The Art Won't Sell Itself

09/30/2009

Asking myself if I'm a real artist if I never sell my work is a bit like the old question about the tree falling in a forest making a sound. I am an artist becasue I create. Period. End of story.  Now that I've ventured into sharing my work with others, I have to admit that the ultimate validation of my artist "status" would be to actually sell something. For someone to see a piece I created and love it so much that they would actually pay to have it for their very own and put it on their wall for all to see. That, I guess, would be the ultimate in terms of "artist appreciation."
 
On the other hand, I must admit (a bit shamefully) that I am an appreciator of a lot of people's art that I don't actually purchase. Does this make me love it any less? Of course not. Still I feel like I should do more. Exactly how I will do more has been occupying my thoughts lately and I have a few ideas in my head that I'll share at another time.
 
In the interim, I'm finding that getting my art out there in front of others is hard work even with the ability to sell on-line and all of the social media outlets. I never thought I would find myself "twittering," but I am now. I've never "stumbled-upon" another website in my life, but I am now. I would hardly say that my work is at the viral stage, but having attracted a few followers whom I've never met, I can now see how it's possible. But it's going to take some time and more than a little effort on my part before this thing spreads. 

comments

I guess I am lucky. The first thing I ever painted sold. For me at least there are three joys in painting. 1. is the creation of the painting. 2. is when I see the sparkle in the perceivers eyes. 3 the sale of a painting. They are all fun but frankly I like numkber two the best. I have sold a lot of paintings but I still dont believe that you can ever predict if a painting will sell. here is some unsolicted advice. You should paint because there is no way not to paint. Let that wave of "call it whatever you want to call it" wash through you. Pray as you paint, release that sense of self into that greater sense that enlivens us all." Paint everyday. No matter how much time you give it give it some time every day.
I hope you dont mind me sticking myself into your world. take care
jorge Lacoste jorge lacoste

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