THE RECESSION-PROOF ARTIST, video at NYTimes.com

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/05/19/arts/20090518_RECESSIONARTISTS_SLIDESHOW_index.html

Check out this article over at the New York Times. They didn't talk to any writers, but it's still relevant.

Tight Times Loosen Creativity

By ROBIN POGREBIN

Published: May 20, 2009

Hundreds of artists told us how the economy is affecting their lives and work.

There's a little video linked there, too:

The Recession-Proof Artist

Alexander Conner is an interdisciplinary artist continuing to make his art despite living on $12,000 a year.

Ha, "despite living on $12,000 a year?" It's a how-to for my life, and future : )

He lost points when he said "I'm a really great artist," or whatever he said, because who says that? With a straight face, no qualifiers, on camera?

If I EVER say "I'm a really great writer," please pinch me, really hard, and then stop speaking to me until I snap out of it.

Plus, he's got no student debt. He's got a job at a museum. This guy is living the sweet life, at least for now.

Hey though, good for him.

DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL, by Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (visuals by David Lynch)

I've been feeling pretty burned out on music for a while. This really kicked me awake. I listened to the whole album (via the stream over at NPR) at least three times in a row today.

Apparently there were legal problems with the label (they wanted to shelve the album?!), so the project is being sold as a book of photography by David Lynch, along with---get this---a blank CD-R. Guess what you're supposed to do with it?

I can't wait to check out the art (can't exactly afford the $50 book right now, but I'm hoping there will be other ways to view?) You can also get a $10 poster/CD-R package.

Check it out at the official website:

"Danger Mouse's project Dark Night of the Soul consists of an album length piece of music by Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and a host of guest vocalists, along with a collection of original David Lynch photography inspired by and based on the music.

The photographs, which provide a visual narrative for the music, are compiled in a limited edition, hand numbered 100+ page book which will now come with a blank, recordable CD-R. All copies will be clearly labeled: 'For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will.'

Due to an ongoing dispute with EMI, Danger Mouse is unable to release the recorded music for Dark Night of the Soul without fear of being sued by EMI.

Danger Mouse remains hugely proud of Dark Night of the Soul and hopes that people lucky enough to hear the music, by whatever means, are as excited by it as he is."

Hint, hint. An article at NPR lists the collaborators:

In addition to Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, other artists appearing on Dark Night of the Soul include James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, David Lynch, and Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.

Now go listen!