why i took a hiatus from art shows and sales

 So, I have gone through spells in the past where i just felt really out-of-it as far as making art. I suppose it was one of those existential moments or something.

But this time...it isn't...this time i'm taking a break from making art and participating in shows for a few concrete reasons...

1. Because I haven't been making the work i really want to make....In a way i sold out my soul...not because anyone made me feel like i had to...but because i felt like i had to...as in, i had to make work that was "salable, commercial" well at least compared to what i really have in my heart...i've spent a lot of time seeing what artists i admire are doing and seem to be doing to sell their work on a regular basis...so, i tried to do the same...the result, was mediocre work that i did not believe in at all...it wasn't sincere...it wasn't "me"...it was just stuff....it[wasn't awful stuff...it just wasn't sincere...and it wasn't me...

2.Going to art shows and sales is exhausting....physically, emotionally, spiritually...it involves heavy lifting, packing and unpacking, social interaction (which is exhausting by itself for an extreme introvert like myself) and is always a huge gamble....you may or may not have a good crowd who may or may not be buying and may or may not be interested in your work... it is a potshot at best...there seem to be artists who are great at this kind of thing. I admire their ability to shmooze customers, their salesmanship, their ability to do business...that isn't me...when i leave a show i need a week to get over it...it is physically like i got hit by the flu every single time...which affects not only me but my entire family...which makes it not worth my effort simply based on this alone...

3. Not a money maker: so, as i said, there are artists and artisans who are amazing at making moo-laa at art shows. There are a lot who have also confessed that for them, going to art shows is really just a way of advertising yourself and not about making money at all. I totally get that. I think it is a great way to look at it.  For a person like myself who does not want to talk all the time, or explain for the millionth time what a piece means...(yeah, i know that is a bad attitude...sorry, but it is true...) going to art shows has to be a money maker, otherwise it just isn't worth all of the effort....i came to the conclusion that the amount of stress+effort/energy going out+time consumed did NOT equal the non existent money coming in...in fact i was lucky to break even... i also figured out that i actually brought more money into the family coffers simply by being a substitute yoga teacher...and if you teach yoga...you know just how little that is and due to my limited amount of time i am available...it is even less than it could be...

So, these three things alone are why I took a break from participating in art shows...

I could share some of my stress inducing nightmare stories ,but i won't...the three reasons i listed are nightmares enough...

I have had several artist friends asking me when I will be "back".  I'm not sure. There are a few shows i'm looking at.  Maybe this month...maybe never. I really have no idea, right now.As ever, I'm still processing. It might change tomorrow. Who knows? I certainly don't.  I just going with the flow of life and seeing where I land right now...

7 ways to lose Artists

In choosing which direction to go next with my art, I started thinking about what I have enjoyed the most and what really inhaled profusely.

I have been participating in art events and shows for years.( I won't bore you with that number) But, I have displayed my artwork at art festivals, school art shows, cultural centers, diners, college campus art galleries, parades, privately owned stores, coffee shops, etc...

I have taken breaks of time  spanning months to years...Yes, YEARS....

I have had some really GREAT experiences...

 I have had some pretty CRAPTASTIC ones as well...

On that note, as I am reviewing my own experiences with certain venues and deciding if I want to work with them again: I have made a few lists...which started out very tongue-in-cheek....of ways Producers, Curators, and Venue owners can get themselves black listed in the Art Karma world...I have also made a list of my best experiences which will follow later. Enjoy....


How to lose Artists in your venue or event:

1.Treat your artists like they are your minions. I know it is hard to believe....but artists are not there to serve you...They are there to show their work, and make money. Their goal is to support themselves with their work...not to serve you...If you have done your job properly, you will have artists who will naturally flow with your show. It won't be an issue. But, talking down to your artists, not good for your image or your Art Karma.

2. Expect artists to read your mind. I know that artists are really intuitive, for the most part. We are sensitive, feeling people, who pick up on the feelings of others fairly easily...on that note...if there is something you need, expect, or want from us...be straightforward and simply, calmly, and respectfully tell us...case closed... Expecting us to read your mind and do what we "think" you want isn't cool....get a clue.
Actually...you don't need to get a clue. I was just straightforward with you, the way we need you to be.

3. Hold your artists to rigid standards, but not yourself. If you do have certain expectations, rules, guidelines you need followed for your convenience...don't you dare do anything less than what you expect...As soon as an artist sees you coloring outside of the lines you are demanding they stay in...which btw...sucks...you have lost the respect of your artist...(this kinda goes for anything in life...parenting, teaching, spiritual leaders, government officials...people in general...)

4. Be really uptight. If you are walking around like you are about to bust a cork....um...yeah...don't expect much from your artists...we don't respond favorably to drill sergeants or dictators...look at history...

5. Be really not uptight. However, if you are so loose in the way you do things that anything goes...this could be an issue as well...we simply need you to give us guidelines, work with us...and be a leader who can make decisions if needed, without being a jerk.

6. Tell your artists you sunk all your money into their event and try to get them to contribute monetarily after the fact. Artists sink just as much, if not more into simply being present at your venue..and most of the time we don't even break even...so suck it up...you chose to do this event just like we did...be compassionate, stop whining, do what you gotta do...that's what we are doing simply by being there...some of us had to chose between food and gas to be at your event...

7. Forget that your artists are real people, with real lives outside of your event.` We have lives outside of your venue. In fact we have worked our regular lives around your venue...sometimes having to create backups for our backups...just to make sure our kids are picked up from school, or that dinner is served...expecting us to drop everything to make multiple trips to your venue is a hardship and unrealistic in this day and age...the age of technology and rulers...send measurements, pictures, and logistics via email...at the very least... most good venues and shows do this...

Kitsch and Flow: Art Hashers at FWCAC

Have you been to the Fort Worth Creative Arts Center lately? If not, GO NOW! For just a few more days there is an amazing show up comprised of art work by members of Art Hash. (the brain child of Sonia Semone)



KITSCH & FLOWAn uber-edgy, sort of funky, art exhibit featuring original works of art by 50+ Texas artists.
Yin and yang. Hot and cold. Sweet and sour.
Meets----> Nostalgia, flash, sparkle, fresh, slow, and low. 
Kitsch & Flow is something like that. 'Kitsch' promises a creative and calculated attraction, while the 'flow' of this show expects
to immerse viewers with a contemporary energy. If opposites attract, that explains the easy
attraction of Kitsch & Flow.

Aside from the participating artists’ obvious art connection, they have another common
bond; ArtHash, an ever growing social network group for artists. With discussions on the
popular ArtHash Facebook page ranging from sharing serious art techniques, to full on
debates on where one might find the best taqueria, it's understandable how this group of
ArtHasher's can present an exhibit that is both fun and easy to appreciate on one hand, yet
challenging and emotionally charged on the other. A lot like the most spectacular velvet Elvis
you've ever seen! And in similar fashion, Kitsch & Flow intends to get the best of you.

Displayed artwork will be available for purchase. That's right; you can buy original works from

artists working right in your neighborhood.

Participating artists: Bereniche Aguiar, Chris Bingham, Judy Blackwell, Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows, David Brown, Iris Candelaria, Dana Cargile, Jacqueline Colt, Floyd Cornwell, Andrea Davis, Brett Dyer, Dave Edmondson, Gabriela Elguea, Luis Fernando Camacho, Jacque Forsher, Essie Graham, Randy Gonzales, Brian Hamm, Jackie Johnston, Jennifer Lafleur, Gabe Langholtz, Levi Leddy, Liz London, Melissa Lloyd, Joyce Martin, Kerian Massey, Holli Michener, Mike Moffatt, Andy Morris, Joanita Namara, Julia Pappas, Beverly Parson White, Betty Peck, Paul Pena, Jody Pham, Diana Prickett, Pamela Rabin, Lisa Rachel Horlander, Angela Rawlings, Mike Salcido, Shari Sandri, Sonia Semone, Heather Kimberly J. Schaefer, Heather Shoulders, Michael Sir Hendrey, Jan Stateman, Lauren Stout, Roy Vance, Quincy Wakefield, Amanda Watts, Melissa Wertz, Rachel White Delgado, John Worley, Mary Wright.

Prepping for Denton

In a few weeks these babies will be on display in Denton. I love Denton. It has such a creative vibe.  These pieces will be in a small shop off the square along with other DFW artist's work. I will post more info soon. The opening is May 3rd.

April Art Shows:Kitsch and Flow

KITSCH & FLOWAn uber-edgy, sort of funky, art exhibit featuring original works of art by 50+ Texas artists.Opening Reception: Friday, April 5, 6:00-9:00pm
@ Forth Worth Community Arts Center
1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Yin and yang. Hot and cold. Sweet and sour.
Meets----> Nostalgia, flash, sparkle, fresh, slow, and low.

Kitsch & Flow is something like that.
'Kitsch' promises a creative and calculated attraction, while the 'flow' of this show expects
to immerse viewers with a contemporary energy. If opposites attract, that explains the easy
attraction of Kitsch & Flow.

Aside from the participating artists’ obvious art connection, they have another common
bond; ArtHash, an ever growing social network group for artists. With discussions on the
popular ArtHash Facebook page ranging from sharing serious art techniques, to full on
debates on where one might find the best taqueria, it's understandable how this group of
ArtHasher's can present an exhibit that is both fun and easy to appreciate on one hand, yet
challenging and emotionally charged on the other. A lot like the most spectacular velvet Elvis
you've ever seen! And in similar fashion, Kitsch & Flow intends to get the best of you.

The public is invited to an opening reception on Friday, April 5th from 6:00-9:00pm in the
main gallery of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center.

Displayed artwork will be available for purchase. That's right; you can buy original works from
artists working right in your neighborhood.

Participating artists: Bereniche Aguiar, Chris Bingham, Judy Blackwell, Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows, David
Brown, Iris Candelaria, Dana Cargile, Jacqueline Colt, Floyd Cornwell, Andrea Davis, Brett Dyer, Dave
Edmondson, Gabriela Elguea, Luis Fernando Camacho, Jacque Forsher, Essie Graham, Randy Gonzales,
Brian Hamm, Jackie Johnston, Jennifer Lafleur, Gabe Langholtz, Levi Leddy, Liz London, Melissa Lloyd, Joyce
Martin, Kerian Massey, Holli Michener, Mike Moffatt, Andy Morris, Joanita Namara, Julia Pappas, Beverly
Parson White, Betty Peck, Paul Pena, Jody Pham, Diana Prickett, Pamela Rabin, Lisa Rachel Horlander,
Angela Rawlings, Mike Salcido, Shari Sandri, Sonia Semone, Heather Kimberly J. Schaefer, Heather Shoulders,
Michael Sir Hendrey, Jan Stateman, Lauren Stout, Roy Vance, Quincy Wakefield, Amanda Watts, Melissa
Wertz, Rachel White Delgado, John Worley, Mary Wright.

For the Love of Artists

https://www.facebook.com/events/601057069908095/

Opening reception for this exhibit Saturday 2/ 16, 7:00 - 10:00pm

This is my piece hanging at Kettle Art right now for this show. Take your sweetie and go support the arts!

"The price of anything ..."

"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." ~Thoreau

i just wrote a tome about this and how grateful I am to be home today with my youngest as she is coughing and running fever...there was a time when this would have been impossible...I am grateful for my husband who feels as strongly as I do about being home with our kids...being there for them no matter the cost. I am grateful for the time with my children and to be able to take care of them and be there for them.

I especially think about this on days like today, almost a week after a dear, thoughtful friend sent me info about a job that i would love to have...involving working in an art studio as an assistant...in all honesty, it was a perfect job for me...and my heart lept in reading the job description...and then it fell again...because then reality set in...between the commute, and daycare...i would never see my children or even bring home much pay after the expense of commuting and daycare...i mulled it over for a moment...and the hardest part of saying "no" to the opportunity was the fear of my family suffering financially if i didn't jump for it...but when we weighed the pros and cons...what it comes down to is what you really need in life...and what we need, is each other...

Family is the most important thing...and as long as we are able to survive, together, that is all we need...

I erased the original tome i wrote because..well...it was just exhausting to read... detailing how difficult it was to be home with my child before when i was teaching...and every teacher with kids or any parent for that matter , with no babysitter or friends or family to help you, know what i mean...it sucks...

And with that, days like today make me want to work harder on the things that will actually be of benefit to my family...like teaching yoga...participating in art shows that work with our schedule and budget and working on my Etsy shop.

 I am grateful for the opportunities placed before and the ones on their way. I am grateful for this time with my youngest, especially on days like today when she feels so yucky...I am grateful i get to be here with her to bring her juice, give her medicine, cuddle and watch her favorite cartoons. This is a gift to be here with her. 

finding the right venues

I have re-written this post no less than three times...I keep reading my words and wondering if i am really saying what i mean... but, here goes...let's see...

A few weekends ago I participated in a very busy, one-night-only, art event.
 It was a packed house.
Music, Food, People, and amazing art....

I set up at table instead of hanging my larger pieces.
 In hindsight, I should have hung the large pieces and brought prints with me...live and learn...

So, I'm still trying to figure out where my work fits...what is the right venue?
 Where do I fit in?
 Or Stand out?
 (story of my life)

 I did ok...and by "ok" I mean I at least made my booth fee and gas money back. But, no profits.(these things are always a gamble)

The best part though, was that I did get to talk to some of my favorite fellow artists, meet some new patrons, and was invited to a few upcoming events.

Of course, as I reflect on what I learned from this last show...I think I am getting closer to knowing what is the best venue for my work...and what does not.

Hindsight:

1. My days of disco are over! okay, let me clarify....I enjoy music...that's not what i'm saying...but my ability to work near a loud speaker that requires yelling all evening in order to communicate is limited...so, i can cross "shows with loud music" or "club scenes" right off the list...yes...i'm an old lady...and i'm okay with that...

2. There ARE people out there looking for work like mine..(.i just need to find more of them...)...I had two people buy the same print and both THANKED me for it...as in...one guys said, " I can't believe I was able to walk in here and get this print tonight"...and the other person showed me a beautiful tattoo she had on her forearm of Buddha and was very sweet. These are the people I am looking for. The ones that see my work, share their story with me...and i can see in their eyes that they are touched by the work.

3.Peace and calm....  yes Ma'am!  Out-of-Control spirits....let's just say, I saw four drinks come within centimeters of various artists artwork as drinks were dropped right in front of my table...resulting in me removing my portfolio from one spot due to the behavior of others... No interest at all to deal with this type of behavior  again ever..or to begin with..not worth it...hours of work, for all of the artists could have been lost in an instant by people who had no regard for others...and BLESS the poor soul who listened to me voice my concern and realization about my inability to tolerate such behavior at this point in my life...And honestly this is an issue i never really thought about before when I have visited other art events. But, keep this in mind when you go to any venue where people are selling their handmade wares...please be respectful.


When it is all said and done...I think a lot of good did come from participating...

I got to talk to other artists i have been wanting to visit with for some time now.

I met new people.
.
I didn't go in the hole...breaking even is better than nothin'. 

But....I think it is time to look for other types of venues...much more quiet, peaceful, calm venues...like yoga studios...or Earthday festivals, or ,I dunno...how about actual galleries.... that would be nice...live and learn, right?

whatever will be, will be....

prepping for shows:1

I have only started going to art sales again in the last few months....so, to say, I'm still figuring this stuff out is an understatement....and by "figuring it out" i mean all of the following: what people want, how to price work, what to make, what to pack, how to make a living, how to survive.


But, there are a few things I have figured out, some from the last two months, and some from past work experience. Here is what I have for prepping for art sales.


1. Indoor is better than outdoor: I say this as a person who has worked both..(from the state's biggest flea market to the most intimate of venues)...when weather is good, outdoor is great! when weather is bad...i would rather just stay home...the effort and physical toll it takes on me is not worth it....not to mention what it does to your artwork... Don't get me wrong...i LOVE GOING TO OUTDOOR EVENTS....i just don't enjoy working them...yeah, that's probably a bad attitude...eh, it is what it is...having said that, i  look at those who do work outdoor events all the time with great respect. It is hard work.

2. Pack the night before: staying up late to work on last minute artwork is just a waste of time and energy. ( i say this...but i totally still do this...) But i find that if i just go ahead and pack the night before...no matter what time the event is the next day, i am such a better person for it. And it shows in my energy level the next day.

3. Be organized: Make a list of what you want to take and stick to that list...i have a tendency to get overwhelmed by all of the minutia of possible things i might need...if i make a list and stick to it...it tends to be ok.

4. Be prepared but not OVER PREPARED: what i mean is, there should be a limit to what you take to a sale. You can actually pack TOO MUCH STUFF...when that happens, you can't find any of the great things you might actually need. So be prepared, but don't be the next  story on HOARDERS!

5. Streamline: have a system for packing, and transporting you stuff. Make it as efficient as possible. You want what you are selling to be as easy to handle as possible. 1. because if it is cumbersome, no one else will want it either, and 2. if you have to lug it around, no one else will want to help you load it up at the end of the show. 3. you don't want to depend on other people at an art show to help you. They have their own stuff to deal with.

6. Have several price points: it is great that you have big artwork for display. Most people can't afford that. BUT, if they like it...they might buy a small print of it for 5 bucks....see what i mean? Some people just want some little "something"...make sure you have it...if you don't someone else will..

7. Have business cards: Yeah, i know, maybe business cards are becoming dated...maybe not...people still want them...especially from artists...sometimes people just need to "think about it" and actually do go and look up your work...and that is pretty sweet! Some people may want to include you in their next show. Sometimes people just want to connect with you and keep up with you.

8. KARMA: There really is a good karma network out there. Remember that as you are prepping...There are good people out there that want to help each other out. Think about it, if there are shows you know about, tell other artists about them as well. One good turn usually results in another. I can't tell you how many really cool artists i have met and keep in touch with. I have been truly inspired by how thoughtful and inclusive people have been, letting me know about shows and opportunities to show my work. Awe inspiring really. In fact, 3 of the four shows I am in this weekend are all due to other artists letting me know about them. How cool is that?  So keep that in mind. How can you help other people? Even if i don't know of a show, right away, as soon as i hear of one that fits another artist, i send them a message...it's part of the karma network in my book.

9. have change: This part may be the hardest, especially when you are starting out....it is for me anyway...half the time i don't have the money to get change...but, it is a necessary evil...also, when you price your work, try to price it so you don't have to make much change, if possible...that seems to help...a little bit...sometimes a fellow artist can help you make change, but don't depend on it...they are working just like you...

10.Display: You need to have a display that is clean, easy to set up, doesn't take away from your work, and makes people want to buy...I'm still working on this part...But, it seems to be getting better with each show...hopefully soon i will have my act together...<3 br="br" nbsp="nbsp"> So, hopefully, if you are trying to schlep you wares like i am, this helps a little bit...more to come as i prep for more shows this weekend..

The life of a dress...

You see a vintage prom dress....i see art supplies....

And then there are lists and things to do....

  Hair bobs and fascinators come into life...

And then it is part of an art show/sale....

Smoke and Mirrors Garage Art Sale

Garage Art

The Best of Dallas' Rest!

Sunday, October 14th 4-8pm

 

Smoke and Mirrors Gallery

406 South Haskell Ave. Dallas, TX 75226

 

 

Once again, some of Dallas' best artists are clearing out their unsold works at Smoke and Mirrors' "Garage Art Show." The event is free and all art is priced $200 or less, with most under $100. There are over 10 artists participating, with no shortage of eclectic works, with diverse mediums, sizes, and styles.  DJ Hammertimez will be setting the mood for us again as we enjoy the great weather in the courtyard, and as always, there will be refreshments. 

 

FEATURED ARTIST:

 

CLAY STINNETT

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS:

 

ALISON WELSH
CHRISTIAN CASSIDY

JACKIE DUNN SMITH
CHRISTOPHER TRANQUINO
ISAIAH PERKINS
DIANA ALMAND
KIMBERLY MEADOWS
KRIS SWENSON
SARAH ZAMORA
LANNY QUARLES
JUDAH HOAG
JUNKIE BRAND

live painting: What? What?

So people have been asking me what i do at these art shows i attend.

well.......

1. I meet amazing people!

2. I have 4 hours of uninterrupted(specificly by a dog needing to go out, or a lil one wanting to get into my supplies) to paint....FOUR HOURS!....i know, i wanna cry from joy when i type that...

3. I sell my work...not a lot, but some, enough to justify being there

Why do i do it?

1. so i don't go nuts!

2. i'm a stay at home mom....i seriously need to know there are actually other people/artists/art enthusiasts who are living a breathing and not just in my computer.

3. It's my "me time"...when i can get out and just be me....

I'm not trying to live "up" to people's needs or expectations...which is ironic, because in some ways, i really am "performing"...but at art shows, my "performance" of simply being who i am...is enough... and a huge breathe of fresh air...

4. Did i mention FOUR HOURS OF UNINTERRUPTED PAINTING AND CREATIVITY TIME?

 I am the kind of person who desperately needs uninterrupted creative time...i get that when i go to shows...i love it... 

big thanks to Harmony Witte for the photo!

a few pieces i worked on at Tree of Life Arts Festival this weekend...