I am not thick-skinned

I'm reevaluating my situation with priorities to my art, family and the rest of the world. I have done my research and discovered that the art world has absolutely no respect for the artist, unless you are willing to jump through hoops and prostitute your craft. I don't have big money or PR skills. I really want to succeed as an artist - but need much more respect then I think is out there. I will find my own way to do it and not the conventional way because that will not work for my temperament. Piss on the artist or make a profit...hmmmm. Art dealers feel like they don't trust artists they don't know - but why on earth should we trust them when they want us to do the art work, plus most of the dirty work and take half of the profit! Tell me why I should think that is fair? I am willing to work and do some organizing, but I think the images of my art should be able to stand on their own without all the extra BS (who do you know and what have you accomplished already) that seems oh so very important to business of art.

"First Position Drain"

14" x 17"