I have been hiding out in my studio relishing my recent freedom from mandatory art school assignments . Not having to trek to and from Granville Island on public transit in rain and snow weighed down with art tools, supplies and canvases is also a relief. I make my own best coffee in the morning and coffee in hand, I head downstairs in the early morning in a flannel shirt and old old old sweat pants covered in painterly splotches .... and simply breathe . I am in my own creative world down here. I paint . I paint some more . I research . I look at great art. I study paint chips. I compose. I paint some more.
I know I must emerge from this protective cocoon of pure creativity. I must soon put myself "out there in the art world" as an "emerging artist" and find a venue to display my art and tell my story .
I have a very short list of potential galleries in the local area that advertise they will accept on-line submissions of art for consideration . They all say they don't want to actually talk . Don't call us, we'll call you only if we are interested. They don't want to see my work up close and personal .... send an image on-line . Here lies my conumdrum .
To actually " emerge" I feel it only makes sense to make some kind of actual human contact with wise and knowledgeable gallery curators, owners, operators . I am looking for someone in the business of actually showing and selling art to "talk to me"... about my art.
I want to put my pieces up against a gallery wall and ask a professional in the gallery some questions -
1. Do these pieces hang together ? Can you recognize them as a coherent group of paintings? How many paintings do I need to make a show?
2. What about canvas sizes ? Are they large enough to show well in a suitable gallery ? Should I try larger ? Different sizes? Do they meet professional gallery expectations?
3. Is my subject matter appealing ? What is working ? What is not working ? Why? Where do I go from here?
4. What advice would you give me to take back to my studio work ?
I've read all the business books on art and galleries . I worked for many years in a high profile challenging business environment . I understand the business environment . I understand what it takes to succeed in business. To be professional. To meet one's obligations. I understand that galleries and people who run galleries avoid "emerging" artists because they have other things to do to run their business and don't "have time" to talk to every artist that wants to show them their art. I get all that .... but I still want to talk to gallery professionals and I still want to show them my current art in person and have a dialogue that will help me develop as an "emerging" artist.....
So, I am putting this out there in the universe . If you are one of those people I'd love to talk to .... and you really could find a moment please send me an email [ Contact me throughout my website].....
If you are an artist with gallery representation that might introduce me to someone I might have a discussion with, send me a note....
If you know someone who knows someone..... well , I'd love to hear from you ....
I'm still in my cocoon down here .. but am hoping to become a butterfly soon .
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