FRITZ: Film Explores The Trials and Tribulations of the Artist

With the economy being the way it is and the increasingly competitive nature of the art world, it isn't easy making a name for yourself as an artist these days.

If you think it is difficult to break into the art world now, however, imagine what it was like before the internet and the wide-spread availability of artist residencies and grants.

This is something which filmmakers Benjamin Gonyo and Mike Martinez explore in their 12-part You Tube series, FRITZ.

FRITZ chronicles the career of the (as yet undiscovered) 70 year-old painter and machinist, Fritz.

Having developed his unique style over the course of 10 years, Fritz creates abstract prints and what he refers to as "seed" paintings; tiny, brightly colored smatterings of paint and fragile, circular shapes represent birth and the cycle of life.

Following Fritz's move to NYC in 1977, the film documents his struggle to break into the art scene: from the menial jobs he was forced to take in order to survive, to the overwhelming rejections he was met with, and the continual pressure he received from his family. Adding to all of this, Fritz suffered from a hearing impairment, which increased his frustration and often meant that he was glanced over when it came to business opportunities.

Later in life, the loss of his longtime companion and girlfriend, Darlene, left him uninspired and grief-stricken.

Through candid interviews and exposure, Gonyo and Martinez hope to see a resurgence in Fritz's creativity and finally bring him the recognition he deserves.

Joining Fritz are several reputable artists, including William Powhida and Jen Catrone, who discuss how they made it in the art world and how they stayed passionate about their work, despite the resistance they frequently faced. If you are a struggling artist, or just a creative person in need of some inspiration, I highly suggest you take a few minutes to check out Gonyo and Martinez's videos.

You can watch the trailer for FRITZ below.