Seth Godin's blog this morning is right on the money.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/09/susdat.html
The point of Seth Godin's blog is that it all starts with showing up. Show up and paint, write, create, do the work.
All else follows from this. Without having shown up, nothing else can matter. All else is whining.
Slate just published an article entitled "Art History Will Make Your World More Rich, Beautiful and Satisfying."
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/classes/2015/09/art_history_class_learn_to_analyze_and_appreciate_fine_art_in_museums.html
In this article, the author expounds on the usefulness of art survey courses where one learns a little bit about each art era, genre, style and type of art. I have to say that I agree. Art history and survey courses give on a touch of the art, tell why this art at the time was so important and places the art in a historical context. I really do think that one cannot possibly understand why, for example, Franz Kline's paintings were and are so important. Context is all.
So if you ever get the opportunity, take an Art History course. I'll bet that you, erudite reader, will love it.
I've been reading a very interesting book entitled, "Youtility; Why Smart Marketing is about Help not Hype" by Jay Baer. In a nutshell, what he recommends is that companies be helpful on their website. Provide information. Answer questions. Be proactive about what people could possibly want to know, both about the product and about related information. Try to find out what your customer needs and provide that information. Don't just (directly) sell, sell, sell.
Hmmm.
I've been thinking about how to incorporate this recommendation into my website.
So what I'm going to do is create a subsection of my website entitled something like "Helpful Information About Art" (with luck I'll come up with something snappier than that - eventually). In that section, I'll provide info on how to hang an artwork, how to make sure multiple pieces (diptychs, triptych's) hang correctly, how to put wire on D-rings, and other similar stuff.
What general information about art would you like to know and see on an artist's website?
At my rather advanced age, given that I had a rather successful first career and am doing pretty well in my second career, you wouldn’t think that I’d be nervous about showing my art. Generally, I’m not. I know that it is true that “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”. I know that people who love only representational art will not give my work a second glance. I know that some people will love my work and some will not. I know that people who don’t care for my art are not necessarily rejecting me personally.
BUT. And I do mean “but”.
Despite knowing all of these things, I’m still nervous about my part in the upcoming show (opening September 11th, for those of you who care and are local) at Walker Fine Art. Somehow this is … different.
I know that part of my nervousness comes from the fact that Walker is one of the top galleries in Denver. Tons of people will see my work. Part comes from the amazing group of artists with whom I’m showing. Heather Patterson, Barbara Sorenson, Mark Penner Howell and Mel Rea, are OMG top of the line artists whose exquisite work I wholeheartedly admire. Who am I to show with them? Little ole me? A former lawyer turned artist late in life who went to law school, not art school? You’re kidding, right? I can’t help but think, “I am not worthy!.”
Surely you can see why I might be a bit … insecure.
I think that insecurity comes with the artistic “territory” for art is so very personal. We put a little part of ourselves, of our souls, into every piece of art that we create. The wait for the inevitable judgment of viewers, buyers and art consultants, fellow artists and maybe even art reviewers is tough.
However, I’m forging ahead. I’m fully prepared for the show. I’ve got more work completed than will fit on the wall space that I’ve been allotted. The work is ready to hang. I’m drafting a last email blitz to my friends, clients and family and I’ll continue to create some social media buzz in the days leading up to the event.
As for my insecurity, well, this too shall pass.
