Comments on: Starting conversations with artists

By: Cynthia Morris

Cynthia Morris — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:33:14 +0000

I agree that making money only from art is reductive and might also be a rare bird. But artists who make a living from art and from teaching and from other means of sharing their experience are more common, and I think, more interesting. Teresa Vito is a Colorado artist who makes a living painting and teaching. Her college art teacher told her to give up or maybe get a job sweeping someone else’s studio. She took that as a sign to kick butt and make it happen and she has. I’d love to hear more stories about how people use their chutzpah, talent and creativity to make it happen.

By: Marilyn Sholin

Marilyn Sholin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:39:08 +0000

re: Sheas post about speaking to artists that only earn from their art. Yes, there are some out there, but it’s an unfair question to ask in my mind. There has always been the “art I create to make a living” and the “personal art” that is what the artist really would rather be doing. Teaching, selling DVDs of how-to, authoring books, all come under the heading of “making a living” so I can go do my art when I want to. It’s the solid base for independence as an artist and not the reason for being one. My portrait commissions, forum and speaking are what fuel and finance my ability to then take time off to create what I want to do with my art. The other “jobs” are enjoyable in their own way and allow more independence for my art. It might be better to see how a balance of these multiple “lives” work together to allow an artist to grow and create more collectors for their work.

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:30:24 +0000

Thanks everyone for the ideas. And keep ‘em coming! SK: Be sure to check out my e-book and recording on Artists and Museums: http://www.artbizcoach.com/resources/museums.html I have some ideas for talking with artists who have their art in museums.

By: Jason Ferguson

Jason Ferguson — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:43:49 +0000

Hi guyz and galz! What about artists that do matte paintings for backgrounds in movies? Artists that make props for live theater? How about greeting card artists, and illustrators? All of these artists can exhibit their art in galleries! There are many freelance artists out there who have worked hard for their dream job! I would love to meet somebody like that who has had their share of ups and downs in this business and can tell you about it. Thanks Alyson!

By: Julie Thompson

Julie Thompson — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:46:34 +0000

May I make a suggestion for a guest? What do you think of an artist with tremendous longevity in career and in life? Fred Oldfield is a very well-known cowboy artist in this area. Washington State has even named a day after him. He has done so much for western and wildlife art in the northwest, many artists owe their careers to him. He’s also donated over $1 mil in art in support of children’s programs. He still does shows and paints regularly, and will be celebrating his 90th birthday in March. The current issue of Art of the West has a nice little article about him. He might be a good one to talk to about about such as ‘keeping it going’ through good and through lean, and much more.

By: Sari

Sari — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 05:42:36 +0000

Monet came from a wealthy family, Van Gogh’s brother financed Vincent’s career, Hans Hoffman was an incredible teacher …many greats went to art schools from trust funds…Christo got his financial start from his wife…hey, let’s not rule out people if they don’t qualify…How about starting with finding some artists who have achieved accomplishments, like Venice Biennale exhibitors, or have their work already in a big museum or gallery ? I don’t think a salary evaluation is the best way to start…(let’s keep it a secret subtext)…

By: Walter Hawn

Walter Hawn — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:52:04 +0000

I can get behind that! I’d even pay for it. I don’t think the genre matters, much. We all face the blankness, whether canvas or paper. We all are trying to live by our wits, and none of it’s easy.

By: SK

SK — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:09:09 +0000

Thanks for asking us, Alyson. I agree with Mary, it would be helpful to know of artists who are more than paying the bills with nothing but their art and how they did it. I would also like to know which forms of advertising work best and what the results have been. And how do you get into museums?

By: Margaux Lange

Margaux Lange — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:31:15 +0000

I think hearing from artists who have had success in applying for grants would be interesting. There’s many opportunities for assistance out there but sometimes it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start and how to apply correctly. People who have been through the process repeatedly and know what works and what doesn’t would be great. Thanks Alyson, this is a great idea!

By: Susie Monday

Susie Monday — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:54:14 +0000

I’d love to hear from Christine Kane, though she’s in music, not visual art. S