It would have been as ridiculous for a working class man or woman to make art as it would have for that same person to become an accountant. Still, artists throughout time have snuck in their personal values in their paintings. Hieronymous Bosch is one of the artists I believe to have inserted personal values into Church-commissioned art.
Even in the modern era, art is still entwined with money. The artist needs to live, sure. But that is not the only connection between art and money. Art galleries exist because art has become big money. Art symbolizes wealth. No ordinary person can afford "real" art. Ordinary people purchase prints and reproductions, not original pieces by known or up-and-coming artists.
Art is like any other commodity now, for better or for worse. Artists have a greater chance than ever of making a viable living, given the plethora...
At the same time, artists must also be adept at marketing. This is why artists themselves might find themselves in need of an accountant who understand the intricacies of working with a creative freelancer. Similarly, an accountant might work with an art collector or a gallery. The art collector is typically a wealthy person who views art as an investment. No longer the domain of the art patron, art is now a fiscal investment like bonds or futures.
This is why I do not view art and accounting, my field of interest, as incompatible. As an accountant, I will be working with clients both wealthy and not. My clients will have varying talents and varying interests in art. Those who are art investors might be happy to know that with my knowledge, I understand their interest in investing in art and maintaining that investment.
