Before I talk about the subject of the post I'd like to tell you that this is my 500th post.  It's hard to believe that I've written 500 snippets of information and tips that artists can use to become more successful and sustainable in their art businesses.  Now on to our regularly scheduled programming.

Artists have known since the beginning of time that color is more than just something we see; it's multi-sensory.  When we see a color we often have an emotional response along with the visceral one.  Over the years social causes have begun to use ribbons of many colors to represent and acknowledge their causes.  I bring this up because if you've been walking around wondering why so many people are wearing red it's because today we're bringing awareness to women's heart health.

I could go on and on about the gender differences of symptoms and treatment related to cardiac issues, but that's no the purpose of the post.  Getting people to wear red on the same day makes a statement.  It gets people to wonder if a memo went out instructing everyone to wear red today.  On the other side of the art equation is the recognition that red is about love, passion, blood, and of course the red heart (an iconic symbol).

As artists, we use color to evoke a mood and when we pair that mood with a visual symbol it creates synergy.  Do you have a favorite color and why?  Does it have special significance or does it just tickle your fancy?  Do you create a lot of work in that color?  I was interviewed earlier this week and asked about my favorite color.  I replied "purple".  Looking around the room I realized as did the entire audience that I didn't have one purple piece hanging.  I guess my personal likes and my artistic likes may split along the way.

Be proud of being an artist and knowing that your sense of color fosters good will in the world.  Stand proud that by utilizing color you're lending your voice to causes you didn't know existed.  Be aware of how color impacts the viewer and most of all....enjoy color!

        

I know that artists have been quite concerned about the economy and their ability to make a living as an artist over the past year.  Of course, if you watch art on the world stage you'll see that the economy did shift how collectors spent their money.  Earlier reports this year stated that collectors were switching their buying from international artists to more regional artists.  This move made a huge impact and gave a boost to the possibilities for regional artists across the country. 

Yesterday, the sale of Alberto Giacometti"s piece "Walking Man I" sold for $104.3 million dollars at Sotheby's auction.  It is now the highest earning piece at an auction of all times.  It beat out a piece by Picasso that sold for $104.3 million dollars, that ain't a bad days take if you ask me.  Once again the art market was surprised because the estimates for the sale price were one quarter the actual sales price...that's encouraging.

So what does this say for the art market or at least for those who have money they want to spend on art?  According to David Nahmad, a Monte Carlo-based art dealer is quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying, "...the sale shows that after a weak year, the wealthy are once again 'parking their cash in art." 

Of course most of you reading this blog aren't selling work for hundreds of millions of dollars, but what about regional or local collectors who might be feeling infused with a renewed sense of security in art?  Maybe this is the time to begin reconnecting with those who have bought your art in the past.  Perhaps you will want to consider raising the level of the prospects you wish to attract.  All of this is possible, but it takes some ingenuity, determination, and perseverance.  If you're sweating just reading this then maybe you should reconsider your career options.

Want to consider taking your art business to the next level then consider joining the Artist Work Group that will be forming.  If you're interested feel free to e-mail me at greg@artistsuccessstudio.com or call me at 720-851-6736.  Want to get a jump start, sign up for the 7-part e-course at www.artistsuccessstudio.com, think of it as a warm-up.

        

The evening went off without a hitch.  The First Monday Art Talk with Eric Matelski was provocative and inspiring, not to mention fun.  As the months go by Eric continuously looks for new ways to engage the arts community bringing together artists of all mediums who wouldn't meet each other in any other context.  That's the best part of building community, creating an exchange of mutual respect and support.

Kit Muldoon started the evening with a stunning poetry performance.  I was caught up in her emotion to the point that I wasn't aware of what was going on around me.  She delivered her performance with energy and conviction.   Her honest emotion caught the audience by surprise and that added to the excitement.  It's this type of exposure that gets people to seek out more opportunities to hear performances of this medium.

Obviously for me the best part of the evening was when Eric interviewed me, since I was the featured artist this month.  I knew a number of people in the audience, but obviously not everyone so I was interested in the questions the audience would ask.  What I found as interview progressed is that the questions helped clarify my thoughts about the art and the journey I've taken thus far.  They peaked my interest in how others not only view the art, but the process in making the art.  There is something altering about saying these responses out loud.

It's easy to think of questions and answer them in your head, but saying the answers out loud and having others bear witness to those responses changes the playing field.  It becomes a matter of public record, so to speak, and that helps as I prepare future shows and gave me an entire host of topics for workshops and lectures I give across the country.

You should think about having someone interview you.  It doesn't have to be in a big venue.  Get a group together and have them all submit questions to the person who will do the interview.  Then allow the interview to begin.  I believe you'll be surprised (pleasantly) at your responses.  It's also good prep if you are planning on going out and doing an artist talk. 

If you'd like to consider making this part of your plan for building your art business consider the Artist Working Group that's forming.  If you're interested send me an e-mail at greg@artistsuccessstudio.com or give me a call at 720-851-6736, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

        

The day has come after months of planning.  My show is opening tonight at Dazzle Jazz Club at tonight's First Monday Artist Talk with Eric Matelski.  We hung the show on Saturday and there are just a few more details to finish up before I get to spend time talking about what I love, creating textile art and how it reflects my life, my soul, and my aesthetic. 

My dad called yesterday (he lives in Dallas) to wish me a great night.  We were talking about the show, how I planned for it, and what my personal mission was for creating the work.  We discussed the event, who will be performing, and just about the Denver art community in general.  Before getting off the phone he said to me, "I hope you enjoy the art".  I heard it and then it hit me.  My father was having a Yoda moment and I was a Jedi-in-training.  He was telling me not to get lost in the moment and experience the art I've been creating.  Look at the art, really look at it and see what it has to say to me.

I thought those were profoundly enlightened words.  It's as if the great Zen teacher Suzuki Roshi, who wrote Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, was speaking directly to me.  My father's words reminded me to go to the show this evening with a Beginner's Mind, experience the art as if I were seeing it for the first time; this is what will help define and guide the next step in my journey.

If you have the chance to put a body of work up, at one time, in one place, I encourage you to do so.  Having the opportunity to see the work with fresh eyes is heart warming, but most of all it is informative.  Hopefully it peaks your interest and engages you in the next artistic adventure.  Want more artistic adventures while building your art business?  I'm creating an Artist Work Group, more to come.  If you're interested in building your art business this might be the opportunity that has your name on it.  If you're interested send me and e-mail at greg@artistsuccessstudio.com or call me at 720-851-6736.

        

There is something about watching an artist work that's magical.  Having the opportunity to get a glimpse into their private worlds is a treat.  That's exactly what's happening at the Denver Creative Coop Studio (DCCS).  Twelve artists are coming together to create works of art in "real time".  They get one night to create their work of art and then tonight 1/30 there will be a show for the art.  Eric Matelski, the studio's curator/advisor/cheerleader/art enthusiast is continually looking for new ways to bring art and the public together.  The space at the DCCS is set up perfectly for this type of event.

I'm always one who like behind the scene adventures so I went at the beginning of the evening.  It was fun to watch the artists begin their paintings, in some cases more than one.  They each had their own rituals and nuances as to how they approach the canvas.  So having all these artists in one environment, is their a synergistic energy that evolves throughout the evening.  My art requires a sewing machine, so I don't have the opportunity to work in a room with other artists unless I'm taking a class.  It would seem that many of the artists already know one another so that may have more of an impact on the process then all being in one room (enough rambling).

I always say that having these open paint sessions is like going to the zoo.  You get to see artists doing what they do and the viewers can just watch, in some case for hours.  I'm sure the artists wouldn't mind if you threw them the human equivalent of peanuts to keep them amused.  You can tell at times during my stay that all the artists were in sync because there was a lull in the chatter, only the beat of the music was noticeable.   This is the public's opportunity to watch artist do what they do when no one is looking.

My favorite part of the evening was watching the artist's get ready to make a brush/pastel stroke on the canvas of their surface of choice.  It was like watching a skier run through the course in their mind before they even leave the gate.  You could watch the artists move the brush in the air planning their next move.  Other artists warmed up by simply getting in the groove with the very heavy beat of the music.  There were times when the strokes were made to the beat of the music. 

If you haven't had the experience to see artists Live in action then look for an opportunity to have that experience.  If you want to see what artists can do in one evening and meet the man who keeps things moving, then head out to the DCCS this evening and see what inspires you!

        

I speak with artists all over the country and many are hoping to have their works in a museum.  The ultimate museum for many is the Smithsonian.  I'm fortunate to know many an artist who have pieces in the Smithsonian and it certainly is a huge honor.  How do you think these artists got their work in the Smithsonian?  Do you believe they were discovered by some random act of synchronicity?  If that were the case don't you think you'd know more artists who have their work in the Smithsonian?

The other morning, while I was having my coffee, I was watching reruns of The West Wing.  In the show Martin Sheen, who plays the President say, "You think there's a room in the Smithsonian for guy who never even tried?"  Those aren't my words, but the words of some savvy writers, needless to say it got my attention.  I hope it's getting your attention.

What do you think it takes to succeed is the big question being asked.  Obviously every artist won't get in to the Smithsonian, but artists can be successful without the accolade.   How are you trying?  If you asked friends and family about how hard you're trying do you think they'd agree with your assessment, or have they been whispering behind your back?  Sometimes family and friends are afraid to share their true opinions because they love you when in reality what you may need is a good whack on the side of the head. 

When I was in graduate school, my family therapy professor gave us words to live by when working with people.  He said, "Pat them on the back before you kick them in the ass."  So I'd like to commend all of you who have been diligent in your pursuits for creating a successful artist business.  Now I want you to turn up the volume, just like the gym; it's time to start sweating.  I'm looking to put together an "Artist Working Group" for those who are ready to sweat.  You can e-mail me at greg@artistsuccessstudio.com or call at 720-851-6736.

See you at the Smithsonian!

        

I just got back from hearing a lecture by Dr. David Shneer from UC Boulder about Bearing Witness: Photography of the Holocaust.  As artists we think about photography as art, but as artists do we think of ourselves as historians?  I believe that artists are historians, political commentators, cultural anthropologists, and entertainers.  How many hats do you wear as an artist?  How do you juggle all the hats?

Fortunately for me, I believe that I wear the hats simultaneously.  I don't seem to be able to separate one role or aspect of my art from the other.  All the aspects of the art weave a tapestry that is important.  The process of creating the art is important.  Understanding my own responsibility as an artist is important.  It's part of creating a successful art business, knowing what about your art goes beyond simply being beautiful.

The pictures Dr. Shneer showed the audience were of the holocaust.  He warned everyone at the beginning that some of the images would be disturbing, especially if you've never seen pictures of the holocaust before today.  He made reference to the famous American photographer, Susan Sontag, and her views on what the American public is and isn't willing to see.  Is one of the roles of art to burst the bubble of illusion for those who have a false consciousness?

Where do you see your role as an artist?

        

As the River North Art District (RINO) in Denver develops, artists in the area were given the opportunity to submit works for a juried show at Ice Cube Gallery.  Ice Cube Gallery is located at the Dry Ice Factory where 20+ artists have their studios.  It's a natural outgrowth that a building full of artists has a gallery and Ice Cube Gallery is a great representation of what a local gallery can accomplish.

A call for entry was sent out asking artists in the RINO district to submit works of art for the show titled "Icebreaker".  The show would be juried and curated by noted art critic for Westword, Michael Paglia.  The show is a terrific representation of different types of art, different genres, and new as well as established artists. 

The show was curated so that when you enter the gallery the works of realism are to your left and the works of abstraction are to your right.  Separating the two styles of art allows the brain to stay in one mode.  The viewer doesn't have to switch between what the art work depicts intermittently with what the art could mean.  The viewer can begin to stay in one viewing mode long enough to truly appreciate the work.  Even if you're inclined toward one type of art, giving yourself the opportunity to cross the divide and spend time in the opposite arena is a great way to experience what to you may be the unknown.

Congrats go to those artists who received special recognition.  Juror's choice went to Sharon Brown for her triptych of portraits.  Honorable mention went to two artists.  Andrew Berg received an honorable mention for Untitled Oil, which faces the guest as you enter the gallery.  The other honorable mention was given to Lisa Calzavara for her work "Dining Room Light".

What I most appreciated in Michael's Juror's statement was his acknowledgment of how many new artists submitted to the show.  There were many artists whose work he was not familiar with, thus expanding the pool of recognized artists in the community.  See, even a well established art critic can get turned on to new/emerging talent.

Go see the show because if you want to see how a well curated show is executed this is a great start.  Go see the show if for no other reason than to see terrific art.

        

So yesterday I shared a story about being in alignment with the mission, goals, and passion of your art and art business.  I hope you had the opportunity to take a good look in the mirror because all art is really a self-portrait.  Look at your body of work and ask yourself, "How committed am I to the process of making art?", "What's the goal of my making art, for me?", "I want to make my living as a professional art, so does every action I take support that statement?"

These are important questions because your decisions dictate your actions.  You are the only one who can make these crucial decisions, are you up for the challenge?

So I gave you the story and the moral of the story.  Did you connect with the story?  Have you had moments when you weren't in alignment with the story you tell the world?  So what are you going to put in action within the next 24 hours to begin the alignment process?  It's like getting an adjustment at the chiropractor; you're alignment isn't a one adjustment session...it's ongoing.  Until you've strengthened your core beliefs, values, and actions you need to keep the alignment question in the foreground.

Let me know what you're going to initiate in the next 24 hours to begin the alignment.  If you feel you're already totally in alignment then share what you do to maintain that alignment.  We (artists) are a small community and need to support one another so we can grow and prosper together!

        

Over the years I feel as if I'm continuously working toward becoming more conscious.  It's also clear that the Universe doesn't necessarily believe me and that's why I'm continuously presented with lessons in everyday occurrences.  The big question that arises is, "Do you do anything with the lesson that you're given?"  I'll start off by sharing that there are a couple of places I've been meaning to visit or events I've wanted to participate in for months and have been postponing for no apparent reason.  Here's the story...

I've become friendly with my across the street neighbors.  They're a young couple and recently (in the past six months) they had a friend move in who is hoping to re-ignite his life.  We all had a chance to spend time together over the holidays and all this guy could speak about was film.  He was interested in making films, cinematography, acting, and would leave the producing to the his friend, who he's now living with.  There are a couple of things that should be punctuated as I make my case.  He's new to the area, loves film, and doesn't (as of yet) have a community.

I was fortunate to attend the First Monday Art Talk this month when the creators of the Festivus Film Festival were the featured guests.  I took the information and walked across the street to share this rich resource with my neighbors.  When the guy answered the door and I gave him the information he looked only somewhat interested.  I told him the stats, over 300 hundred films from 25 countries were submitted for the festival, hoping to peak his interest...still a bit flat.   Then the kicker,  he told me he didn't think he'd be able to make it to the festival.  What does he mean wouldn't be able to make it!  He doesn't work, has few friends here and this is his passion.

I left him with the information, got in the car and said to Tim, my partner, I'm heading out tomorrow to the event I've been talking about for the past four months.  I had a harsh mirror held in front of my face.

Moral of the story...I wasn't in alignment until I got a whack in the head.  Talking about being involved in something you love can't be just words, you have to convert them into actions.  You can "be" all you want, but it's not until you "do" that things change.  Go ahead, give it a try, light a candle, recite a prayer, set an intention and then sit on your ass and see what changes.  Life's lessons are ongoing, but we have to pay attention and then make use of the lesson.  Don't just write about it in your journal, bring it to life.  Give it the energy and life force you give to your art; then see what changes in your life and your art business!