Well, I WAS one of the potters...my husband and I worked together, made our living as studio potters for 30 years, about 1/3 wholesale, 2/3 through art fairs and private shows. Mostly functional, cone 10 reduction, great glazes, organic shapes.

Now that I am alone, I've turned to an old avocation and am slowly getting a photography business off the ground, selling mainly thru local wineries and gift shops. Like pottery, the process is far more compelling than the product, especially when it comes to marketing, my least favorite aspect of making a living from the arts.

Not a get rich quick scheme, that's for sure. But on the other hand, in more conventional terms one would have to be very high on the corporate food chain to live as freely as is possible from a "career" in the arts.

I agree, Bruce, living and working together turns compromise into an art form...but very rewarding.