At a show opening in which I had some work , I couldn’t help but notice two very nice women seemed very interested in one of my paintings. They looked at it for quite a while, singing its praises. It seemed a sale was about to occur! However, suddenly, they exited the gallery.
To my pleasant surprise, a couple of hours later, they reappeared in the gallery and one of the women bought the work. In the time that had elapsed, they had sat in a local eatery figuring out how to justify this purchase (a medium sized painting just under $1000) to friends.
I understood completely. For most people I know, the purchase of original art is low on the priority list. In fact, it may be non existent. There is a practical side to buying the new couch, rug or TV. That extra $1000 dollars is needed for the kids’ hockey season, or the family vacation. To many 2D art is perceived as solely a decoration for the wall. Won’t anything do?
I believe the woman who bought my painting had an aha! moment. The painting was more than decoration. It stirred strong memories and inspired dialogue. She experienced the art. The scene and the mood of the painting reminded her so much of where she had come from, she bravely made that step over the line from “visitor” to “collector”. I very much appreciate that big step.
Here are a few other points to ponder. I would love to hear from you on these or any other art related subjects-
Although amongst the most educated group in Canada, artists are amongst the poorest.
Looking at a landscape painting can help with SAD.
When artists move into poorer urban communities, those areas often transform.
Almost everything man-made has involved an artist at some-point.
No other group is so open for criticism
It is an art form usually viewed for free with no enumeration going to the artist
Galleries take 40-50% commission
Artists must pay for expensive supplies, memberships, insurance, rent, self-promotion (business cards, websites, mailings- just to start)
Artists are life long learners
