That sounds like the kind of thing they teach in Art Schools...which seem more about marketing than imparting technical knowledge and understanding of "Art"...but in the bigger scheme of things it sounds like "scarcity consciousness" to me! I can't imagine "reigning in" or destroying the abundant and ecstatic creation that flows through me! To each his/her/thems/it's (LOL) own!
I see both of your perspectives and hold both in high regard. I most agree with her policy of spending most of your time perfecting your craft. You could do this by being prolific, especially if you are burning two thirds of your completions. I suppose that just as we accept, as a culture, all forms of visual arts expression, with or without skill I might add, then we might also expect there to be all manner of approaches to the BUSINESS of art, especially given that we have no metrics for comparing the effectiveness of these approaches.
I agree. It’s not uncommon, unfortunately, to encounter artists who think theirs is the only way. But truly, there are so many approaches that can be successful
I’m not a prolific painter, and I don’t post as often as I would like, so in some ways my approach resembles your artist friend. That said, I have sold my work through a couple gallery shows and on my own. I save the best work for the gallery, but I just couldn’t bring myself to destroy 2/3rds of my work! Like you Debra, some folks have loved and purchased work of mine that I didn’t judge to be my best. By the way, a gallerist recently asked me to keep my prices on the reasonable side - he said that sometimes artists raise their prices too quickly and lose their current collectors.
I think we each need to do what works best for us. The problem is figuring out what that is. I couldn't imagine destroying 2/3 of my work. I have had pieces sell many years after creating them. The right person just needs to come along. I like to have different sizes and price points for different budgets. Especially in these tough times.
I used to think there was something wrong with me because I really cared if people liked my art. It's a real boost to me. We all have base things that drive us to create, and that positive response is a motivator to me. Selling art has changed dramatically over the recent decades and social media, algorithms, price points, and god save me NFTs etc dilute the pleasure and privilege we have to create. Being elusive and aloof doesn't work for me. I'll take a pat on the back any day!
Thank you Debra, this came at a very appropriate time. I recently took part in a group exhibition with 8 other artists, aged from early 30's to 70's. It was quite an eye-opener to me as far as pricing goes and how we are all differently motivated, with very different goals.
Creating too much art is definitely the least of my worries. If you limit yourself in this way, how will you improve your art practice? My paintings definitely improve during periods where I create a lot more than usual and then I destroy the bad ones with no hard feelings. Getting rid of paintings just for the sake of numbers, does not make sense to me, but then I am not very organized... I'm definitely not a "less is more" kind of person :)
I think it’s so important to be around other artists so we can all bear witness to different approaches. You’re right - there are times when we all switch things up and try different ways of running our business. Thanks so much for your comment!
That sounds like the kind of thing they teach in Art Schools...which seem more about marketing than imparting technical knowledge and understanding of "Art"...but in the bigger scheme of things it sounds like "scarcity consciousness" to me! I can't imagine "reigning in" or destroying the abundant and ecstatic creation that flows through me! To each his/her/thems/it's (LOL) own!
Exactly - to each their own!!
I see both of your perspectives and hold both in high regard. I most agree with her policy of spending most of your time perfecting your craft. You could do this by being prolific, especially if you are burning two thirds of your completions. I suppose that just as we accept, as a culture, all forms of visual arts expression, with or without skill I might add, then we might also expect there to be all manner of approaches to the BUSINESS of art, especially given that we have no metrics for comparing the effectiveness of these approaches.
I agree. It’s not uncommon, unfortunately, to encounter artists who think theirs is the only way. But truly, there are so many approaches that can be successful
I'm with you Debra.
Thanks Donna. I guess we all have to figure out what works for us!
I’m not a prolific painter, and I don’t post as often as I would like, so in some ways my approach resembles your artist friend. That said, I have sold my work through a couple gallery shows and on my own. I save the best work for the gallery, but I just couldn’t bring myself to destroy 2/3rds of my work! Like you Debra, some folks have loved and purchased work of mine that I didn’t judge to be my best. By the way, a gallerist recently asked me to keep my prices on the reasonable side - he said that sometimes artists raise their prices too quickly and lose their current collectors.
These are all such good points Lori! Thank you!!
I think we each need to do what works best for us. The problem is figuring out what that is. I couldn't imagine destroying 2/3 of my work. I have had pieces sell many years after creating them. The right person just needs to come along. I like to have different sizes and price points for different budgets. Especially in these tough times.
So true - but then I will never have scarcity or mystery working for me in my marketing strategies.
I used to think there was something wrong with me because I really cared if people liked my art. It's a real boost to me. We all have base things that drive us to create, and that positive response is a motivator to me. Selling art has changed dramatically over the recent decades and social media, algorithms, price points, and god save me NFTs etc dilute the pleasure and privilege we have to create. Being elusive and aloof doesn't work for me. I'll take a pat on the back any day!
Yes - it’s always a great affirmation of what we do, when we feel appreciated!
Thank you Debra, this came at a very appropriate time. I recently took part in a group exhibition with 8 other artists, aged from early 30's to 70's. It was quite an eye-opener to me as far as pricing goes and how we are all differently motivated, with very different goals.
Creating too much art is definitely the least of my worries. If you limit yourself in this way, how will you improve your art practice? My paintings definitely improve during periods where I create a lot more than usual and then I destroy the bad ones with no hard feelings. Getting rid of paintings just for the sake of numbers, does not make sense to me, but then I am not very organized... I'm definitely not a "less is more" kind of person :)
I think it’s so important to be around other artists so we can all bear witness to different approaches. You’re right - there are times when we all switch things up and try different ways of running our business. Thanks so much for your comment!