How do you gauge success at an art show? Is it more attendance? More participating artists? More pieces sold? More dollars in sales?
I was at two big sculpture shows this weekend. In my non-scientific observation I would say there were fewer artists participating and fewer patrons.
However I did see significant numbers of items being wrapped and carried out.
In today's paper there was a preliminary statement that said they believed more pieces sold this year than in years' past. More pieces, but the average price per piece was less. So a bigger number of pieces but less total dollar revenue.
This might be ideal for the show's organizers, but what about for everyone else?
I think this can be viewed as good news...more people got to appreciate and purchase more pieces from more artists. More pieces were shipped. The wealth was spread around.
In the past, many artists thought they had to go bigger and bigger in order to get the big sale. This year, those that did the best had smaller pieces that were affordable by more buyers.
Perhaps the successful artist was "reading" the market and bringing smaller works. Or perhaps he or she was just doing what felt right. Or perhaps it was different artists who sold.
You can decide that your work is best represented large...and know that you will have fewer sales but each will be a bigger dollar amount (and I know of several very large pieces that sold)...or you can decide that your work is best represented smaller...or perhaps you have a combination of both.
I believe that art is something that comes from our hearts and souls and speaks to the heart and soul of the buyer. Rather than changing your vision, think about how you can make your work be accessible to the buyer...maybe you have a smaller version available or maybe you can offer a payment plan for larger pieces.
The big lesson here is that you can sell art in any market. You have to believe that it is possible.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Exceptional Day at Sculpture Invitational
Yesterday I spent an incredible day at the Sculpture Invitational here in Loveland, Colorado. We are so fortunate to live in a community that is so supportive of the arts...and to have not just one, but TWO huge sculpture shows every summer.
I noticed a lot of new exhibitors this year. It was fun to see the quality of the new work and to also catch up with some returning favorites...talk about what they have been up to, new works they have created, shows they are participating in, successes they've been having, and new grandkids arriving!
Met one lady who is 90 years old. She says this is her last show. She'll keep sculpting, but says she is "tired" of the shows...I asked when she started sculpting and she said when she was a little girl. She used to carve corn cobs!
Ran into several past favorites with really wonderful additions. Ann Fleming has added some bas reliefs to her collection. Very nice. Phillip Feaster finished a piece he was working on last year and added another called "Kelp Dance"...I swear I was in the kelp forest off Monterey when I looked at that one. Victor Issa finished "The Power of Thought" and it is magnificent.
Had some great conversations about stones, carving and special techniques...John Christensen, Marv Poulson, Jeff Schaezle and so many more!
Met some cool woodworkers...making me think about giving that a try! Thanks for all the info William Ooms, Lew Hammer (don't you just love that name for a sculptor!), Michael Bauermeister (another great name for a guy working in wood!)
One 1st timer that I was especially impressed with is Lisa Arquette. She combines wood, metal (bronze, polished pewter), and glass. She does it all herself. Lots of symbolism behind her work. Very powerful.
Another 1st time exhibitor was David Mallin...very sensual work...love the play of the shadows.
Saw old friends with wonderful new pieces...Greg Todd, Lori Acott-Fowler, Jeff Schaezle, Sam Terakedis, Monty Taylor...
Also ran into friends not exhibiting...Stalin Tafura (congrats on your recent sale & award in the Sculptural Pursuit competition!), Collen Nyanhongo (very interesting conversation on the challenges in moving a permanent installation in Ft Collins), Kathryn Schroeder (Chapungu Gallery) ...
Thanks to everyone for a fantastic show. It was great to see you all and to hear how well you are doing!
I noticed a lot of new exhibitors this year. It was fun to see the quality of the new work and to also catch up with some returning favorites...talk about what they have been up to, new works they have created, shows they are participating in, successes they've been having, and new grandkids arriving!
Met one lady who is 90 years old. She says this is her last show. She'll keep sculpting, but says she is "tired" of the shows...I asked when she started sculpting and she said when she was a little girl. She used to carve corn cobs!
Ran into several past favorites with really wonderful additions. Ann Fleming has added some bas reliefs to her collection. Very nice. Phillip Feaster finished a piece he was working on last year and added another called "Kelp Dance"...I swear I was in the kelp forest off Monterey when I looked at that one. Victor Issa finished "The Power of Thought" and it is magnificent.
Had some great conversations about stones, carving and special techniques...John Christensen, Marv Poulson, Jeff Schaezle and so many more!
Met some cool woodworkers...making me think about giving that a try! Thanks for all the info William Ooms, Lew Hammer (don't you just love that name for a sculptor!), Michael Bauermeister (another great name for a guy working in wood!)
One 1st timer that I was especially impressed with is Lisa Arquette. She combines wood, metal (bronze, polished pewter), and glass. She does it all herself. Lots of symbolism behind her work. Very powerful.
Another 1st time exhibitor was David Mallin...very sensual work...love the play of the shadows.
Saw old friends with wonderful new pieces...Greg Todd, Lori Acott-Fowler, Jeff Schaezle, Sam Terakedis, Monty Taylor...
Also ran into friends not exhibiting...Stalin Tafura (congrats on your recent sale & award in the Sculptural Pursuit competition!), Collen Nyanhongo (very interesting conversation on the challenges in moving a permanent installation in Ft Collins), Kathryn Schroeder (Chapungu Gallery) ...
Thanks to everyone for a fantastic show. It was great to see you all and to hear how well you are doing!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sculpture Invitational Starts Today
In a few hours I will be surrounded by sculpture--my version of mini Heaven.
Several hundred sculptors will be exhibiting. Styles range from very traditional, realistic works to contemporary/modern, with every stop along the way!
There is something that everyone will love. Pieces come large and small, in all subject matters--horses (there are a lot of horses), wildlife, people, whimsy, abstracts.
And the price tags vary, too. You can find some real art deals at the show...whether you are in the market for a piece for your home or office...this is a fantastic place to acquire a sculpture.
Even if you aren't in a position to buy, this is a wonderful opportunity to see a lot of variety and to learn more about art.
One of the best things about the sculpture show is the availability of the artists! They are all there, so you can meet the sculptor who created the piece you fell in love with and ask all sorts of questions. This is an opportunity that you just don't have when you buy through a gallery.
Most artists enjoy talking about their work and love to have people ask questions. So ask away...whether you are a novice or avid collector this is your opportunity to get inside the artist's head for a little while.
Today the Sculpture Invitational is open from 10-3. Admission (today) is $3. Both the Sculpture Invitational and Sculpture in the Park shows are open Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9:30-4:30. Admission on Sat & Sun is $5 per show.
Several hundred sculptors will be exhibiting. Styles range from very traditional, realistic works to contemporary/modern, with every stop along the way!
There is something that everyone will love. Pieces come large and small, in all subject matters--horses (there are a lot of horses), wildlife, people, whimsy, abstracts.
And the price tags vary, too. You can find some real art deals at the show...whether you are in the market for a piece for your home or office...this is a fantastic place to acquire a sculpture.
Even if you aren't in a position to buy, this is a wonderful opportunity to see a lot of variety and to learn more about art.
One of the best things about the sculpture show is the availability of the artists! They are all there, so you can meet the sculptor who created the piece you fell in love with and ask all sorts of questions. This is an opportunity that you just don't have when you buy through a gallery.
Most artists enjoy talking about their work and love to have people ask questions. So ask away...whether you are a novice or avid collector this is your opportunity to get inside the artist's head for a little while.
Today the Sculpture Invitational is open from 10-3. Admission (today) is $3. Both the Sculpture Invitational and Sculpture in the Park shows are open Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9:30-4:30. Admission on Sat & Sun is $5 per show.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Body Parts Driving Up the Highway
WOW! It is that time of year already!
I saw a trailer hauling sculpture up the highway the other day...an odd image of body parts tethered into a trailer. Hmmm...I think they were for the sculpture shows...but then again???
Anyway, I am excited to see so many great artists and fantastic creations. While I had intended to exhibit this year, it was not meant to be. The good news is that means I will be able to really see the show!
If you have never been, you MUST get to Loveland, Colorado this weekend!
For more information on Sculpture in the Park:
For more details about the Sculpture Invitational
Both happen this weekend, so if you are coming from out of town, grab a room for the night and plan on two full days.
You can also have a free tour of the Chapungu Sculpture Park on Friday night or Saturday morning!
I saw a trailer hauling sculpture up the highway the other day...an odd image of body parts tethered into a trailer. Hmmm...I think they were for the sculpture shows...but then again???
Anyway, I am excited to see so many great artists and fantastic creations. While I had intended to exhibit this year, it was not meant to be. The good news is that means I will be able to really see the show!
If you have never been, you MUST get to Loveland, Colorado this weekend!
For more information on Sculpture in the Park:
For more details about the Sculpture Invitational
Both happen this weekend, so if you are coming from out of town, grab a room for the night and plan on two full days.
You can also have a free tour of the Chapungu Sculpture Park on Friday night or Saturday morning!
Enjoy all the opportunities for meeting artists and seeing their work!ROY GUTHRIE will conduct special FREE tours in the Chapungu Sculpture Park on the following days:Chapungu Sculpture Park Address:The Promenade Shops at CenterraSky Pond DriveLoveland, Colorado 80538Tel: 970 461 8020FRIDAY 7th AUGUSTat 5:30 pm MEET IN NORTH END OF PARK at 5:15pmSATURDAY 8th AUGUST at 11:00am: MEET OUTSIDE PF CHANG AND BIAGGI RESTAURANTS at 10:45am.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sculpture Goes Missing: Loveland Sculptor May Recreate Historic Work
Kirsten Kokkin is one of 5 artists selected as finalists in the Angel of Music competition. This competition is to be the artist selected to recreate a sculpture that was on the gravestie of American composer and pianist Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869). The sculpture went missing in the 1950s.
How does a sculpture go missing? I guess someone must have really liked it. The marble angel was almost 5 feet tall. Also taken was the 6-1/2 foot tall marble pedestal. This is no small feat! I mean, it is not like you can just put that in your pocket!
In preparation for the new work, the pedestal has already been restored and an anitque wrought iron fence has been installed, along with greenery.
The sculpture competition is being put forth by a 501c(3) organizaion the Green-Wood Historic Fund. This organization conserves and restores the Brooklyn NY, Green-Wood Cemetery's endangered monuments. The cemetery is listed as a National Historic Landmark, is 171 years old and is the final resting place of many historical figures including Leonard Bernstein, Horace Greeley, FAO Schowartz, Samuel Morse and Boss Tweed.
Kirsten Kokkin is one of our talented local sculptors...who like most us moved here from somewhere else.
One of the things I really appreciate (dare I say "love"?) about living in Loveland, Colorado is our art community. Not just the artists, but how the community as a group embraces the arts.
We have beautiful sculptures all around the city, wonderful galleries and a fantastic museum. Kokkin's work has created quite a local controversy in the past when she created an exquisite piece, The Triangle, that was in the classical tradition, including the figures being nude. The piece ended up being relocated and can be seen in the Benson Sculpture Park.
How does a sculpture go missing? I guess someone must have really liked it. The marble angel was almost 5 feet tall. Also taken was the 6-1/2 foot tall marble pedestal. This is no small feat! I mean, it is not like you can just put that in your pocket!
In preparation for the new work, the pedestal has already been restored and an anitque wrought iron fence has been installed, along with greenery.
The sculpture competition is being put forth by a 501c(3) organizaion the Green-Wood Historic Fund. This organization conserves and restores the Brooklyn NY, Green-Wood Cemetery's endangered monuments. The cemetery is listed as a National Historic Landmark, is 171 years old and is the final resting place of many historical figures including Leonard Bernstein, Horace Greeley, FAO Schowartz, Samuel Morse and Boss Tweed.
Kirsten Kokkin is one of our talented local sculptors...who like most us moved here from somewhere else.
One of the things I really appreciate (dare I say "love"?) about living in Loveland, Colorado is our art community. Not just the artists, but how the community as a group embraces the arts.
We have beautiful sculptures all around the city, wonderful galleries and a fantastic museum. Kokkin's work has created quite a local controversy in the past when she created an exquisite piece, The Triangle, that was in the classical tradition, including the figures being nude. The piece ended up being relocated and can be seen in the Benson Sculpture Park.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Ancient Chinese Painting Brought to Life
I love Chinese murals...maybe because I grew up in Japan and traveled around and got to see them in person.
This is a really cool way to see some great Chinese art with a twist!
Chinese Mural "along the River During the Ching-ming Festival"
You can control the time you take on this...it is great fun...and a fun break during your day.
The original painting is circa 1085-1145, during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was repainted during the Qing Dynasty. It measures 528cm. in width and 24.8cm. in height. It is considered to be one of the Great Treasures of China and was exhibited in the Hong Kong Museum of Art last year.
I hope you enjoy it!
This is a really cool way to see some great Chinese art with a twist!
Chinese Mural "along the River During the Ching-ming Festival"
You can control the time you take on this...it is great fun...and a fun break during your day.
The original painting is circa 1085-1145, during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was repainted during the Qing Dynasty. It measures 528cm. in width and 24.8cm. in height. It is considered to be one of the Great Treasures of China and was exhibited in the Hong Kong Museum of Art last year.
I hope you enjoy it!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Street Painters Amaze Me
Maybe because I am a sculptor not a painter, but these guys who paint 3D images on the street just amaze me!
I had seen Julian Beever's work before and he is fantastic. He works in pastels so his work is, temporal, shall we say.
Recently I was shown some images by another painter who actually paints on the streets and his work has survived rains, but apparently the weather still is the biggest challenge he faces.
Anyway, his name is Edgar Mueller and you can can his work here and also here
I found it really fun to watch the video of the making of one of his pieces, The Crevasse
I had seen Julian Beever's work before and he is fantastic. He works in pastels so his work is, temporal, shall we say.
Recently I was shown some images by another painter who actually paints on the streets and his work has survived rains, but apparently the weather still is the biggest challenge he faces.
Anyway, his name is Edgar Mueller and you can can his work here and also here
I found it really fun to watch the video of the making of one of his pieces, The Crevasse
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