OK, art may be considered a "luxury item" in todays economy, but for me it has been two other things! It has been therapy and a little extra income! Losing myself in a fantasy of my own creation, where there are no struggles for groceries, new glasses or paying the mortgage is good for the mind! Being able to make a few extra dollars with it has helped also. I have no formal training, it's simply what I have inside put forth in my own primitive way.  Having eye disease and needing new glasses makes it difficult to paint and draw, but I try not to give up! Now, the economy has brought this to a halt! I can no longer buy paints and brushes, canvas and paper. This economy affects so much, so deep.

I work part time, and am on Social Security, which just barely gets us by. But, it's hard to give up that one small pleasure, art!

I am sure there are other artists out there, struggling to keep the creative mind working.