This always happens when I become my worst enemy. Sleepless
in Connecticut. I've always hated art fairs but I've decided to do
several this summer. I've been to a number of them and want to
shove my finger down my throat. The work seems all the same,
boats and flowers and beach scenes. All very nice, but not the
kind of art that inspires me. But the artists do seem to be selling
some work. I really need to be selling more. Exact same problem when
I lived in NYC for ten years after grad school. I'm an artist but don't
have a clue on how to really market what I produce. I'm probably
on another fools mission Damn, I really need to make the transition
from woodworker back to artist. Plus find some success, humor and grace.
12 comments:
I sympathize with your situation, Bill. I've always avoided art fairs for the same reason. I know it can feel like a dead-end road sometimes, but you have to keep pursuing your own vision and trust that doors will open, eventually they will. Good luck with the art fairs, and remember, "to thine own self be true".
Bill, I think your art is great....so keep the faith because you are a great artist
Well, I love your art and I think you will be transitioning soon out into the world...you have very unique creative artistry.
Thanks everyone for the backslapping. In retrospect this was a maudlin post. I promise to do better.
Bill, Love the visual... It represents exactly the idea of "Sleepless"...
I find doing shows very difficult indeed... especially since I have the nature of a hermit .. we only did 2 last year and we would like to not have to do any this year... I find them exhausting and hard to stay that "up" for the whole weekend... there is always a compromise whatever we chose to do...
Have to put food on the table!... Hard to be a purist... We just sell to shops now...
I try to disconnect the artwork I need to do so I can make a living from the artwork I want to do to fulfill myself. But it always ends up that the day to day art work that i make to make a living always allows me the time and money to do the artwork I make for fulfillment...
wordy wasn't it!! as you can tell I am not an English major... just a lowly craftsperson...
Gwen- you are very important to my thinking right now. You seem to have some history with this and I appreciate your commentary.
If I could have visualized my sleepless, anxious nights, this is exactly what they'd look like: this big glowing red numbers assaulting me in the dark!
I've never tried the fairs/shows, though people often suggest it to me. I always say I'm too disorganized, but I think there's also a lot of intentional foot dragging going on.
There must be other ways!
Hey!
This is my third attempt at commenting on this post. First time I messed up, second time who knows???
Anyhew...
I say- get out there with your art! This may not be your ideal venue, but it's a starting place that may lead you to where you want to be.
well, i think that art fairs have potential, meaning that if better artists such as yourself started doing them, then we could evolve the connotations of the art fair, and make it better. that won't happen overnight...but i think many people would find it refreshing to see better art at the art fairs, i know i would.
I know the feeling and I sympathize :(
Just have to remember why you create and not let external forces get you down. As others say, keep the faith, your work is fabulous.
Again - thanks for the support. Teri - You'll have to drop by sometime and check out this great display system I picked up. Sarah - your new graphic threw me at first - As much as I complain, at least this is forcing me to update resume, create publicity material, come to conclusions whether this digital stuff needs to be editioned, etc. Jafabrit - I really think of your blog as an inspiration for letting loose with your art. Thanks for being an inspiration.
thanks bill :)
However I would be a fibber if I didn't say that there are times when I just totally despair. I mean, my work doesn't sell, and I wonder what the heck I am doing and where all this is leading me. Then I get back to the "have to do what I need to do" mode and to heck with it.
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