One of the wonderful thing an artist can do in the development of their work is to join an art organization. I belong to it in order so that it may assist in the development as an artist. The best thing about them is that they have an eclectic group of artists from those who are experienced to those who are novice and from professionals to those who do this as a hobby. They support you in your endeavors and can be just as important as doing art fair as they aid in networking and in the artist's development. As a person who tries to look for the positive it's refreshing to have a group that supports rather then tries to discourage one's development.
It amazes me that those in the industry for 10,20 or 30 years can hinder the development of a person at times by their cruelty to new emerging artists. Is art not subjective after all? Its a good thing that there are many good people with experience for every bad person who tries to humiliate a person. I have met such wonderful people through my Art Group that it is refreshing to be in a competitive city with people who have soulful love to help others. That there are still those out there who remember where they started and don't try to tear other's down to build themselves up. Perhaps those who tear other's down have forgotten what it is to have a soul and what it is to be supportive and positive of each other's talents.
I wouldn't change the positive interations that I have had with seasoned veterans in the art world for all the money in the world because they remember to have a heart, love and passion for art. They overflow with beauty and exchange of wonderful ideas and experiences. They support and try to teach and share their knowledge. They remember who they were when they first began and remember that they are never too big to help others. I love my NYC Art Group and the Positive People I meet in the art world. They inspire me to create and be a better person.
Comments
Kathy,
Here is a great national site for you. I am apart of the nyc chapter. www.womensjewelryassociation.com I"m sure if you goto linkedin you will find some local groups as well. Its great to have support and advice. Best of luck.
Daniela, I'm in Indianapolis. I don't have a web-site, but thanks for the tip.
Kathy
Kathleen,
I work in Jewelry so I can find out if there is a gropu in your area. Where are you located? Let me know and yes there are lovely and supporting groups out there. I am so happy to be a positive member of that rather then of those who are negative. Here is a great new website I found too that helps drive traffic if you have a website. www.artquid.com its a global website that is wonderful for artists to sell and market their work. Best of luck.
Daniela
Daniela, your group sounds lovely. I just finished reading a book called "The Wednesday Sisters" about a group of writers who make use of the opportunity of being together to inspire each others' literary talents.
I wish there were a group of jewelry people in my area to function as you've described.
Jackie,
You're suggestion is wonderful. I am happy that I have wonderful people and AFI sounds quite positive. I agree that staying clear of mean spirited people is ideal. I am focused on putting my energy now into promoting the next BWAC show which is a wonderful place to show for Brooklyn Working Artists. They are especially supportive and yes taking the high rode always does pay off in the end. Thanks so much.
AFI is also an art group that people can join. Instead of the art group being for a specific area, like NYC, AFI is for the whole country. We even have a few members from other countries, like Annette Piper. As with people from all walks of life you will always find a few that are mean spirited and nasty. Steer clear of them and don't give any weight to what they say. They are all around. You just have to try your best to stay away from them. That will also help you to grow from being around the positive people in your life.