“Whoever lives sincerely and encounters much trouble and disappointment without being bowed down is worth more than one who has always sailed before the wind and has only known prosperity.” -Vincent van Gogh
Ordinary Spectacle 36" x 48" work on canvas
I just returned from giving it my all in Chattanooga at the 4 Bridges Art Festival. The trip was pretty disappointing. I had high hopes for strong sales of my new work – after 2084 mile round trip drive [mostly driven by my incredibly supportive husband] I am back in the studio trying to figure out what happened? I offered a variety of pieces, prices, payment plans. I had a number of interesting conversations with folks in my booth at the show. One of the “important” patrons [Madam X we will call her] spent a lot of time talking to me about my work – abstract is the only thing she likes to have in her home – she left without buying. Madam X also sent other folks to my booth – “you are X’s favorite you know” they would say to me, “your work is so interesting” – they left without buying. It continued on, those few who felt courageous enough to admit in the public that they actually LIKED abstract work [I did realize rather quickly that to admire abstract work in this part of the south does require a lot of courage...why?] – left without buying. This went on throughout the weekend. One of the last visitors to my booth spent a long time, complimented the work, assured me he was impressed by my talent and then looked me in the eye and told me to be sure to keep it up – then left without buying.
Ok, am I missing something here? Do people actually believe that these shows are just a spectator sport? Am I missing a piece of the puzzle somewhere? I always believed that supporting the arts, supporting living artists, actually meant you should BUY something – keep them going – put your money where your mouth is – that sort of thing!!! Enough – it is time to move on from that experience. Perhaps the stars just weren’t properly aligned for me last weekend. Not the first time, and probably not the last, I just wanted to vent a little bit. Deep breath. Move on. I am SO fortunate to do what I love to do. I had a bad show, it happens. I choose to live sincerely even though I may encounter much trouble and disappointment. How do you know with out trying? I choose to learn from this mistake – I just don’t know exactly what it is I have learned yet. I know I am better off for having given it my best. Don’t look back…
“There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying.” – Sir Francis Bacon
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry you had a bad show. Yes, they do happen, but it’s really tough to take. You work so hard, and still get nothing. I know it all too well! No real words of wisdom, just keep the faith and keep creating.
Thanks Barbara, yes they do happen, I debated even bringing it up on my blog – but it is so much a part of our artists lives I thought I should just say something. I do plan to keep the faith, keep creating & live sincerely – appreciate your comment! DTC
You know Deb. I totally understand what your are talking about and I have felt the same kind of “What the…………?”. I have been an artist a very long time. I know what it is like to give it your all, do everything right, and still come up empty. It is the name of the game. I know it seems to make no sense. I know it is as frustrating as hell. However, this is the life we have chosen for ourselves.
There are ways to ease the pain. Perhaps we should make a different kind of art. You know, art that is more universally accepted would sell. Pictures of cats? Picturesque landscapes with quaint cottages? Maybe we should sell our work for prices that are less than our own expenses and time. Another option is to get hooked up with an interior decorator who has hotel contracts. Who knows? The list of ideas could go on and on.
What I do know to be true is that if you keep working and keep trying, your art life starts to make sense to you. Yes, you might have to find other ways to bring in dollars while you paint. That is OK. We do what we have to do. If you want to paint what you want to paint, you have to consider these things. If you want to sell everything you make, all you have to do is start painting old, rusty, vintage cars or bizarre looking big eyed girls, etc. etc. You get the idea. There are things that will SELL quickly and always. If you make art for art sake, this is one philosophy. If you make art to sell, that is another animal. It is our decision and it is up to us to make that choice.
Sheree Rensel
wizzlewolf.com
Deborah, I’m sorry to hear about the bad show for you. I hear where you’re coming from, and I think you have the right approach however – just vent, let it out, and move on!
Yes, Deborah, I understand what you’re saying. It was nice to meet you in person at the 4 Bridges Art Festival last weekend. I’ve been there as a visitor for several years, yet this year seemed somehow different. In years past, the atmosphere was upbeat and I know artwork was selling. However, last weekend had a somber feel…a kind of bleakness. I don’t know whether the economic downturn is the reason, but as artists we continue….
I always reason that for every piece of art, there is a collector out there. Getting them together is the trick.
Thanks for your comment BJ – and your local insight. I really appreciate it – and somehow I feel better knowing that the general economy might be responsible for the somberness of the show. Interesting that you felt that as a visitor. Not the best environment for a festival – I do wonder what could have made it better…?
Deborah, I can certainly identify with your disappointment with your show at 4 Bridges. Having done three shows in TX this past month, the first two had very disappointing sales. However, my patience paid off with the last one.
I think sometimes we need to look at the bigger picture at a particular show. Was the weather a factor? Perhaps gloomy weather enhances the feelings of a gloomy economy and people can’t get into a positive purchasing mode. Were others selling? Maybe the show delivered a “window shopping” crowd instead of a buying crowd.
Was this your first time exhibiting at 4 Bridges? I find that with my abstract work that it takes exposure at two – three shows before collectors are willing to buy it. One of my favorite stories is at Cherry Creek, when I was one of their inaugural exhibitors. I came home with very mixed feelings that I had just participated in the most awesome event, where everything was perfect – except my sales ($500). People were amazed at my work but weren’t buying. Most said that they hoped I would come back the next year. So, I returned the second year and set a new sales record. If you didn’t have a strong mail list for this area, this show may be one you need to grow.
Thanks for sharing, Put it behind you and forge ahead!
For every door that closes, another opens. Chattanooga is part of the journey. Your star is ascending so be patient and continue on the path. Deb and I will be down on the 15th and will arrange to come by to pick up the pieces that we selected.
Chin Up!!
Deborah:
Thank you for the Twitter follow. Looking forward to chatting.
I am sorry you had such a negative experience at the show. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of buyers–you’ll go through twenty who gleefully and selfishly waste your time in order to get that one person who, with blissfully little fanfare, opens their wallet.
I don’t do shows–I don’t have the temperament or personality, I admit that. And luckily, I don’t have the time. I have the internet, which is the best “show” on earth for me. I can reach thousands–potentially millions–of buyers, and I don’t have to smile, look pretty or stand on my feet. If they like my work, they’ll buy it. If they don’t, they won’t. Some will try to waste my time via email or the phone, but I can keep that at a minimum and, after a bit, I can usually tell whether they’re just window shopping.
In this economy–art isn’t “guns or butter” as my husband likes to say–so the sale is harder. Don’t let it get to you. Keep creating and selling–whether online or off–and the sales will come.
M
Hi Deborah,
So glad to have you as a twitter friend (and mentor). Sorry you had such a bad show. I don’t blame you for venting – had to have been soooo frustrating!
Sales in the South have been the pits since January. I, like Mindy, don’t do shows…for the exact reason – I don’t have the patience or the temperament (or the time.) My galleries are hanging on (somehow) and my decorator friend is still doing small jobs… but I’m really hoping our economy turns soon. Hopefully, the MEDIA will give us a break and quit telling everyone not to buy lattes, eat out(I’m in the restaurant biz, too!) or buy non essential things (like ART). In the meantime, I’m staying true to my “voice” – painting what I paint- and building up one heck of an inventory for when the calls come in! Looking forward to chatting more!
Best,
Kathy
Deborah:
Have you tried visualization at all? Visualize your customers buying your paintings and feel the positive feelings you get when you make a sale. You might even try painting pictures of customers buying your paintings and put them in your studio.
As a creative type – you understand the creative process – our lives are paintings as well – everything we do is creative.
Buck up – your work is beautiful and pleasing. Gives me a great feeling! You will sell. Maybe this weekend was a lesson in having the ability to stay with it. Never ever ever ever give up. I am an artist, but I don’t sell my work. What I do sell is my writing and like you – it moves slow. Sometimes it takes a while, but bottom line, we create our reality like we create our art. Our life is the most beauteous piece of art we get to create. Stick with it!
Laurie J. Brenner
Deborah,
Such great feedback and support from blog readers. We just encountered 2 weeks out of our studio, away from home, with swine flu on the Texas TV around the clock, folks wearing masks, disinfecting continuously and then the monsoon of rain followed by mud and miniscule sales. It takes a toll on several levels. I hear you completely.
The beauty of lives is our spirit.
We don’t give up. We begin again.
That’s what we all do each time. We don’t give up!
It’s not in our gene pool to stop doing what we so love to do.
Hang tight, the next shows will be better!
Hugs,
Pat
“There are times that art fairs do feel like they’re being a spectator sport! Thanks for being so upfront about your experience since both other artists and customers need to know that this happens. We’re not all out there getting rich in our 10×10′s. It’s becoming a struggle and we need to be able to talk about it and get some well needed support from each other. We also need to hear when you have a totally kicking show and the work is flying off the walls. May that be your next show…”
Bonnie