Monday, September 19, 2011

Art and the Economy

Needless to say, I am a little (a lot) concerned about the upcoming Paradise City fine arts and craft show just 3 weeks from now, because of the economy and the general depression of the country. As an artist, I feel it is my responsibility to create art that connects to people, whether viewing my art ends in a sale or not is a different type of success.

I am bringing my newest body of work to the show, The Water Life series, and in order to encourage a positive (purchase) response I decided to also offer smaller (less expensive) versions of the series. It was difficult working this small, using the torch to fuse the wax, but I was still able to  translate the movement of water.

Both of these paintings are 2.5" x 3.5", encaustic on board -



Floating each piece with foam core on a sheet of watercolor paper, then adding my chop (signature) stamp and putting it into a 6" x 6" shadowbox frame, all adds to creating a stronger statement with these smaller works. I price these at $95.



Talking about art and blogging, going to galleries and openings, teaching workshops and attending classes, all contribute to nurturing those of us struggling in the art world. I wonder when this grey cloud hanging over the country is going to pass.

7 comments:

  1. Gray is made from many colors; I think you might have some gold here. These are beautiful--I think they'll find their new homes.

    For me, smaller is not necessarily easier or faster. Some people, due to wall space, prefer small pieces; this is a wonderful idea for many reasons.

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  2. Hallie, I will have to decide if I should make more of these small water paintings, which means getting more frames. These small works are the way I eased into encaustic painting, working small is a great way to learn. I will let you know if these sell or not.

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  3. At Sausalito, everyone agreed that the economy was at it's worst ever sate. Usually a taboo subject, it isn't anymore.

    Having said that, Robin, I had my best year there. The reason is I went to the show "ready for market." I tied down the top end (had 2 large works) and my middle sizes were a little bigger. Where did I make the $ ? Off of a flat file full of unframed pastels and drawings. People bid and the good price point was $50. My smallest framed works I dropped from 100 then 90 and now $75. That worked.

    My 2 cents. Don't give in to the fear. I even converted sales from other exhibitors, and made before and after show sales. Work it, baby!!

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  4. Casey, you definitely covered a wide price range and congratulations on a successful event. The hardest part of any big event is getting people to attend and the promoters for the show I do are really good at that. I was planning on bringing lots of smaller pieces and maybe I will bring even more of those and less of the big, high ticket items. Thanks for your input.

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  5. I love the presentation of these small pieces - I do hope they sell.

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  6. Robin these are so gorgeous! Do you know that oddly enough, I am seeing clouds scudding across blue skies rather than water? LOL Leave it to me to be outside the box! I love the way you have framed and presented these pieces. There is such a freshness to these that I can see them in a serene bedroom sanctuary of white gauzy curtains and cool blue walls or in a bathroom (I don't know why) that is modern and cool as well. What a gift these would be, or even a way to set a tone for a room!

    As to this rotten economy? I honestly haven't a clue but I find it so very frightening and have known the downside of it.

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  7. I am sure I will blog about the show, Deborah, thanks for your support.

    Sherry, the paintings work as long as they help you imagine something... sky, clouds, or waves, ocean, either one is fine with me!

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