I just did the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair this last weekend, (more on that later), and I had a realization about this blog. Some of my fellow artists have "graduated" from doing fairs, and now sell their work only in galleries or on their own ... but there is something about doing a fair that gives you an interaction with your customers you just can't get any other way. There have been times when I envied those that have moved along in their marketing efforts - they get more studio time, time doing what they love doing. And doing art fairs is HARD WORK. When you see an artist sitting in his booth in a festive atmosphere, among all these pieces of his work that project the joy of creation, it's easy to miss the EFFORT that it took him to be there! I'll get into that in a seperate discussion later on ... the point I wanted to make here was that despite the effort, they are worth doing if only for the chance to INTERACT with the wonderful people that collect my work. They honor me with their purchases!
Art is a channel for communication. It's communication on a very high level - a high quality that can't be achieved any other way - but it's communication nonetheless, and that requires having someone to communicate TO! Getting direct feedback from the people that I do the work for (you?) is paramount in importance to me. Sitting in my studio and creating work is only HALF the fun. So here's the realization that I had: I started this blog to show you what I was producing ... it didn't occur to me to share other things about the "artist's life" that you might find interesting! I have almost made this thing into a catalog, rather than a venue to interact with you as I do at Art Fairs. I'll tell you a few stories of things I've observed "on the road", share a little philosophy, point to a few observations and ask a few questions from here on out. I hope you will find it interesting. If you do, please feel free to leave me a comment, either at the end of the post, or a general comment in my Guestbook. I welcome the feedback!
Hi Dave! You bring up a really interesting point, one that you don't often see from the perspective of a fair-going artist. I think sharing your experiences with other artists and people helps to offer a better understanding of the complicated life of an "artisan." We've got you linked up on our site at http://www.justimaginegallery.com so we hope more people can come out and meet you in person.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna - I think you're right. Many artists have as their main criterion for doing a fair the sales made at the fair. While it's a valid stat to consider, sales are actually a reflection of a lot of different factors: How well you interact with your collectors, how much promotion you (as an artist) do for yourself, How much effort you put into having a professional display, etc.
ReplyDeleteI intend to do several posts on the Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market, and link them to your site. It's just a wonderful venue!
Thanks Dave. Evan wrote the comments to you above, but I personally can't wait to see your new work when you come back the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteHi Dave,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you about Art Fairs, it's so much more fun to meet the people that will take my art home with them. When I sell a piece online or thru a shop/gallery, it just doesn't have the same magic for me.
It was great to meet you in person finally, at the Tijeras Art Market. I will see you out there this coming weekend again!
Paula :)
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeleteI was at the Tijeras Fair on Sunday, and couldn't leave your booth. I know you remember. Thank you for being there and sharing your gifts with us. I am still talking about the muse, and hopefully will have it in my home sometime soon. ;)
I'll be reading....
Stacy
Thank you, Stacy, I remember you well! It's such a treat for me to have people appreciate my work in person - it's why I opt out of the gallery scene for the most part. I'm very gratified that the Muse creates a good effect for you. Please let me know how I can facilitate getting it to its new home! Meanwhile, here's the direct link to it on my blog: http://stewartart.blogspot.com/search/label/muse
ReplyDelete~Dave Stewart