Good roundtable discussion. I was at Goodwill yesterday which is a good place to pick up canvases to practice on. A lady approached me asking about all the pictures/canvases I had. I told her I plan to gesso and paint over them. "Oh", she said. "What a fun hobby". To your points!
Interesting topic! I feel like art associations need to change the narrative from support to art culture professionals. I live in an artist community.The last 3 people I told I was an artist asked me what I painted. After I gave them my elevator speech, they didn't say anything. Yesterday, I had my hair cut and the person asked me what I did. I gave the same response, but this time I said, "let me show you." She placed her hands in her mouth and gasped with amazement & excitement and wanted to know if I sold on Etsy. I told her my artwork is on my website. She wrote my website down. I know she had an emotional reaction! I changed my narrative and now she knows I'm a professional artist. Milan is the only place I feel will help change that narrative 😁
I feel like within my friends and family there's a culture of 'don't get too ambitious', out of care and concern for my potential disappointment. Like painting is only for therapy, personal satisfaction, a fun hobby, but don't get ideas about making a living from it. There's an attitude of it's like winning the lottery to actually sell art. I'm keeping the dream/goal close to me and actually when an individual or group tells me something is hard, I cant do it or 'stick to your day job', it puts fire in my belly to prove them wrong. You're right Lisa about being careful what you listen to...I'm exposing myself to artists that have created a successful business like yourselves... the four minute mile right! x P.S. The mastery programme rocks!
ugh! That stinks and its so common! don't take advice from people who aren't doing what you want to do, take advice from the people who are and have done what you want to do! 💪
When I was young, Art was the only subject I was actually good at in School. So I decided to go to College in a degree in Arts. Of course art is not cheap. And coming from a poor Hispanic household, it was hard. But I was determined until I got ganged up by my family and friends that Art is not make a living, you will never be able to support yourself. After doing my one man show while studying, and trying to prove them wrong. I failed. I did not sell not even one piece and got critiqued so bad in my local newspaper that the next day. I threw everything away - I mean everything. I had so much inner angry that I just quite school, and keep working, working, working. Made my life. Until about a year ago or so, I felt so empty and I know I was missing something in my life. My husband realized my secret by a friend's joke and he surprised me with a set of oils and 2 brushes, and he said nothing - I said nothing. It stayed in a table for about 4 months, until on night I just opened it up and my light was reignited. The joy I felt was undescribleable. Just having a community (or one fan) that know how hard we are with ourselves and then we had not encouragement - sucks! Because Art is Life, not everyone will understand how important it means. But I really think that its a trauma that has been passed within generations that Art is not career. But it is.... We are visionaries, leaders, motivators, therapists, we are the inner emotions and voice that many do not talk about or have the GUTS to stand up for. Just like I did. I failed my younger self. But today, it's different. And we need to encourage each of us because we all have a story to tell about what we are living or lived in and how we can overcome it,. Thank you ladies for being authentic and inspiring. To the ARTS ! because life would be boring with out it.
You must admit having connections dose really help then that comes with support that generates interest .. love what you do and other people will tool ..we need more Art open exhibitions for all painters at all levels 🤗🖌🖌🖌🙏💕💕💕
Art is everywhere and began when human being first knew how to put marks in sand and on rock walls. Art is an innate human expression and will always be a place of creation. Look around, art is in nature, design, architecture, cars, houses and the list goes on and on. Art is also an expression of how we feel inside. Watching art, looking at art and creating art brings joy and peace. I think if people want to support the arts then support it in schools and help little people understand the power of art.
Art has to be considered seriously like any other job. People keep asking for discounts, which truly irritates me! Call a plumber or electrician to fix a problem at your place and they start charging you from the moment they leave their house. Then, the job as such is extremely costly. And, does anyone even think of asking for a special price? No! They cannot create art and we cannot fix tubes or electrical issues. Same thing! "Support" has a dubious connotation in this matter, unfortunately.
I agree with the artists’ comments in this discussion. Artists don’t need charity. “Support” can also be in the form of the local library or even small cafes in the community providing artists a public space to display and sell their art. Mind you, the library does charge a small commission, but they do advertise the events. During “culture days” the local library also offers space at no charge for anyone to enjoy live life drawing sessions every Wednesday for a number of weeks. We can also join local art guilds providing space for artists to come together, share ideas and provide space to display and sell artwork. The building is owned by the town, and the guild memberships pay for the utilities. Volunteers look after the upkeep and running of events.
I have to say, this surprised me a bit. I made a mental shift I didn’t expect. People do need beauty and to be able to see something hopeful. For my work, I want to connect to the inner child and complex emotions that lead to healing those hurt parts of us. But, beauty is important to me. I don’t want to bring ugliness into the world.
Love this topic! For me, when I hear the phrase "support the arts" I immediately think about "support" in educational terms. Keeping the arts prominent in our school district, for example. There are band booster clubs and sports, football, booster clubs etc. But away from education I never really thought about what it means when people say "support the arts." Part of our everyday conversation should be "enjoy the arts" not support the arts. The Rolling Stones don't need my support but they do need me to enjoy and experience their artform.
Excellent discussion. I also think that artist do a disservice to other artists by suggesting one form of art is superior to others, or put down other artists because they aren't 'doing it right'! if their art is selling and people are loving it, why the elitism? I do think we as artists, could do more to elevate art by educating more on the power of art to uplift and change the world in positive ways. thank you for the discussion
I'd love for the phrase "starving artist" to become a thing of the past. That pre-disposes people to feel like they will never make it, if they desire to be an artist. Even to this day, I see the phrase used on posts, comments, forums, etc and it just frustrates me
1. Art is a business... yes. When I put myself out there, I make sales. 2. Children need support of the arts! 3. It's rich/possibly government people, who make the largest impact on the quality (or lack thereof) and direction of art to build their portfolios. Bottom line.. if someone likes your art enough and it's in their budget, they will buy it. ~The hard part is getting buyers to "see" your art when they're in the market.
Great discussion! I think in my country, Germany, the ugly art is still king, more than in the US for example. But I can see many you g people learning to draw and paint from the internet. That is so cool.! I learned to paint from the internet since 2013 and am in the MP now. When I went to school, the arts were just a not so important subject. And I think it still is the case in most schools today. Hope that will change some day. But we can all together revolutionize the art world by creating authentic and beautiful pieces from our hearts 💕 And we can support ourselfs and others by doing that 🦸♀
Good roundtable discussion. I was at Goodwill yesterday which is a good place to pick up canvases to practice on. A lady approached me asking about all the pictures/canvases I had. I told her I plan to gesso and paint over them. "Oh", she said. "What a fun hobby". To your points!
Interesting topic! I feel like art associations need to change the narrative from support to art culture professionals. I live in an artist community.The last 3 people I told I was an artist asked me what I painted. After I gave them my elevator speech, they didn't say anything. Yesterday, I had my hair cut and the person asked me what I did. I gave the same response, but this time I said, "let me show you." She placed her hands in her mouth and gasped with amazement & excitement and wanted to know if I sold on Etsy. I told her my artwork is on my website. She wrote my website down. I know she had an emotional reaction! I changed my narrative and now she knows I'm a professional artist. Milan is the only place I feel will help change that narrative 😁
that's amazing Kim! I hope she becomes a collector of yours!
I feel like within my friends and family there's a culture of 'don't get too ambitious', out of care and concern for my potential disappointment. Like painting is only for therapy, personal satisfaction, a fun hobby, but don't get ideas about making a living from it. There's an attitude of it's like winning the lottery to actually sell art. I'm keeping the dream/goal close to me and actually when an individual or group tells me something is hard, I cant do it or 'stick to your day job', it puts fire in my belly to prove them wrong. You're right Lisa about being careful what you listen to...I'm exposing myself to artists that have created a successful business like yourselves... the four minute mile right! x P.S. The mastery programme rocks!
ugh! That stinks and its so common! don't take advice from people who aren't doing what you want to do, take advice from the people who are and have done what you want to do! 💪
When I was young, Art was the only subject I was actually good at in School. So I decided to go to College in a degree in Arts. Of course art is not cheap. And coming from a poor Hispanic household, it was hard. But I was determined until I got ganged up by my family and friends that Art is not make a living, you will never be able to support yourself. After doing my one man show while studying, and trying to prove them wrong. I failed. I did not sell not even one piece and got critiqued so bad in my local newspaper that the next day. I threw everything away - I mean everything. I had so much inner angry that I just quite school, and keep working, working, working. Made my life. Until about a year ago or so, I felt so empty and I know I was missing something in my life. My husband realized my secret by a friend's joke and he surprised me with a set of oils and 2 brushes, and he said nothing - I said nothing. It stayed in a table for about 4 months, until on night I just opened it up and my light was reignited. The joy I felt was undescribleable. Just having a community (or one fan) that know how hard we are with ourselves and then we had not encouragement - sucks! Because Art is Life, not everyone will understand how important it means. But I really think that its a trauma that has been passed within generations that Art is not career. But it is.... We are visionaries, leaders, motivators, therapists, we are the inner emotions and voice that many do not talk about or have the GUTS to stand up for. Just like I did. I failed my younger self. But today, it's different. And we need to encourage each of us because we all have a story to tell about what we are living or lived in and how we can overcome it,. Thank you ladies for being authentic and inspiring. To the ARTS ! because life would be boring with out it.
You must admit having connections dose really help then that comes with support that generates interest .. love what you do and other people will tool ..we need more Art open exhibitions for all painters at all levels 🤗🖌🖌🖌🙏💕💕💕
Art is everywhere and began when human being first knew how to put marks in sand and on rock walls. Art is an innate human expression and will always be a place of creation. Look around, art is in nature, design, architecture, cars, houses and the list goes on and on. Art is also an expression of how we feel inside. Watching art, looking at art and creating art brings joy and peace. I think if people want to support the arts then support it in schools and help little people understand the power of art.
Art has to be considered seriously like any other job. People keep asking for discounts, which truly irritates me! Call a plumber or electrician to fix a problem at your place and they start charging you from the moment they leave their house. Then, the job as such is extremely costly. And, does anyone even think of asking for a special price? No! They cannot create art and we cannot fix tubes or electrical issues. Same thing! "Support" has a dubious connotation in this matter, unfortunately.
I agree with the artists’ comments in this discussion. Artists don’t need charity.
“Support” can also be in the form of the local library or even small cafes in the community providing artists a public space to display and sell their art. Mind you, the library does charge a small commission, but they do advertise the events.
During “culture days” the local library also offers space at no charge for anyone to enjoy live life drawing sessions every Wednesday for a number of weeks.
We can also join local art guilds providing space for artists to come together, share ideas and provide space to display and sell artwork. The building is owned by the town, and the guild memberships pay for the utilities. Volunteers look after the upkeep and running of events.
yeaa! those are great ideas! thanks for sharing.
I have to say, this surprised me a bit. I made a mental shift I didn’t expect. People do need beauty and to be able to see something hopeful. For my work, I want to connect to the inner child and complex emotions that lead to healing those hurt parts of us. But, beauty is important to me. I don’t want to bring ugliness into the world.
Love this topic! For me, when I hear the phrase "support the arts" I immediately think about "support" in educational terms. Keeping the arts prominent in our school district, for example. There are band booster clubs and sports, football, booster clubs etc. But away from education I never really thought about what it means when people say "support the arts." Part of our everyday conversation should be "enjoy the arts" not support the arts. The Rolling Stones don't need my support but they do need me to enjoy and experience their artform.
Excellent discussion. I also think that artist do a disservice to other artists by suggesting one form of art is superior to others, or put down other artists because they aren't 'doing it right'! if their art is selling and people are loving it, why the elitism? I do think we as artists, could do more to elevate art by educating more on the power of art to uplift and change the world in positive ways. thank you for the discussion
I'd love for the phrase "starving artist" to become a thing of the past. That pre-disposes people to feel like they will never make it, if they desire to be an artist. Even to this day, I see the phrase used on posts, comments, forums, etc and it just frustrates me
1. Art is a business... yes. When I put myself out there, I make sales.
2. Children need support of the arts!
3. It's rich/possibly government people, who make the largest impact on the quality (or lack thereof) and direction of art to build their portfolios.
Bottom line.. if someone likes your art enough and it's in their budget, they will buy it.
~The hard part is getting buyers to "see" your art when they're in the market.
Professional means that you're getting paid. That's the minimum.
A professional artist gets paid.
💯
"menstrual rags in a museum" 🤣🤣🤣
Great discussion! I think in my country, Germany, the ugly art is still king, more than in the US for example. But I can see many you g people learning to draw and paint from the internet. That is so cool.! I learned to paint from the internet since 2013 and am in the MP now. When I went to school, the arts were just a not so important subject. And I think it still is the case in most schools today. Hope that will change some day. But we can all together revolutionize the art world by creating authentic and beautiful pieces from our hearts 💕 And we can support ourselfs and others by doing that 🦸♀