Saturday, May 05, 2007

Pointing in a New Direction

The past few months have been a time for me to reconsider where I am going with my art and my life. Losing my sister was tough, and it was yet another reminder that we never know how much time we have. Some jealous friends chastise me about traveling so much, but hey, if not now, when? My 92 yr old Dad has always loved to travel, and only lately has he decided maybe his roadtrip days are over. Must have been a tough realization.

But me, I'm still young! And I intend to maximize the time I have on the planet.

Regarding my art, I have considered and discarded many suggestions by well-meaning friends. I'm not going to make and sell greeting cards, either painted or printed. I'm not going to make a hundred ATC's to sell on Ebay for $25 or trade with artists around the world. I'm not going to join MySpace and see how many "friends" I can accumulate who might buy my art. I'm not going to sell small originals on Etsy. All those things might work for other artists with different goals, but it's not where I am headed.

I want the big bucks, and I'm not afraid to work for it.

I've been spoiled by my relationships with art consultants. I paint, I get paid. That's great, and I know a lot of artists envy me that. However, I still want more. On this Saturday when I have no commissions in the studio other than some photo paintings for my West Coast rep, I am still painting. I have some ideas to express.

I also have two large incentives looming ahead of me. One is the Texas Clinic project on which I am acting as both art consultant and artist. It installs in October. Also in October is my solo show at the Scott & White gallery in Temple, TX. I have free rein with both -- so it's an opportunity I plan to take full advantage of. Wheels are turning, carrying me down that new path.

9 comments:

Joanie Gagnon San Chirico said...

Boy, do we think alike. My goal has been to show and sell textile/fiber art in fine art galleries and corporate settings. I have no urge to sell small "potholders" on Ebay or Etsy. I don't even usually show my work with other textile artists, except on occasion. I prefer fine art galleries, and this year I will also show in two museums. I've met my goal then, so on to the next on the list.

I am driven. This is my job, not a part-time hobby. If I'm not making art, I'm thinking about art 24 hours a day. If I can't be in my studio, my fingers get itchy. Travel is part of what we are, because in a new place the gears are constantly turning and new ideas fill my head from the photographs I take.

I guess I just wanted to tell you that you're not alone in your thinking. Life is short, take advantage of every minute.

Kilroy_60 said...

My compliments, the blog is extremely enjoyable. 8-) I'm pleased to include you in the newest edition of A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Blogosphere.

Looking forward to you visiting; see any feedback you may have. My only request, don't look at the first site in my link list, A Photographer's Eye. There's work that needs to be done there before a real artist should look.

If I still have you attention, I have one more thing for you...
You've been tagged!

Karen Jacobs said...

You've climbed a very steep ladder... and the view is fantastic. Trouble is, there's so much to see and choose from. I like the new goals your setting... why not take on the consultant end of things as well? You've got the personality and drive to do it all.

Anonymous said...

You betcha' gal...go for it all!

Pat

Walker said...

Joanie - Thanks for sharing your viewpoint - we agree!

Walker said...

KJ - If I play the role of art consultant I put myself in direct competition with my best clients. Don't know how wise that would be -- but I'll let you know after I finish Texas Clinic.

Pat - Thanks!

garyb50 said...

Do I ever hear that !!!

After I made my first million selling a very select few of my paintings so many of my ::so called:: friends advised me to sell my dirty socks on ebay cause I was like, famous and stuff. They were like, "you can just afford to always buy new pairs and I was like, no way, I feel more connected to, like, Earth and stuff if I wash my own socks...."

You go, girl !!!!!

Walker said...

Gary - How are you doing on Ebay? (evil grin) Robin

Mary Richmond said...

you're very smart. having just closed an ill-advised venture into having a shop/gallery I found myself selling lots of smaller items because that would pay the rent. and then, of course, i had trained my customer! i have fooled around with Etsy but find it more crafty than a real art place to sell my work. as for cards--i have made cards since i was in college because i love them, not to really make any money from them. i got sidetracked years ago from my studio painting to make custom tiles and have supported myself more or less with them for the last 20 or so years. i think you work really hard and having work with consultants is a good thing. i wish you the best. and you can always try the dirty sock thing on ebay after the first or second million....;-)