who does or doesn't recognize it.

In navigating this, it's helpful to seek support and validation from other sources, such as fellow artists, art communities, or online platforms. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who appreciate and understand the significance of our art can provide the encouragement and validation we need to continue pursuing our passion.

We don't necessarily have to cut ties completely with those who don't support us, but it's okay to prioritize relationships with individuals who appreciate and value our art. This might mean spending less time with those who don't support us or seeking out new connections within the artistic community who understand the importance of mutual support and encouragement.

Remember, we deserve to be surrounded by people who celebrate our passion and lift us up, and it's okay to distance ourselves from those who don't fulfill that role in our life. Our art is worth celebrating, and we deserve to be surrounded by people who recognize and appreciate its significance.
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Additionally, we can reframe our perspective on why we create art. While it's natural to desire recognition and support from loved ones, ultimately, our art is an expression of ourselves and our unique vision.  Those of us in this situation should focus on creating for the joy and fulfillment it brings us, rather than seeking external validation.

​At the end of the day, while it's disheartening to feel unsupported by those closest to us, it's essential to remember that our passion, creativity, and dedication are intrinsic to who we are, regardless of who does or doesn't recognize it.

And who knows? With time and persistence, perhaps our family and friends will come to see the beauty and value in our art, just as we do. Until then, we should all continue to create for ourselves, for our love of art, and for the joy it brings us!

After all, our art is not just a reflection of us—it's a testament to our resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to our craft.

So, keep creating. Keep dreaming. And remember, OUR ART MATTERS, whether those closest to us see it now or not!