A very cool story I will remember always and worthy of sharing.
I was painting in my booth yesterday when a young family came in to view my art. Mom and daughter when right in while Dad and brother cautiously watched from the main aisle (sidelines). I greeted them and continued working, giving them the space they needed to look.
The daughter went right over to the Petite Series display; (miniature framed art) and says: "I like the top one Mom, I'll pay for it with my money!! It's $55". My little art collector has spoken.
She couldn't reach the top shelf for she was only about 7 years old and under 4 ft, so I went to get it for her so she could see it up close and hold it. Mom goes over to Dad, "She really wants it and wants to spend her money on it, but her purse is in the car."
Mom checks with me that the prices includes the frame and everything and I look at the little one, "This piece is called Faces of the Rodeo, I photograph these horses in Prescott every year." She smiles and slightly rocks back and forth on her feet, holding the piece close to her heart. I ask her: "Is this your very first piece of art?" She shyly shakes her head yes and smiles. I tell her I'm honored by that and how wonderful it is to meet her.
I've always loved children and sometimes connect with them more than adults. How awesome it is that we're two strangers decades apart in age but truly connected with our love for horses. It's what I love about art; the walls come down. Strangers become friends. I will always look back on this unique, beautiful moment.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Do you collect art?"
That is the question of the day. Or week, month, I should say. It's a very reasonable question to ask every patron who visits this show, who is interested in my work.
I shouldn't be embarrassed by it, everyone coming through the doors knows the show is full of artists selling their art; it's not a museum. I've done all but ask this question and have received my answers from body language the majority of the time. A few kind souls were gracious enough to share that they were only looking, not art buyers at all and they understood respectfully my position. That is rare. Art can be enjoyed by all, whether they're collectors or not. At the same time, this is my livlihood and I have every right to know who I'm communicating with. I'm patiently waiting for my buyers, and like matchmaking, I'm sure I'll know them when I see them. We are exactly 1/2 way through this show.
The public venue is very colorful, to put it lightly. 97% of the people are very kind in their critique of your work. I have run into a few, however, that, for whatever reason, just choose to be insulting. Maybe they had a quarrel before the show, maybe you represent something they never tried and for the moment, you have a bullseye on your back, kinda like that bully from gradeschool. Somehow you find it in yourself to be diplomatic because truly, their problem doesn't need to become yours.
I think the sweetest comments I've had involve what I've achieved while young. Funny, in art I tend to see the skills people have, age doesn't enter in at all. Heart and passion can bend time, speed it up or slow it down depending on your will. I will share that while exhibiting in the show, I always do my best work. The artists and new friends you make push you in ways you don't even realize may be your strengths. It's like one huge workshop! Until next time-
I shouldn't be embarrassed by it, everyone coming through the doors knows the show is full of artists selling their art; it's not a museum. I've done all but ask this question and have received my answers from body language the majority of the time. A few kind souls were gracious enough to share that they were only looking, not art buyers at all and they understood respectfully my position. That is rare. Art can be enjoyed by all, whether they're collectors or not. At the same time, this is my livlihood and I have every right to know who I'm communicating with. I'm patiently waiting for my buyers, and like matchmaking, I'm sure I'll know them when I see them. We are exactly 1/2 way through this show.
The public venue is very colorful, to put it lightly. 97% of the people are very kind in their critique of your work. I have run into a few, however, that, for whatever reason, just choose to be insulting. Maybe they had a quarrel before the show, maybe you represent something they never tried and for the moment, you have a bullseye on your back, kinda like that bully from gradeschool. Somehow you find it in yourself to be diplomatic because truly, their problem doesn't need to become yours.
I think the sweetest comments I've had involve what I've achieved while young. Funny, in art I tend to see the skills people have, age doesn't enter in at all. Heart and passion can bend time, speed it up or slow it down depending on your will. I will share that while exhibiting in the show, I always do my best work. The artists and new friends you make push you in ways you don't even realize may be your strengths. It's like one huge workshop! Until next time-
Monday, February 1, 2010
Going in to week 3!
It's nearly 9pm and I'm exhausted!! In a good way! I'm entering my 3rd week at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale. Despite the colder weather and even rain, there has been great traffic at the show and success.
I'm very pleased to share that I've had some sales and added a dozen new clients to my mailing list who have shared an eager interest in my work. The Big Cats and Deer have especially been getting lots of attention, as much as my horses - which is fun because they are a passion I wanted to paint and people are responding to it, truly in the way I'd hoped. My Snow Leopard has been referred to as the "Mona Lisa" of cat paintings because the eyes follow you from every direction. I'm seeing the connection people have with the work; they admire the technical side, softness of brush strokes and playful color palette - but most importantly they love the story - these animals are "real" and speaking to them, which is that 4th wall I like to push and engage the mind. Very exciting stuff!
I was also introduced to a couple of new clients for another realm altogether: potential licensing - also very exciting. They were particularly interested in my water lillies. I have to say, the fella that introduced me - great guy. And everyone in this show has really made me feel welcome as a new artist. Like a big family.
With that, I'm signing off so I'm refreshed and rested! The time is flying, hope all is well in your world!
Until next time-
Happy Painting
I'm very pleased to share that I've had some sales and added a dozen new clients to my mailing list who have shared an eager interest in my work. The Big Cats and Deer have especially been getting lots of attention, as much as my horses - which is fun because they are a passion I wanted to paint and people are responding to it, truly in the way I'd hoped. My Snow Leopard has been referred to as the "Mona Lisa" of cat paintings because the eyes follow you from every direction. I'm seeing the connection people have with the work; they admire the technical side, softness of brush strokes and playful color palette - but most importantly they love the story - these animals are "real" and speaking to them, which is that 4th wall I like to push and engage the mind. Very exciting stuff!
I was also introduced to a couple of new clients for another realm altogether: potential licensing - also very exciting. They were particularly interested in my water lillies. I have to say, the fella that introduced me - great guy. And everyone in this show has really made me feel welcome as a new artist. Like a big family.
With that, I'm signing off so I'm refreshed and rested! The time is flying, hope all is well in your world!
Until next time-
Happy Painting
Friday, January 22, 2010
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions...
...Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great".
-Mark Twain
I have learned the hard way the past few years that sometimes those you admire, respect, hold of very high opinion - even in your field - may very well act in ways and do things that are not in your best interest. It's important to take it for what it is, not try to deny it or change it - but accept it and most of all, rise above it.
Camaraderie is great; and we all want positive reinforcement with our growth and our work. We want to connect, feel a part of something special, yet have our unique stamp and recognition. We want to belong and yet be respected as an equal, and an individual. It has been my experience, the more I challenged myself through the years, the obstacles increase - and on this personal note I'm referring to people, not just the art.
Sometimes the lines will be blurred and hard to see, but it is most important that when your peace of mind and approach to work suffers - identify the source, it may very be the one closest to you in the field. A previous mentor of mine that helped me grow tremendously, turned out to be a very dangerous force - a ticking time bomb, emotionally. This person would turn on a dime; and smear my work if his foul mood gave him permission. Another colleague showed complete lack of support when I decided to try another art show to exhibit in and sell my work. It's not one he ever did himself, but chose a loyalty somewhere else and somehow my choice was enough to throw mocking, childish insults. He insulted the show and myself along with it. It's not easy to swallow that those you truly supported do not return the same feelings. This is where you accept it, as hard as that is. Lots of Ego, lots of Politics, lots of Games - nothing to do with the art itself.
When your peers and supposed friends begin to hold you back, it's time to cut them loose. Each experience will be a layer of resilience, necessary for your growth & survival.
Camaraderie is great; and we all want positive reinforcement with our growth and our work. We want to connect, feel a part of something special, yet have our unique stamp and recognition. We want to belong and yet be respected as an equal, and an individual. It has been my experience, the more I challenged myself through the years, the obstacles increase - and on this personal note I'm referring to people, not just the art.
Sometimes the lines will be blurred and hard to see, but it is most important that when your peace of mind and approach to work suffers - identify the source, it may very be the one closest to you in the field. A previous mentor of mine that helped me grow tremendously, turned out to be a very dangerous force - a ticking time bomb, emotionally. This person would turn on a dime; and smear my work if his foul mood gave him permission. Another colleague showed complete lack of support when I decided to try another art show to exhibit in and sell my work. It's not one he ever did himself, but chose a loyalty somewhere else and somehow my choice was enough to throw mocking, childish insults. He insulted the show and myself along with it. It's not easy to swallow that those you truly supported do not return the same feelings. This is where you accept it, as hard as that is. Lots of Ego, lots of Politics, lots of Games - nothing to do with the art itself.
When your peers and supposed friends begin to hold you back, it's time to cut them loose. Each experience will be a layer of resilience, necessary for your growth & survival.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Celebration of Fine Art 2010
I've been painting and preparing for this Annual, juried exhibition, check in is tomorrow at 10am! The rest of the week will not be glamorous; patching, painting the walls in the booth, installing carpet, lights...this set up is much more work than the previous show I'd been exhibiting at the past 3 years. They did all this work for you, but the walls were black and the only choice. Due to my financial circumstances changing, I had to take a good hard look at both exhibits, and truly, the new one I'm entering this year has a great advertising campaign promoting the show, it came down to that. These directors have ad placements in the top publications not only local, but regional & national. I'm so blown away and impressed! It's exciting.
It also is fun to be able to choose an appropriate wall color that suits best to complement your work, helps people envision it in their home. Took weeks just to decide the wall color! I needed something that went well with both the warm toned pieces as well as cool; ended up with a rich port wine. My good friend Sharon is coming to help out and share the adventure!
All the rest of the details to follow: finishing paintings, wiring them, creating price tags, prints. It all comes together in the end. I just finished the Mountain Lion; it took longer than I anticipated, causing delay in other new painting ideas I had for the show but those can be done during the exhibit, so we're in good shape. I'll post her on the website this week, after she's been photographed for Giclee prints for the Big Cat Rescue's.
celebrateart.com
Happy New Year,
Till next time!
It also is fun to be able to choose an appropriate wall color that suits best to complement your work, helps people envision it in their home. Took weeks just to decide the wall color! I needed something that went well with both the warm toned pieces as well as cool; ended up with a rich port wine. My good friend Sharon is coming to help out and share the adventure!
All the rest of the details to follow: finishing paintings, wiring them, creating price tags, prints. It all comes together in the end. I just finished the Mountain Lion; it took longer than I anticipated, causing delay in other new painting ideas I had for the show but those can be done during the exhibit, so we're in good shape. I'll post her on the website this week, after she's been photographed for Giclee prints for the Big Cat Rescue's.
celebrateart.com
Happy New Year,
Till next time!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
"You're not worth anyone's time, period!"
You are so ignorant and arrogant, I'm done. You're not worth anyone's time period, I'll never refer anyone to you or the gallery for sales.
Do not contact me again-
Deborah
This was how I ended my last correspondence with a gallery out in Laguna Beach. How on earth did this become so escalated? It truly appeared as though my work would fit there. In fact, it was a very eclectic gallery, much like the other two I'm in, one back home in AZ and the other in CO. One of the artists in the gallery, I exhibited with earlier this year in a national, annual, juried show. So I got the contact card of who to submit my work to and did that very night, introducing myself and asking for his thoughts and feedback.
The response was/is the most disrespectful and unprofessional I have ever received.
"not good enough for us. thx"
It's a good thing this is not my first rodeo....a few years ago that response would have completely crushed me, and put a dead halt on speaking to galleries. Only a coward too spineless/non creative to create his own work and hang on a wall for others to critique, hides behind selling another's work as his leverage to make this kind of statement. Somewhere in the process of selling art, he has deemed himself above it, like a judge passing law of what is acceptable, and what is not, what meets his criteria and personal tastes. It is not uncommon for your work to pass through this standard, salespeople sell what they like. It they don't like your work for whatever reason, the above response can happen. It does not matter if your work is good, and they will hold your entire self-image in the balance, if you let them. This was beyond a gallery just stating what works for them, what doesn't. I don't care who you are, or who you think you are - you don't treat people this way.
I responded the most diplomatic way possible, that "he was classless, rude, unprofessional and disrespectful". Like most arrogant people who do not see themselves, he dismissed it as nothing, responding below:
"sometimes we dont have the time to massage your feelings. our job is to sell not curry your favor. listen you asked me for my thoughts in your original email. I gave them to you now you are crying. Grow some skin in this business."
I returned: "Don't patronize me, the choice to show class takes no more time than being rude. Your job includes respect for everyone who comes through those doors, for current sales and future ones."
Truth is, if you listen to these people they can affect you going forward and creating. It's a good thing I believe in my work and know his statement is false. It is good enough for the gallery, but not good enough for him - that's the difference. And it never will be, for two reasons:
1) He was deconstructive in his opinion, no professional foundation to stand on, art-wise. I've rarely seen a situation jump from unprofessional to professional. He abused his power, meant to derail me with his arrogance and was all right with it.
2) I will not be altering my course or work or style to meet what this person considers to be good enough, nor ever have him represent me in the future, by choice.
Life is too short, do not waste your time on these unworthy, trying to prove to them you are. We're all at different levels in our craft, those that are respectful and professional are the only ones in this field worth working with, and representing your art. As for the the jerk above, I documented everything, passed it on the owner's son; they needed to know who it was representing them.
A few months later, my point was proven. He'd put me on their mailing list and sent a notice out of specials and sales happening in the gallery....many artists collect other artists' work. I shot a reminder back of our previous experience, not only will I never purchase from him - but everyone I know is advised to go elsewhere as well. Take me off your list. All this came from his choice to handle the matter in which he did.
Happy New Year
Do not contact me again-
Deborah
This was how I ended my last correspondence with a gallery out in Laguna Beach. How on earth did this become so escalated? It truly appeared as though my work would fit there. In fact, it was a very eclectic gallery, much like the other two I'm in, one back home in AZ and the other in CO. One of the artists in the gallery, I exhibited with earlier this year in a national, annual, juried show. So I got the contact card of who to submit my work to and did that very night, introducing myself and asking for his thoughts and feedback.
The response was/is the most disrespectful and unprofessional I have ever received.
"not good enough for us. thx"
It's a good thing this is not my first rodeo....a few years ago that response would have completely crushed me, and put a dead halt on speaking to galleries. Only a coward too spineless/non creative to create his own work and hang on a wall for others to critique, hides behind selling another's work as his leverage to make this kind of statement. Somewhere in the process of selling art, he has deemed himself above it, like a judge passing law of what is acceptable, and what is not, what meets his criteria and personal tastes. It is not uncommon for your work to pass through this standard, salespeople sell what they like. It they don't like your work for whatever reason, the above response can happen. It does not matter if your work is good, and they will hold your entire self-image in the balance, if you let them. This was beyond a gallery just stating what works for them, what doesn't. I don't care who you are, or who you think you are - you don't treat people this way.
I responded the most diplomatic way possible, that "he was classless, rude, unprofessional and disrespectful". Like most arrogant people who do not see themselves, he dismissed it as nothing, responding below:
"sometimes we dont have the time to massage your feelings. our job is to sell not curry your favor. listen you asked me for my thoughts in your original email. I gave them to you now you are crying. Grow some skin in this business."
I returned: "Don't patronize me, the choice to show class takes no more time than being rude. Your job includes respect for everyone who comes through those doors, for current sales and future ones."
Truth is, if you listen to these people they can affect you going forward and creating. It's a good thing I believe in my work and know his statement is false. It is good enough for the gallery, but not good enough for him - that's the difference. And it never will be, for two reasons:
1) He was deconstructive in his opinion, no professional foundation to stand on, art-wise. I've rarely seen a situation jump from unprofessional to professional. He abused his power, meant to derail me with his arrogance and was all right with it.
2) I will not be altering my course or work or style to meet what this person considers to be good enough, nor ever have him represent me in the future, by choice.
Life is too short, do not waste your time on these unworthy, trying to prove to them you are. We're all at different levels in our craft, those that are respectful and professional are the only ones in this field worth working with, and representing your art. As for the the jerk above, I documented everything, passed it on the owner's son; they needed to know who it was representing them.
A few months later, my point was proven. He'd put me on their mailing list and sent a notice out of specials and sales happening in the gallery....many artists collect other artists' work. I shot a reminder back of our previous experience, not only will I never purchase from him - but everyone I know is advised to go elsewhere as well. Take me off your list. All this came from his choice to handle the matter in which he did.
Happy New Year
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