Welcome to the wonderful world of art!!!! One day up,,,the next minute down....Live and learn and keep welding. I'm in a lull right nowbut that's okay. I know it's part of the process. I've been here so many times before.Working hard in the studio now after the whole family left. Too much wine, food and people. I'm heading back to work...see you later!
Steelyjan

Hi Chuck,
Sorry to hear what you went through. A very good friend of mine always tells me not to have high spectations of any contest, and for that matter, of anything in life. Gee that`s easier said than done. What happened to you Chuck, happens to me so often, and probably to a lot of people too. I`ve got to learn not to expect so much, just do what I`ve got to do, and rather hope for the best and expect the worst.Don`t mean to be a negative note pal, I`m pretty bummed out from a recent artwork experience. Well, life goes on. Look at the positive side, sure it got one. Thank God for that hard but learning experience and you`ll feel better. Cheer up and get back to the club of creative people! Nelson.

Hi Chuck,
Tuition, Bro.
Frank

Hi Chuck, the pieces in your show look great, keep your head up. In my opinion, art shows are as much of an advertising gig as a money making one. With that in mind you can evaluate the show or gallery before hand to help decide if it's right for you. From the picts it looks like there was a lot of different work at the show which would make it hard for anyone to stand out with out a lot of effort. In the future you might try to have your own one man show or group show with people of your choosing. That way you'll have a lot more control over the marketing and target audience. I personally started with small group shows and liked the results quite a bit. Remember that a gallery's goals and your goals are completely different. The gallery wants to sell artwork, you want to sell YOUR artwork.

You'd be surprised how many places would let you have an art show in their space. The last art show I did, which was a few years back, I did with 4 other artists in a hair salon. An upholsterer, a ceramicist, and two painters all with different followings so we could capitalize on each others customer/fan base. We spent $150 to have 5000 color double sided flyers printed up, a must, and another $100 on wine(roughly $50 per artist). The turnout was great, roughly 250-350 people, because we handed out 5000 flyers(note that only 5% of the people asked came). Planning it within an Art walk helps a lot. Once you get a bit of a following or the right connections you'll quickly find a venue where your work is showcased as a one man show and hopefully a gallery owner that wants to push your work. I'm currently trying to put together enough work to have another show, so we'll see if the methodology will work again, lol.

Your work is spot on, so don't give up.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

been there, done that...........not fun

Galleries are still a great place to showcase your work. so don't give up. Has a much better chance of being seen in a gallery, rather than in your back yard....keep on keep'en on
Paula
Guthrie, MN

Hey Chuck,

Sorry to hear about the show...One thing to remember is that no one will sell your work the way that you will...I agree with Jake and his experiences.

I have not done many shows either, but the ones I have done I realized that Galleries are in it for their own profits. Simply put, it's everyman for himself! That means never rely on the Gallery to do it for you...

I would suggest getting involved in some festivals where you can set up your own booth. This way the customers can meet you and get a chance to hear your excitement, and learn about the process of what you do, and your inspirations that drive you. Then get an e-mail list started to create your following. E-mail blasts of new works, and events are a good way to promote and get people excited about your advancements. =D Those are the people you can invite to your one man show.

Those who really appreciate your work will support you, and tell others...your e-mails can also get forwarded to others...NETWORKING BABY IS THE KEY!!! Take a look at Constant Contact...it's a great way to start!

Keep looking up, I know you can do it! I believe in you!!! Your work is Awesome!

Cheers!

Jamie Santellano

its Chinese name is "Taiji" from old traditional culture,it is a great stuff!!

You know, I was really excited when I put my stuff in a shop for the first time. They seemed really excited also and went on and on about how they would diplay the peices and give them great viewing. The first time I went back to look they were stuffed in the back and one was bent because children had been playing with it. I did sell some things but they never got any better. I know how dissapointing it can be. I'm sorry that wasn't a great experience for you. I am really new at this so I just had to learn and move on. I hope your next endevor is much better.
Mele

I know how you feel! I am currently in several galleries and would like the placement of my pieces to be better (but at least they are there). I have had 3 pieces damaged and no one admits they did it. I don't mind doing the repairs, but I wish the galleries would just admit they messed up! One of the pieces was a mask with a heat patina. They stacked something on it before hanging and scratched it. Fortunately, the scratch didn't go through the sealer and into the color. It took several hours to strip the sealer and re-seal it. If they had scratched the patina I probably couldn't have fixed it without taking the piece apart. The other pieces had to be dropped hard to break the welds, but again they are fixable. Makes me grind my teeth but stuff happens. Lin