In last week’s blog, I wondered about the things I might be doing if I hadn’t got into art. The list was quite long. With all those possible choices, I started wondering about why I chose to concentrate on art. I hadn’t any particular talent or training. I remember doing the “Draw Winky” thing in the TV Guide. I think I remember that I sent it in and got the response that I “held promise” (who didn’t?!?). I remember my high school art classes fondly, but that may have been because of the teacher that I really liked. I never once thought of going into visual arts as a profession, unless you count the time I tried to get into the Photography Program at a college in Montreal. They only accepted a very small number of students every year, and of course I wasn’t one of them. That was the extent of my efforts to start a career as an artist! In fact, after exploring a few subjects at college, I settled on possibly the least artsy program of all: Computer Science! So why the fascination with art now? I think there are many reasons. First, I love to learn. I could have chosen to learn something else of course, but I think that with art I will never run out of things to learn! I also like to create things. You may not think it, but writing a computer program is creating. You start from basically nothing but a set of rules and a problem to solve, and you come up with a series of steps that solve it! I remember the great feeling of accomplishment of getting a program to do exactly what you wanted it to do! And sometimes (very rarely, I admit!) on the very first try!! I think also that I enjoy the satisfaction of doing something where I am happy with the results. I tried learning the clarinet but was not very good at it. My ego feels I am better at art. I also like the quietness of art. I discovered a few years ago that I am a “Type 4” person. (Look up DYT if you are curious). This type of person likes things to be structured and quiet, so I am quite content being on my own and working at my own pace. Another reason is that, like everyone I think, I want to leave a mark on the world. Hopefully some of my works will still be around, and bringing joy to their owners, many years after no one remembers having known me. I have no ambitions to be famous or hang in museums, but it is nice to think that someone in many years will still be enjoying what I created. I think it also satisfies my entrepreneurial spirit. I vaguely remember having a lemonade stand out on the front lawn for some of my father’s warehouse workers next door. I couldn’t have been much older than 6 or 7. I was always on the lookout for money-making opportunities, and sold educational toys for a while when my kids were young. I was also an “Avon Lady” for many years. My ex-husband and I ran a microwave popcorn business for several years, and yes, we even tried our hand at Amway! So it should be no surprise to me that I am spending a lot of time learning and researching art marketing. Marketing art is not like regular marketing. It is much more difficult, mainly because unlike other products, no one really “needs” art. You could argue that everyone needs art, the world needs more art, and I would agree, but there are many opportunities for people to enjoy art that don’t require them to purchase it! Especially now with the Internet, you can visit world famous museums from the comfort of your couch. You can download art, not always legally, from pretty much anywhere. And you can print copies, or order moderately priced reproductions online for home delivery! And, to be honest, with the price of everything going up the way it is, people have legitimately good reasons to not buy original art. (And yet someone bought an original Andy Warhol last week for $195M! US$!! For a silkscreen print!! Go figure!!) Talking with other local artists, getting people to consider purchasing art is very difficult. Unless they fall in love with the piece and can’t get it out of their head, most people, around here anyway, will not buy art. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not educated about art, so can't appreciate the difference between an original and a reproduction. They might also be intimidated by original art and believe that it is out of their reach. I believe it is part of my mission to change this, in part by offering small and very affordable original paintings (nothing above $1M. CAN$. I promise!) So why do I continue? Why do I bother? Simply, because I love it! Of course selling more works would be nice. Knowing that someone likes your work enough to part with their hard-earned money is extremely gratifying. Plus, it would help pay for more art supplies and would clear some space for new work! So this summer, make a point of going to art fairs, and support local living artists! Find art that you love! You'll be happy and proud to point to the art on your wall and tell your friends that you know the artist!
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AuthorMy name is Claire Bureau. Archives
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