Meaning: The quote by Gil Kane, a renowned comic book artist, sheds light on the challenges and competitiveness that artists faced in the industry. It reflects the scarcity of job opportunities and the resilience required to secure a position in the field of art. Kane's words provide insight into the demanding nature of art professions and the extraordinary circumstances that often led to an artist finding a space in the industry.

In the quote, Kane emphasizes the rarity of people being fired from art jobs, indicating the stability and scarcity of such positions. This highlights the intense competition and high demand for employment in the art world. The phrase "art jobs were very hard to get" underscores the challenges faced by aspiring artists in finding employment within the industry. This sentiment aligns with the commonly-held perception of the art world as a fiercely competitive and selective environment, where securing a job can be a daunting task.

Kane's use of the phrase "something really calamitous had to happen" conveys the magnitude of the obstacles that artists had to overcome in order to secure a position. This implies that the circumstances necessitating a vacancy or opportunity in the art field were often significant and impactful, requiring a major upheaval for someone to find a space. This further emphasizes the rarity of job openings and the exceptional nature of the events that could lead to an artist being able to secure a position.

Overall, Kane's quote offers a glimpse into the challenging and competitive landscape of the art industry, where job opportunities are scarce and the path to securing a position is fraught with obstacles. It speaks to the resilience and determination required of artists to navigate the demanding nature of the field and to persevere in the face of formidable odds.

The quote also provides valuable context for understanding the historical and professional dynamics of the art world, shedding light on the scarcity of art jobs and the exceptional circumstances that could lead to a space becoming available. It offers a perspective on the challenges faced by artists in finding employment and the extraordinary events that could create opportunities within the industry.

In conclusion, Gil Kane's quote encapsulates the competitive and demanding nature of the art world, highlighting the scarcity of job opportunities and the exceptional circumstances that often led to artists finding a space in the industry. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in the art field, shedding light on the challenges and obstacles faced by artists in their pursuit of employment and recognition.