Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Art for Money, money for art

 Here is a link to an article I think you might like. My friend Laura sent it to me and it was a nice reminder of why we are in the crazy business of making art or craft:

Art for money, money for art
http://www.luannudell.com/blog/2004/05/30.html#a26

here's a quick excerpt:

 I make the most beautiful work I can envision.  Someone else appreciates the work I have made.  I tell them the story behind the work.  A connection is made.  An exchange is made—usually their money for my work (or, if you prefer, the fruit of their labor for the fruit of MY labor.)  Hopefully, both parties are pleased with the transaction.

That’s all.  That’s it.  That’s what selling my art means to me.  No value judgments, no demeaning transactions, no loss of my artistic vision, no selling out. 

Lately, though, I’ve come to see another, just as rich dimension to this transaction.  And that is the power my art works on others even after the sales transaction......




I went back to the garden today. Gerry saw my photos from yesterday and wanted to go do a spring flower package for work. I was his tour guide, it's a hard place to navigate for a first time visitor. Then back to the theater this afternoon with props. It's been a full day, beautiful day.

Here is my photo above of an allium, not too bad

and here is Gerry's better, more amazing shots with a real camera:

http://bigstory.ap.org/photo/nc-daily-life-4

and here:
http://www.bta.bg/en/gallery/image/749814

http://www.sipa.com/en/feature/2585999/nc-daily-life/page/1/SN/NEWS

this is why he pays the bills and I don't !

13 comments:

oldgreymare said...

He does take a mighty pretty photo :D

ang design said...

I think you did a fine pic!!

Melissa Rohrer said...

Good timing for me. I've been giving a lot of thought to these same points Luann makes in her article.
Mind if I include the link in my blog?

jffollies said...

For me it went like this; "that's really nice; wow that is awesome".
Happy you seem in a happier place.

Susan Wells said...

I love the allium pic! So beautiful I want to take it from the screen and fondle it!

Tracey Broome said...

My pictures pale in comparison, but I learned from a pretty talented guy I know:-)
Yes Melissa, please feel free to share!

Lori Buff said...

I love what she's saying about the exchange of the fruits of our labors, I'll have to remember this at my next show.

Great pictures from both of you.

Vicki said...

I like the article you linked, food for thought.
For now, I need to sell to keep my expenses covered. One day though...

Gerry's photos are so beautiful. But, hey, you take some damn fine photos too!
You are lucky to be able to learn from one of the best :)

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Lori and Vicki glad you liked the article, I thought many readers here would easily relate. Thanks for the kind words about my photos, but truly, I have learned from one of the best!

Michèle Hastings said...

Don't sell yourself short on your photography, your photo is fabulous!
I am going to come back later to read the whole article, thanks for sharing.

Michèle Hastings said...

I came back tonight and read the article. Lots of very good thoughts in there. Especially about making your best work and not trying to make things that will sell. I have been down that road and it usually doesn't work. I also noticed that it was written in 2004. A time when sales were much better overall.

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Michele, I didn't notice the date, its still a timely topic although these days you gotta do what you gotta do to sell work. I've been down both roads, no idea what the answer is....

Shannon said...

thanks for the link, the thoughtful, useful words on fruits of labor, and the lovely pix. Duke Gardens is magical.