As I write this, I am sitting length-wise on my living room sofa with my legs propped up by a few pillows with the air conditioner humming in the background, doing it's noble best to cool the place, while pondering what to write about this week. I could write about the way-above-average temperatures (85+ degrees) for the first weekend of the Fall season, but that's hardly anything to do with any artists life. Accomplishments comes to mind - as Dave and I took down our remaining art works from a gallery in Tenants Harbor; a small coastal village (and big on tourists) that's halfway down the Saint George peninsula here in mid-coast Maine. All in all, it was a good show. We each sold one of our works, and the curator thanked us again for displaying. Apparently, the town was all a-buzz with the "abstracts" that were on display, and they were received warmly. Just about everyone enjoyed the change of genre for the past 30 days, except "...the old fogies - it really stirred them up," as quoted from the curator who was also smiling widely.
One piece of advise from another experienced artist who viewed our works, told us to raise our selling prices even more. That has always been a struggle for me. As of this writing, my works sell for $2 dollars per square inch, which seems to be a going rate, since my works are currently not in a huge local gallery that's going to take a 70% commission if a work sells. The other artist told me, "You want people to think they are getting a priceless piece of work. It adds value to the original work and the customer feels better about their purchase and investment." I feel strange about raising my prices, as only one work sold out of fifteen. I took the other artists advise with a grain of salt, especially when I asked her if she had sold any works over the past three months and she replied that she hadn't.
One of my dear friends, who hadn't seen my paintings in a while, but went to see the display, was a little surprised; "I was expecting sunflowers. But it looks like you found your true self in these paintings." I love my dear friend and knew she what she meant. However, if it was a casual acquaintance, I would be a little unsure if it was a compliment or not. If anything, this show proved I've reached yet another epoch in this series of works as well as development. On to the next series and adventure as well as to pursue my dream of being self-employed artist again who makes a living at it. A "living" by my terms.
A second accomplishment this week was I worked each day and achieved five new designs in my smallish sketchbook. I worked in quash paint for a few hours and was able to freely create. In a way, I was grateful my painting only occupied a few hours, because the weather (except for Tuesday night into Wednesday) was stunning. And with the temperatures being at ten degrees above normal, I had to be outside and soak up the sun. I know - a real Cadillac problem; but these warm sunny days will disappear faster than we realize. It's hard to believe next Sunday will be October 1st.
With all this beautiful weather, I'm still able to get out for a walk, get some fresh air and exercise. One would think, that after all these years, and all these walks, that I would tire of the same ocean vistas that I view daily. Believe it or not, I don't. Not because I'm a being a bitchy snob holding the fact over people that "I live by the Atlantic and you don't - don't you wish you were me", but it gives me a chance to see something different every day. It's never the same view twice. These memories propel me forward with the knowing that Spring and Summer will come again... and with it, more opportunities. Opportunities to create, show, and sell.
But, being the typical artist, I'm jumping ahead of myself here. Come next week, my husband Dave and I will set up our next art show, this time a few miles north in Camden. Having the insight that Camden has the demographic to support higher pricing, we are redoing our placards to reflect just that. This along with artist statements, receptions, as well as other aspects that go along with showing (and hopefully selling). It's all part of the journey.
Below is one of my new designs in my next series of abstracts that was painted this week. I'm hoping to transfer these designs onto clothing like dresses, etc. Kinda funky and psychedelic, but I think it will work!
Until next time.
Jill
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