Originally Posted by Tokolosh

As far as I'm concerned, an artist should isolate him/herself in their studio and concentrate purely on their work. Nothing else.
Speculating about what the audience might/might not think of it afterwards, shouldn't even cross their minds.
This whole discussion is irrelevant anyway. You might be a brilliant painter, whatever-- If you can't promote yourself as an artist, your work will never see the light of day. Stop dreaming. If you don't at least have some sort of reputation, respect or close friends in the art world, you're doomed. End of story.