tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8704823323608583884.post4996834133700271353..comments2023-09-17T03:59:53.746-07:00Comments on Artist in Residence @ L'Artishe: Commercial Artist or Fine Artist? You Decide.SLJ Art @ L'Artishehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17858554693020861180noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8704823323608583884.post-11568053848830168022014-02-22T08:44:39.186-08:002014-02-22T08:44:39.186-08:00My oh my! What a difficult debate. I paint for a l...My oh my! What a difficult debate. I paint for a living. I also undertake a substantial number of commissions for people of which they have a huge input. I am sure they choose me not based on price, but on the fact they like my other work. I am driven to sell, and often pieces I have done which I particularly like take somewhat longer to sell. As you say, it is down to the audience to decide no matter what I think.<br />I have said to you in person that I really don't want an attic full of my own paintings gathering dust in the hope that one day someone might take a fancy to one or two.<br />And yes, it sometimes drives me mad that I am repeating a theme again and again, but like everyone else I have bills to pay, and food to buy, and the occasional break in mind. And sometimes I am lucky enough to break the mould a bit (rebel) and do something different. however, if that too sells well, I feel it necessary to repeat the theme to earn money.<br />I have had a variety of careers and this is and was my first love, and to have the privilege of not having to supplement my income with part time work is a joy, and I will put up with the pitfalls of being somewhat 'commercial' for the love of art.<br />I am ever hopeful that one day I will paint something which has sooooo much commercial mileage that I can sell the copyright for a vast amount, and semi retire LOL. I was going to add that then I will paint things that I like without an audience in mind- but it occurs to me that i already do that to a certain degree :-)<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8704823323608583884.post-59481458917568367792013-06-22T01:14:43.484-07:002013-06-22T01:14:43.484-07:00Thanks for this Sharon. In my view none of these ...Thanks for this Sharon. In my view none of these questions can be answered until the quality and presentation of the work is as it should be to be considered professional.<br />I would also say that it is still a difficult time economically and therefore a smaller buying public makes for more discerning critics and less sales. Hence, a challenging time for artists which translates to more time in the office and less time in the studio.<br />Also there's nothing less convincing than a commercially driven fine artist some times. No one wants to live with a piece of art that has been sold as an investment or a piece you'll grow into or wears its influences in a way that comes too close to being derivative.<br />Subjectivity is always a difficult component too, so perhaps artists need to find gallerys they feel comfortable with and who are responsive to the work. Otherwise, it can be easy to lose morale when the person representing your work is not fully convinced of it.<br />I agree that we respond to art subconsciously as well as consciously. Often it is subconsciously first and then we attempt to rationalise and understand why afterwards. This can take time and for many this can be a challenge, but one needing resolution before making a purchase. I look at my own work and take time to resolve exactly when and why it is right by my standards. Therefore, I cannot expect everyone to instantly like it, get it or subsequently buy it. This is the awkward go away and think about it moment. <br />As you point out, it is wise to supplement your income in some way as an artist so as to guard the integrity of your practise until sales start happening. If you can do this within the arts you are doing well.<br />Not easy, but possible. Quality of life is a major reward component if a holiday is looking unlikely again this year!<br />Thanks again Sharon, these are the perennial questions and I look forward to the thoughts and experiences of others.<br />Jason M<br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com