A blast of high winds is bending the tops of the trees, which are performing a ballet of unnatural yet graceful moves. Their gnarly branches are twisting and turning as spring roars in like a lion. Deeply I breathe in the freshly cleaned air from the past few days of rain, which has also made the sky its purest color, purer still because so few cars have been on the road during this time of rest and resurrection.
When we’re driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour, we barely notice the rapidly changing landscape, but a traffic jam slows us down, giving us a chance to look around and notice our surroundings. This quarantine period has allowed us a chance to slow down, to breathe in our surroundings, and to appreciate where we are and what we have. Though we’re often on a high-speed treadmill, ever faster and with ever steeper hills, seeking to earn and accumulate more, this has helped us to slow, to ponder, to realize that maybe more isn’t what we need.
Feeding My Addiction
Last night I was cleaning up my studio, putting things in their place, when I noticed a stack of art books I’ve purchased but never read. Feeding my addiction, I’m always on to the next art book — some sent to me for publicity, others purchased, yet my unopened, unread pile is growing, and I realized I often buy them and then forget to read them. Just yesterday a new book arrived, yet I’ve not paid attention to the ones I have and I always want more. This addiction is for more and more, and these unread books have made me realize I’m striving but not enjoying. If I never bought another art book for the rest of my life, I’m not sure I could properly read all that I have.
Is Better Really Better?
Maybe it’s a natural instinct to always want to better our circumstances — but why? Are our circumstances not good? In some cases they are not, and we need to pull ourselves up. In other cases, it’s simply addiction-feeding. I think back to cleaning out my mom’s house and how many items she had acquired. They had meaning to her, but in most cases, not to the rest of us.
Accumulation
For years I collected antique radios, which I love. I could not get enough, and one time I bought a man’s entire collection and a 1955 Oldsmobile. Though I thought they would bring me joy (and they did, for a while), they became a burden. A collection of 150 radios has to be dusted and stored, and an old car has to be driven and kept clean. That car was fun when it was my only car for a year or so, but once I got a different car, it sat in the driveway and deteriorated until it had to be hauled away years later.
I eventually sold off most of the radios and realized I could feed my addiction by enjoying the few nice ones I kept. It no longer had to be about buying.
No More Wall Space
I’m also addicted to paintings. Because my job takes me to art galleries, I was always seeing things I loved and on occasion bringing one home. But it got to a point where there was no place to hang them all, and I would put them in storage, meaning to rotate. But like most things in storage, they’ve been ignored. The buying was more of an addiction than the owning.
Maybe it’s my time of life, but I’ve come to the conclusion that rather than buying a lot, it’s best to buy less, and to ask myself these questions before I buy…
What am I going to do with it? Where will it go? Will I use it? How will I feel about it in a year? If there was a fire, would I grab it as one of the few possessions I want to keep? Would I be better off keeping the money in the bank? Do I really want to get into debt over this item?
Valuable Lessons
This quarantine has taught us some lessons — like we go out to shop too much. We buy too much. We don’t need so much. Sometimes the act of traveling to buy is why we buy, more so than needing the item.
Depression Mentality
I can’t say I’m cured, but as we all struggle over money lost, jobs lost, and fear of loss, maybe we will take on the mentality of our parents or grandparents who grew up in the Great Depression. Now I understand why they were so frugal. They know it could all be lost in a moment. Now we know this too.
Life isn’t about stuff. Stuff is nice to have, but I’m wishing I had a Steinway instead of a cheap knockoff. I could have had one if I hadn’t bought all the other meaningless stuff over the years. I’d rather have the best of the best paintings than a garage full of pieces in storage.
A Glance Behind
There was a time when I had nothing. I lived in a small studio apartment without even one bedroom, and I didn’t have enough stuff to fill that space. Looking back at those days, I’d rather have the money I later spent on stuff — not so I could buy more stuff, but so I could just have it at a time like this.
More More More
A friend recently told me he wants to get a new job to make more money. I asked why. He said, “So we can get a bigger house and a better car.” I get that. But I cautioned him and suggested that our tendency is to make more money and then spend more money, and still not put any more in the bank. We just go from one house payment to a bigger house payment, one car payment to a bigger car payment. I suggested that maybe before doing that, he ask himself … why? Why do I want a bigger, more expensive house? Do I need the space? (In some cases, the answer to that is yes.) But sometimes it’s just that bigger seems better. I said, “Would it be better to get the new job or a raise and keep your expenses the same? Not to buy more, just to save more?” He has a big house, two nice cars, and no money put away to survive a time like this.
What about you? What are you addicted to?
I often remind myself that rather than looking forward to all the things I hope to get, I should look back to see how far I’ve come. Do we really need more? In some cases yes, but in many cases, no.
Finding Lessons
I’m grateful for the lessons coming out of this horrible tragedy. You and I will be better off as a result, in spite of the sadness surrounding it. I for one am thankful for what I have, and ready to shed what I no longer need. I’m going to be less of a consumer and more of an enjoyer. What about you?
This time is difficult, but it’s a blessing too. Use it to learn, to grow, to finish unfinished projects, to do new projects, to reconnect with the people you love, and to make yourself a better you. Embrace this moment in time for the blessings we’ve discovered.
Eric Rhoads
PS: I once went to a seminar by W. Clement Stone, a wealthy businessman and motivational speaker. His mantra was “Do it now.” When you think of it, do it now. If you can’t find a way, find a way now. Make your list of how you want your life to look. Do it now. Projects? Do it now. Now is all we have. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Do it now.
For my friends who are artists (or want to be) I’m doing a daily art update at 12n (ET) today and every day. I’m on Facebook live on my page EricRhoads, or on EricRhoads, Publisher and on Instagram on Eric Rhoads.
Also, you’ll find our free 3 pm daily art instruction videos there (and previous ones below) on the Streamline Art Video page on Facebook or YouTube.
- Lee Milteer: Managing Your Mindset
- Stephanie Few: What you need to know about government assistance for artists, galleries, and small businesses.
- Stephanie Few: Financial help for artists and galleries
- Jay Abraham: Survival for artists and galleries.
- Jean Stern: Artist Survival Strategies
- Free Painting Lessons for Beginners: www. PaintByNote.com
- Gallery Profile: Rehs Gallery
- Daniel Greene, N.A. Memorium (1934-2020) FACE 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
- Free video segments daily via Facebook Live:
4.12.20 – Michael Holter “7 Steps to Watercolor Portraits”
4.13.20 – Nancy Tankersley “Painting Figures From Photographs”
4.14.20 – Paul Kratter “Mastering Trees”
4.15.20 – Karl Dempwolf “California Impressionism”
4.16.20 – Albert Handell “Painting in Oil”
4.17.20 – Cynthia Rosen “Expressive Landscape Painting: Palette Knife in Plein Air”
Dear Eric Rhoads: I didn’t get my Sunday Coffee yesterday . Hope you are well and nothing is wrong.
You are 100% right. People in general buy and buy, and collect for the sake of collecting, and they get themselves in a very tough situation that we are living nowadays. Save your money for the darkest days.
Great article! I have been spending the last year going through the house and garage to lighten the load for my children. And they definitely have different tastes in art and books. I haven’t seen anything on the PACE in Santa Fe. Any updates on the status of that? I have purchased admission for the Colorado event, and now subsequently Santa Fe, with hotel reservations for Santa Fe..
Good overall point.
I have been deep cleaning my studio of late. Old announcements, magazines, catalogs, and even some early works are out of there.
I have been donating materials that I will not use, also, and making gifts of some of the better work. ( Not my best pieces, however! )
It feels great.
However, Eric, do you not publish a magazine devoted to “collectors “?
Over the years I have spent thousands of dollars in your publications trying to reach the market that loves to collect art.
There are only a very rare few who have the means to buy at the top of the art echelon.
Even though I have reached a level of accomplishment, I will likely never reach the top.
Hard realization, but true.
We need collectors of paintings at all levels.
You are clearly a man of influence…how about encouraging those would be purchasers that now is a great time to buy art?
Reminds of the days I wandered aimlessly collecting knik nacks ? Woven baskets to catch countless magazines and impressive coffee table books , picture frames in every dimension texture, color and size , music cd’s for Sunday brunch, Saturday jazz, Friday night dance parties, oldies but goodies to clean by , multiple collections of random seashells, placed in glass jars in every room, bookstores books and bookshelves, overflowing ultimately sadly tilting in a precarious blatant non uniform position that stressed me out viewing, more enjoying the read Hastily cut out articles meant to be sent to friends and families for dubious enrichment dormant on my floor , scattered around like the landing of a flock of geese in the beginning of spring. Looking around , regrettably offering I had a penchant fot turtles with their promise of sure , sloecbut steady progress. Collections for errors of etiquette at Christmas time “ oh how sweet ! These little scrunched face carolers, embedding s traditionally caroled filled gift every year thereafter. Boxed and stashed less the gifted paid a visit. Running feverishly prior to arrival , hurriedly placing these omniscient faces clumpily around to face their get out of jail free cards. Why so much stuff and how did it get here and why did it stay ? Well the.hole in the soul will never be full by materialistic musings. Bangles. Bannboozelled , antiques and newspapers stack high to the ceiling. It is when wisdom shouts the error of my junk all round that I finally realize -I d not be hostess nor hostage. Of all of this stuff. A lightning bolt strikes a glass mirror clean. No more Enough. Help me pull from the table. I am so full there’s no room dessert. So pack up grandmothers fine chins, free some space on the walls. Pick up those papers ,turn down the noise. I can’t think I am stressed!!! Get me out of here.
Yet, the ultimate realization that nothing defines us, but our nature , values and kindness to others. Not a painted stone from trip haul it away. Drown out the noise. All you need is purge and rethink. A life made More simply . Necessary actions. Remember me for how li listened to people. Remember me for the good i share with the world.
In the end , we won’t be judged by the designer labels or fine artworks or books. My soul may be full from the essence of God, who sources my strength. Keep it simple. Clear the noise from my mind. When I can turn down the noise and replace it with the love and gratitude necessary to lead an unencomb satisfying life. And I will know a new freedom. True to my authentic self. Impress by success.it doesn’t come from a shopping center, it does not come from things For now I know I get it from GOD I use it often. It’s not shoved in a closet , a drawer or attic. It’s here now within me the wealthiest all. And that’s how I shall shop. I’ll look how i treat other and then I will see, there is no pricetage for that gift And I can take it to wherever i go Thank you for a great read
Thanks for the good-sense reminder!
I agree with not needing more stuff,but for all the artists trying to survive ,you are shooting them in the foot. I don’t need the art and craft work i buy at shows, but I try to support the people. You of all people should realize that. Many times I spend the money as a tithe. I to have too many paintings and clay pieces and many other sculptures , but if we don’t buy, shows will go away. Art classes are not needed,magazines of art are not teaching tools just nice to look at. Even I can keep all of the art work I make,but I am not trying to live off of selling them. Be careful of your words. I love your magazines ,but with out support of your advertisers from artists, these could also suffer a pandemic.
Keep up the good work , I want to attend one of your retreats soon. Thanks Marlin
You are so right!!! Having more stuff means you need space to store it and time to care for it. Argh!
Dear Eric,
I have always enjoyed your magazine, Plein Air, but I must say, this is one of the most memorable articles I have ever seen on the subject of this Wuhan Virus. I was immediately taken back to when I was a kid and my parents, who lived through the Great Depression , had instilled the reality of “losing everything”. This faded with my generation as we aged, but came streaming back for me as I read the words in this piece. It brought to light the underlying feeling which I think me and my artistic friends are experiencing and just calling a “Funk”.
Much to contemplate, Thanks for observations.
Stay well,
Robert Lahm Artist and Educator
This really struck a nerve with me. After having six auctions after my husband died (auctions because of our addiction to antiques,) I thought I was better. Now it is art books and videos. I know I can pass them on to other people who would appreciate them. I also have my walls full of other artists’ paintings and have them leaning up against couches, etc., on the floor. I will be looking for a smaller place to live in a couple years and have finally decided that what I kept of the antiques was just stuff, and I have the memories. The others will go to good homes. I am actually excited about doing this and Covid-19 has, hopefully, moved me in the right direction. Thanks.
nice article Eric, yes this pandemic has made us all look at what is important, and it is not a lot of stuff. The basic are roof over your head, enought to eat, transportation and family. In the mean time i will keep painting. Mike Ishikawa
Mr.Rhoads that is the best piece you’ve written.
Thank you, Eric! I really enjoyed reading this article this morning. This time of being inside is a time of self reflection, and we’ve also been thinking alot about what’s really important – friends and family, relationships, not “stuff”. I’m remodeling my studio and put everything in storage just before the virus hit. I plan to get rid of a lot of it when I get it out of storage once this project is completed. Last night we had a Zoom Happy Hour with friends. The wife of the couple helps older people downsize for her job and has a real aversion to stuff as you can imagine. We talked quite a bit about the same things you’ve brought up here. Well, I could go on and on. I, too, cleared out my mother’s home a few years ago when she moved to assisted living and had to get rid of all of her “stuff”. Now I think of my kids and how I don’t want them to be burdened with my stuff when it comes time for them to do the same. It’s a great topic and I’m inspired to go clean out a few closets now! Do it now, as you say! Have a great day and thanks again!
Absolutely beautiful/accurate post. Consumerism is our unique addiction and it is good of you for pointing it out!
Quote: “Happiness is enjoying what you have.” — source unknown.
Eric, your article as always is incisive. Man has been a collector since time immemorial and the activity probably satisfies some innate need. My folks were collectors and I’ve inherited the tendency.
I’m a third generation book collector, the number has grown to nearly 800 and will continue to do so as I cannot live without this prized medley. There are of course a few I shall give away, but the whole lot is of dream quality and this is the reason I often post comments on Amazon.
Drawing reconstructions of Classical Antiquity requires plenty of research and hours of trying, my collection also serves as a foundation of learning beside in situ observation and artistic practice.
I have left this comment before and hope this time might get through. A couple of ideas that I would like to hear Eric talk or write about are (1) coming to painting late in life and the added issue of feeling pressure to move it along quickly “because you don’t have all day,” and (2) aphantasia in artists, I.e., the inability to visualize and how artists deal with it. The CEO of Pixar has it and gives questions new hires to see if they have it also so he can help them in their work, if they need it.
Thanks, love your noon broadcasts and am greatful for the 3p videos.
Andy Sheldon
last August my husband passed away leaving me in our Florida home and away from my family for over a decade due to his myriad of health issues. Late in February, I was approached by an unknown person who wished to purchase my not listed home. I was offered a cash transaction and accepted. The caveat being I needed to vacate in three weeks. I returned to the north on st. Patrick’s day on a near empty jet blue plane. There were only two pieces of luggage on the carousel at Newark. Both mine.
To make the quick move, one week before covid became much more than a news point, the purging of stuff including dozens of much loved art books. I passed them on to a senior center where elderly artists come and paint without space fees. I’ve convinced myself it was the good and right thing to do. Nevertheless, it was like parting with old friends who taught and inspired me.
Now, I’m back in the north with a lighter vision and less possessions. I thought I was the only one until I read today’s column.
I get it! Just stuff…until a new book catches my eye.
As I have aged, I realized the stuff holds you captive. Dusting maintaining etc! If I had the money I spent on stuff over the years, perhaps I could of enjoyed more experiences instead. It also would make it easier to move, which I want to do now. I just read a book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson. It is not morbid an easy read it sums it up. No longer do I want a larger home, who’s going to clean it? I want more time to have with people I care about and doing fun things together. As always enjoy your Sunday Coffee.
You are so right! Stuff is a problem when you hit 60! I always enjoy the Sunday morning coffee, (even though I drink tea,)
I am learning something every day with the videos, thank you !
Thank you!
This is ,indeed, a time of reflection.
Artists have a sacred gift (all the arts),which is too often lost ,or supressed,in the struggle to live and in the fear of facing everything which that gift means. Cutting off that spark ,which some would call divine,eventually results in “illness”, whether physical or mental. God Bless us all!
Excellent observations and inspiring Eric.
Thanks,
Moira
Thank you Eric for your encouraging, uplifting and poignant words. It is a late spring in Canada where I live.
A few weeks ago I clipped snippets of anything I’m my yard that would leaf out or hopefully provide a bloom.
It has been exciting to see new growth, at a time when the world seems to be in a vacuum. There is beauty everywhere when we look, and a hope that is always with us. I enjoyed your interview with Lori Putnam so much. Thank you for the resources you are sharing.
Why do we need tshirts in every color? I watch the home improvement shows and the bedroom closets are getting bigger than the bedrooms! I’ve come to realize I wear, on average, 5 outfits a season. Oh I’ll rotate in a different sweater if it’s cold, but you get my drift.. so why do I need closets full of things I don’t wear? When did it become passé to wear the same outfit twice? My mother had her Sunday go to church dress and her work clothes. One Sunday dress!
I want to stop feeding the economic engine! I want to go for a walk in the woods not the shopping mall. I don’t want to feel judged if I don’t have the latest, greatest…
I am tired of manufacturers planned obsolescence. Make your products last! In my imagination, I see the boss in a conference room asking his employees how the company can make more money. Someone answers “trim the size. No one will notice.” Another says “use synthetic, people can’t tell the difference.” And a third says “switch to plastic parts, when it breaks, they’ll come back and buy again!”
I say: give me a quality product, keep the size the same so it will match my expectations. I am willing to pay more if I need to. My first washing machine lasted 20 years! Oh I repaired it a few times, but it washed my clothes. It didn’t leave me messages, or talk to me or played music. It washed clothes and did it well. My last washer was five years old and I need to replace it. The motherboard that runs it, fried and costs as much as a new machine to replace! I want my 20 year old machine back!
I’m trying to downsize now. Throwing out or donating the leavings of a life. It is hard to do. Better to not gather, or listen to the marketing, in the first place…
Wonderful…..thank you.
I agree with you. I am embarrassed to say sometimes in buying “more”… I have already purchased the same thing but had put back to do/read someday.
As painters attempting to make an income on our paintings, workshops, videos, online workshops, books, and magazine articles, we do depend on others deciding to buy these “things” or we cannot eat, pay for transportation, be sheltered or even buy materials to continue on our path. We need some people to want more!
Eric, you are not alone in the art book addiction. I have so many, so many different subjects (portraits, landscape, wildlife,etc) that I could open my own library. The thrill is in the acquisition; THIS BOOK will be the one to make all the difference… Hope springs eternal. I have gone back and actually read some of them. Not all instruction books are good resources. Those will be discarded Purge is now beginning.