The Wild Ways Artists Have Made Their Livings, from the Renaissance to Today

Mason Currey's new book, 'Making Art and Making a Living,' compiles stories of how artists from the Renaissance to today have funded their creative lives. It details diverse methods beyond family wealth, including odd jobs, dual careers, and institutional roles, highlighting figures like Louise Nevelson, Philip Glass, and Frank O'Hara.

The book matters because it reveals the persistent, often arduous economic realities behind artistic production. By showcasing the resourcefulness and varied paths artists have taken, it provides historical context and inspiration, moving beyond simplistic narratives of privilege or commercial success to underscore the complex relationship between survival and creativity.