Art is Our Drug of Choice: Why Artists Can't Live Without It

Art is considered our drug of choice for artists because it is not merely a job, but a fundamental aspect of life, a continuous pursuit through all circumstances, and a powerful force for healing and societal contribution. As artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith emphasizes, art is a gift to be preserved and used to make the world better, providing inspiration, meditation, beauty, and hope. Artists, like Jaune, often wear many hats to support their artistic habit, recognizing that cultures that cease making art are dying cultures. This deep connection to creation makes art an essential, almost addictive, part of an artist's existence, driving them to pursue it come hell or high water.