shift
Winter Fields, 9” x 11” Acrylic and stitch on cotton paper with collage
It’s been two decades since I actively worked to sell my artwork. Selling artwork takes a lot of time. One Instagram professional painter whom I admire recently posted that the business of selling her work takes about 60% of her time. I think that’s accurate.
When I lived in Washington D. C. and Virginia, I did have gallery shows. I found that by the time I paid for framing, materials, and gallery commissions (well earned), I made almost nothing. Studio tours and art fairs take tremendous effort and when doing them, I subconsciously tried to adjust the art I was making to the market. When we moved to Washington state, the pragmatist in me decided to make an income from bank consulting but continue an artistic practice.
Two years ago, I had a serious health scare. While I am now cancer free, I never want my family to have to figure out what to do with all my artwork. Plus, it’s time to show my work.
I knew, though, that it would just nag me on my “to do” list without getting done. Five months ago, I took a bold step and hired a part time art studio assistant. She encouraged me (kicking and screaming, I might add) to inventory my work on Artwork Archive.
Of course, I needed to do that! We’re not done yet; but 150 pieces are logged with photos and descriptions. Many are still waiting. There will probably be more than 300 pieces by the time we are done.
Here we (the royal we) have mounted 48 small pieces on matboard, ordered cut matboard for each piece and will apply an inventory label on the back of each piece. I’ll actually be able to find pieces in the future!
She also helped me apply to a juried show and for the first time in two decades a piece of mine (“Winter Fields”, pictured above), will be shown in a group show at Bainbridge Arts and Craft. I also worked with a square space consultant to set up commerce on my website and have sold ten pieces in the past two months. Here’s a link to see some pieces for sale. https://www.robertawagner.com/art.
My vision is to be able to work primarily on the art itself. More systems, studio help, and good gallery representation is needed to reach that vision. But I am on the way. This does mean I need to raise prices. It’s a little like asking a boss for a raise, you have to believe you are worth it, your work is worth it.
Thinking about pieces going somewhere besides my cupboards has shifted my perspective. I want to make each piece the best that it can be. I want to present it to its best advantage. I am thinking more deeply about my voice and what I want to say with my artwork. I didn’t expect this to be a result but it’s exciting. I think the piece below, “Terrains” 24” x 10” is an example of that.
Like so many shifts we need to make in our lives or businesses, it’s not always easy. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I can already see the fruits of the hard work. It’s a process.