Hogwash. Art is a luxury item for people who have enough discretionary income to afford it. That ain't the general public. It's upper middle class and above, and the middle class diminishes every day. Why do you think they call those people who can afford it "Patrons of the Arts." Even historically, artists required a patron to do their best work.The ability of artists to survive financially would be greatly increased if this message was etched into the brains of the general public.
One wanting to be an artist does not necessary mean that one has the talent to be so. Patrons, collectors, investors, etc, do not pay for the efforts, the errors, the experimentation, the frustrations of the artist, they pay for the results. Why would artist be different than car mechanics, or a brain surgeons, desire alone is not a qualification, drive alone is no substitute for talent.
This country is very good at rewarding abilities, those who do not succeed as "artist" should question their expertise before they question their public, of course it is easier to question, blame other than to question, blame oneself.
Funny how someone can wake up one morning and not only claim to be an "artist" but also demand to be recognize as such by the society at large which should then provide financial support regardless of the quality of the work. Try to do that as a car mechanic?