Reminded of how important it is to be true to oneself after watching the 1949 flick of The Fountainhead, by Ayn Ryan.
Howard Roark, the architect, defends himself in a 6 minute speech (Rand insisted that the speech be filmed in its entirety), after blowing up a housing project which he had designed:
Check it out – I found it inspiring!
Talk about an interesting place for introducing oneself. Above the hum of over 30 computers, I tried to use my “teacher voice” to both introduce myself and to give this group of grade 12’s direction on designing a program for our Community Player’s fall production, Letters in Wartime.
Fortunately, many recognized my artwork hanging at a local cafe, thus making me feel somewhat comfortable. I really feel that I actually had this class of 30 student’s attention for at least 15 minutes… then, they lost interest!
There was a projected image of the poster on the screen at the front of the classroom, so at least I was able to talk about design elements and colour use. I also had an opportunity to tell the students about the tag line for the poster “amid the carnage of war, will love endure?” Where I lost them, I think, was the fact that only a small group were going to be working on this design (and I didn’t realize that), and also I don’t think I asked enough questions.
Oh well, the experience was positive, and I hope I enticed some to come to the play!
The Abstract Conceptual Group
ARTFORMS
Neo Conceptual Group
Post Traditionalists
Neo Expressionalists
ABSTRACTBIZ
Innovative Creative Artists – ICA
Usually, when an artist group is formed, the ‘members’ have a “common denominator” association of a similar type of painting, sculpture, etc., which ultimately gives the group a personality.
The ones I have suggested above need some sizzle. Any more suggestions?
The 8th International Art Fair in Toronto is on during the period of October 26 – 29th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It is the best way to see what is happening in the international art scene without having to travel a huge distance for me. Last year, I was quite overwhelmed with the quality of work and also exhibitions and lectures.
Ideally, having a gallery who represents you as an artist and then the same gallery chooses to highlight your work at the fair, is the best scenerio for obtaining credibility as an artist. My goal!
As it stands, going to the fair enables me to do some fancy footwork with gallery owners and curators to at least get my name out there. This year, my aim is to have my own website finished so that I can leave my card with confidence. Also, I would like to use this opportunity to enlarge my own contact list. It is a real high for me, so I’m looking forward to the experience.
John,
LET’S DO IT!
I’ve been thinking globally for a long time in my other career of educational administration. Many of my art courses and educational upgrades were taken abroad (such as Italy and England and the USA).
I have a good artist friend in Portugal who could be a possible contact (Portugal is surprisingly advanced in contemporary art) and the other hot spot is Mexico – Oaxaca has incredible abstract galleries along with Mexico city). China? Why not?
Why don’t you give me an outline of your vision for the global website – how many artists? How many pics per person, etc. I am just having my own website designed instead of using established ones.
Have you looked into shipping and insurance costs? What would you like me to do?
Se
The Market Matters publication continues to fascinate me. After the first few pages, I found that I was questioning myself about my own artistic endeavours. I know that I certainly acknowledge different markets -the public sector and the the private sector, yet I feel as if my eyes have been opened. Where do I go from here? I agree, John, that there is an important message in both essays for me too.
I’m still excited at the fact that there is such a large audience for “innovative contemporary art”. How frustrating it has been for me, in my small town, to show my work. I know that starting locally is supposed to be the direction but, my locally has been over saturated with my work appearing everywhere! So time to move out and on.
After reading the comment from John about Italy, I started to dream about being in his shoes! How fortunate he is to have venues that want his work! Italy is culturally so exciting ( in fact, Europe is culturally so exciting – I have studied in Italy, England, and the USA plus traveled in Portugal, Spain and Mexico). Even Canada has its exciting spots like Montreal! I know I sound like someone in a backward community, but it is not like that. Simply, people here are more interested in other pursuits and passions.
Anyway, I am envious John and will continue with this writing when I have some time to ponder more about my impressions of the essay and the effect it has had on me.
Another publication by the Art Council of England which is quite fascinating. It is called Taste Buds: How to cultivate the art market by Morris Hargreaves McIntyre. It was published in 2004. I have the executive summary, but would like to read the whole report. Recently, I was asked where I obtained the information about both Market Matters and Taste Buds – most likely, when I was in England for a few weeks in June. If anyone reads these articles, please comment!
Just reading an article by Louisa Buck called Market Matters – the dynamics of the contemporary art market. http://www.newaudiences.org.uk/documents/na_publication/phpBTXC1Z.pdf
Will make comments after I read it and I welcome anyone else to read it too.
Little did I realize that promoting my art would take 50% of my energy and resources. I thought that producing new and exciting work would be enough. So, my second attempt at ArtBiz’s Promote your art on-line course starts tomorrow! Looking forward to new ideas and information
