Thank you Debra for this insightful piece. I write simple four line stories which evoke emotions and connection to accompany the work I sell online (in 25 Days of Minis), and collectors respond well. Never thought about the emotional ownership shifting to the collector once a piece leaves the studio. Inspiring - gives me goosebumps!
True، not always is it possible or advisable for the artist to tell all about the artwork. I believe most of the time the title creates the mystery, the rest is for the collector to make up the interpretation and as I named one of my artworks
"A picture paints a thousand words." from the mind of the artist to the minds of collectors.
Hi Debra, everything you said here is true. You're right about it being a balance. I liked your advice about someone thinking the scene is France and it's the artist's back yard in Detroit... That made me chuckle. What you describe actually happens and pretty often.
Years ago now, an artist friend of mine was showing at an outdoor show in New England. a woman was just about to purchase one of the artist's paintings, and just before the transaction, the artist said, "This is a very spiritual piece for me." Then the woman suddenly walked away without an explanation.
While reading your blog, it occurred to me that my bio/artist statement on my website can say everything I want visitors to know about why I paint what I do.
Openings are a great way to get to know people who are art lovers. I know a few avid collectors and they immediately respond to a piece or not. Their reasons for connecting are personal and not always deep. Some just enjoy a beautiful painting. Others identify with the subject matter.
Nicely said.
I once sold a chocolate cake with lots of paint on it.
The buyer later told me she could see her deceased spouse in the icing .
People see what they want to see.
🙂
Beth
Wow! That’s quite a story. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Debra for this insightful piece. I write simple four line stories which evoke emotions and connection to accompany the work I sell online (in 25 Days of Minis), and collectors respond well. Never thought about the emotional ownership shifting to the collector once a piece leaves the studio. Inspiring - gives me goosebumps!
1
Thanks so much for your kind words!!
Great article Deb!!
Denise
Thank you!!!!
Nicely balanced and insightful article.
Nuance and context are key too.
with thanks
Thank you Andrea!
True، not always is it possible or advisable for the artist to tell all about the artwork. I believe most of the time the title creates the mystery, the rest is for the collector to make up the interpretation and as I named one of my artworks
"A picture paints a thousand words." from the mind of the artist to the minds of collectors.
Exactly!
Hi Debra, everything you said here is true. You're right about it being a balance. I liked your advice about someone thinking the scene is France and it's the artist's back yard in Detroit... That made me chuckle. What you describe actually happens and pretty often.
Years ago now, an artist friend of mine was showing at an outdoor show in New England. a woman was just about to purchase one of the artist's paintings, and just before the transaction, the artist said, "This is a very spiritual piece for me." Then the woman suddenly walked away without an explanation.
While reading your blog, it occurred to me that my bio/artist statement on my website can say everything I want visitors to know about why I paint what I do.
Openings are a great way to get to know people who are art lovers. I know a few avid collectors and they immediately respond to a piece or not. Their reasons for connecting are personal and not always deep. Some just enjoy a beautiful painting. Others identify with the subject matter.
True! Thanks so much for reading and commenting
Great article Deb!!
Denise
Thanks again!!