Living the Artist's Life
Author and gallerist Paul Dorrell, lets it all hang out
in his book Living the Artist's Life.
The most valuable information--by far--comes in the form of
frankness. Dorrell gives hard $$ numbers and percentages regarding sales,
commissions, and other dealings. This, undoubtedly, will be eye-opening for
some. I really enjoyed seeing this stuff in black-and-white--and straight from
someone in the know.
His sections on statements and bios I found to be very weak.
And some things (like "newsletters") seem to be an afterthought. But that's not what this book is for. It will 1) prove
you're not alone in living the artist's life and 2) give you enormous respect
for gallerists and the hardships that some of them endure for their art and
their artists.
It's very easy to read and you'll appreciate the candor of this Midwestern gallery dealer.
Among the quotes I underlined:
". . . never assume that your talent alone will win you your successes." (p. 8)
"You think your work will be ready to show to the galleries in a year or two. It won't be, but you have to believe it will. You must believe this." (p. 15)
Regarding artists seeking representation:
"If he strikes me as being unreliable and undisciplined, I'll politely show him the door--no matter how brilliant the work might be." (p. 121)
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