Photo Credit: Jennie Anne Benigas

JUDY'S JOURNAL March 2009 "We [Emilia and Ilya Kabakov]…said that the Russian government needs to do more to support young artists and the artistic community. It has to be serious art; art which is not made to make money. When…artist[s] start creating for money, they are finished." "Artist Interview - Homecoming for the Kabakovs" The Art Newspaper - www.theartnewspaper.com

The Artist Perceived As Salesperson

Dear Reader,

The first time someone approached me at an opening reception and said, "We would like to buy that piece," I said, "Are you sure?" The more seasoned artist who was standing next to me graciously waited until we were alone later that evening to say, "Don't EVER say that when someone wants to buy your work!"

More than a decade later, that feeling of astonishment still comes over me when someone wants to buy my work. I even get a vicarious thrill when people visiting a gallery or my website purchase my paintings. I rarely meet these strangers who see my work, connect with it, and take that giant step forward to buy it.

Is selling my artwork a priority when I create it? Honestly, no. Selling is a side effect caused by substantial effort on my part or gallery owners and their staffs to put it "out there" so that it can be seen and appreciated. I work hard to have solo exhibits and participate in group shows. I try to find galleries where my work "fits in."

At the beginning of last year, three galleries had my artwork. Two have since closed or restructured, and now my work is in one. It is absolutely superb and top-notch (www.galleryzprov.com), and I consider myself fortunate to have my work there. The economy continues to shake and quake, while we hold our collective breaths and hope for the best.

I believe my work is "serious art…which is not made to make money." Bringing an art lover and artist together presents a delicious opportunity for a rich exchange: what do you see? what are you curious about? what does this piece remind you of? what were you thinking when you made this?

However, conversations between a person looking at artwork and the artist who made it become a most delicate interaction if the artist is perceived as one who expects a sale to follow.

Since blogs are designed to express and react to all things in the universe, I am taking this opportunity to set my record straight. I love to make art, show art, and talk about art. That is my bliss. Should we ever meet, please relax and know that my agenda does not include a dollar sign. Would I be glad to have you buy my work? Certainly. I need money just like anyone else to buy supplies and take classes. But I would be just as happy to have a conversation about art. Not just mine, but anyone's. Reaction! Response! Reciprocation! Those are the Golden Apples on my tree.

Any thoughts? Contact me; judy@paletteandpen.com!