KMA-628

So my wife has decided that a good way to make extra money is through her art.

A couple of galleries have expressed some interest in carrying some of her pieces so I put together a mini-website that she could use to share with interested parties.

Thought I would share it here as my brain doesn't quite work this way. I appreciate art, but it just doesn't get my juices flowing.

http://www.jessicadelozier.bittybar.com

I will pass the comments on to her.

Here is the one piece I like the best



Thanks,

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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot.

ARTelevision

Very lovely and delicate work.
It's possible but difficult to derive income from artwork.
Galleries are an option.
Mural commissions is another.
I'm sure the other obvious channels of marketing and distribution are clear to you - such as illustration, etc.
Again, they are difficult to create consistent-income options.

There are many state grants for public-benefit-oriented art projects available, programs for artist residencies in schools, etc. Those are worth checking into.

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KMA-628

I am actually having a problem as there is a gallery in Chicago that wants her to move there to promote her work.

Apparently this guy owns galleries in Chicago, NYC and Europe. He asked her to move to Chicago next month, which I put my foot down and said no.

This is just my feeble attempt to be supportive, I guess. I don't see how there could be money in it and I am really having a hard time with the though of uprooting the kids as well.

I posted this here to see how you "left-brains" (and I say that affectionately) see her work. My brain just doesn't work this way.

__________________
Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot.

Coll Storm

If you really want to see how her work stacks up, then you should go to www.penny-arcade.com

Click on forum at the top of the page, and go into the art forum, and post it there.

They'll either tell you how good it is, or will rip it apart, but at least it will be in all honesty.

KMA-628

I am not sure if I want to do that.

I have grown to respect the people here at TFP and I am comfortable with their opinions/views.

I think honesty in art is a falicy. Way too many people coming from way too many backgrounds for there to be any "truth".

I posted here to see how you guys viewed her work. It will help me as we are discussing this whole "moving" thing and right now I look like an a$$hole. I am really torn over this whole thing and your input is very important to me. It is not my work, so having somebody rip it to shreds wouldn't serve my purpose.

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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot.

clavus

Compromise? Arrange for her to live in Chicago for a time? Maybe fly her to and from Chicago when there are openings of her work? There are some cheap fares into Midway. Check out Southwest and ATA.

As for my own humble opinion on your wife's work - It's nice, but I wouldn't move to Chicago for it.

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Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

KMA-628

Thanks Clavus, that meant more than you could probably imagine.

I just don't see what this gallery owner in Chicago sees, I guess.

__________________
Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot.

Lewis

It sounds as if you are battling with a lot of emotions about this. Quite understandably. What ARTelevision says, I agree with, but really I think the best thing to do is to really look and see what's around, and if there is a niche for the work.

Personally I'd avoid the Chicago offer like the plague as there's absolutely no need to move anywhere, and I can't figure out what he can actaully offer. If it's so good for him, maybe he can offer an advance payment?

I think you are offering your wife very pragmatic and loving support. There is nothing rarified about the general art market, and if you have doubts about making a living from the work yourself, they are probably justified. As you say though, it's difficult to make judgements, and not very wise either. Just because it doesn't suit one person's taste, it doesn't mean it won't suit a whole load of others. I'm often amazed at what people buy - my work included!

I think honesty is as elusive in art as it is in anything else in life though - and honesty in people, when it comes to practical application of opinions, is a rare thing too. However, if the artist is honest, it means the work is coming from a deeper place, and that resonates with others.

You sound honest, and caring. Just keep doing what you're doing, and looking and learning and staying open to possibilities that maybe seem unlikely, and be careful to only act what you are comfortable inside.

KMA-628

FYI guys, I am sort of copying these comments to her. (clavus, I left out your last sentence....for now.)

Right now she is only getting input from "friends" so your honesty and forthrightedness (dammit, if it isn't a word, I now claim it as one) is much appreciated.

__________________
Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot.

Jadey

I would listen to ARTelevision, if anyone knows about trying to make a living off of ones art I would think he'd be the guy to ask.

On a side note, the girl I'm dating now is also an artist and trying to make a living at it. She's really having some trouble with it. I'm not sure where you live, but if she can exhibit some of her stuff in a local gallery that'd be a start. Maybe have some business cards printed too, and put together a portfolio of her work.

In addition check different summer festivals and events to see if they have tents set up to exhibit local artists works. Also, my gf has or has friends that have "donated" works to different charity fund-raising events. You don't make any money off of it, but you are building name recognition and can use it as an opportunity to do a little self promotion.


As far as a critique of her work; well, it looks good to me, but it looks unfinished. A couple pieces look really nice. I especially like the more abstract pieces with the different geometric shapes. Regardless of what happens, I wish her the best of luck. It's hard, but even if you're not making a living at it, it's still fun.

Konichiwaneko

That's a great last name..I love the flow.

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ickma

Why not try to open your own little store to display and sell art including your wives and others. The family gets to stay where they are now and you get to support her with her plans.