Two galleries in my area are closing. I removed my work from one gallery because of lack of sales and the continued space expence, and I'm going to take work out of another gallery because of no sales action after the holidays.
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
Comments
Great Grandpa said," Nuthin's free,,, not even the good stuff ". But I'm still worried about the changing nature of the American public.
So, there you go -- compulsion to create and living in a country where there really lots of opportunities to find a way to make your way. It isn't easy or free from worry, but what is the alternative? I could have stayed in the classroom and have a decent pension by now, but what did I get instead? It was a great trade off for me.
Oh,,,, and I've always understood I'd never become wealthy from my art work. I am compelled by my nature to create what I do.
That's what I'm finding.... My work has changed and the population sample interested in it has shifted. It's always been my intention to keep improving and growing in my art. I have found some outlets and am looking for more. My tea pots no longer sell for $35/ 50.00 they are selling for $300.00 and up. Some of the hand carved handles take 16 to 20 hours to make.
Here is an article that just landed in my inbox "The hard truth about following your passion"... one tidbit:
Your work is wonderful -- now there is that challenge finding the people who agree..
Send the link for your FB page.
I'm at a point now where I'll be directing my attention on what sort of art flows from my mind and hands and not worry about the general populations understanding of it. My combination of wood and pottery has moved my work into a new and different direction. That has narrowed the number of people that have the experience and understanding to interpret what I'm expressing. Go to my facebook page and check out some of my resent work..... I'm excited and proud of the quality and uniqueness my art is going.
It can be very discouraging. When we were not able to do the shows anymore luckily our house was paid off and we'd cleared our credit cards. Then we just stopped going out to shop and tried not to use the cards at all. Not traveling and doing the shows it was amazing how much less we needed to earn. The thing we could control was what we spent.
So many people in this business are doing six things in order to continue to survive, it is tough but what is the alternative? What has helped me is not concentrating on the lack and paying attention to all opportunities, plus reading and helping others. Anything that gets my mind off of what is missing and focusing on what is good in my life. It doesn't pay bills but it helps with the perspective.
Where do you live?
I've always divided my work display between gallerys and art/craft shows. Both outlets are suffering from the economic stress of our times. The group of people that bought work at galleries is greatly diminished. I've witnesed a decline in the folks that recognize good work and purchase it at the outdoor show too.
Have you always sold your work through galleries, Rick? Is this your only source of income.