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Michael Gadlin paintings in studio | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 93: Artist as Problem Solver with Michael Gadlin

Many artists take risks in their businesses and in their art without even thinking about it. They are hard wired to experiment. To stretch the boundaries of what is possible.

Artists are innate problem solvers.

My guest for this episode of the Art Biz Podcast is one of those artists. The list of what Michael Gadlin has done (legally) to earn a living as a working artist for more than 20 years is impressive. He sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He has also sat on boards and committees in his local Denver art community.

Michael is gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy. I came at him with one topic and his mind connected it to numerous other experiences. The result is a wide-ranging interview.

Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist. Deep stuff. We talk about the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist’s collaboration with viewers, gallery representation, why it’s important to be part of a community, and much more. There are plenty of gold nuggets in this interview.

The Art Biz ep. 93: Artist as Problem Solver with Michael Gadlin Read

The Art Biz ep. 26: Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa

Artist Lynn Basa understands the power of art to be a positive force in communities.

She is interested in the varied ways that artists are intersecting with public life. From more traditional “public art” to creative placemaking to socially engaged practice.

I talked with Lynn, author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art: How to Find and Win Commissions, for the Art Biz Podcast. In particular, we focused on The Corner Project, an art space and community revitalization effort she founded in the blighted neighborhood of her Chicago studio in 2017.

In describing this project, Lynn said, and I paraphrase:

Every single artist … [brings] with them a certain amount of agency and value to wherever they are. They can do so much more. … It’s a paradigm shift that happens in your head where you start realizing that “I have something of value that I can contribute to society at large,” rather than just making an object and hoping it gets sold for enough money and that you can make a living.

You’ll also hear her speak this truth: Art is a billion dollar business, and someone has to do it.

I think you’ll be inspired to think big and make a difference in your community after you listen to this episode.

The Art Biz ep. 26: Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa Read

Christine Porter's Feeding Time

Nestle In to Your Artist Community

As a student of art history, I love reading about communities of artists that evolved organically over the centuries. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall in the Cedar Tavern in the 1940s and 50s!

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall in the Cedar Tavern in the 1940s and 50s!

I believe that an artist’s work is better when there are other artists around to question, critique, challenge, and, yes, to praise.

Artists’ communities are all around. Among other spots, you’ll find artists’ communities in:

  • Coffee shops and bars
  • Residencies
  • Classes and workshops
  • Conferences and events
  • Online (pick your favorite spot)
  • Studio spaces
  • Creative workspaces

Search for a group where you feel at home and nestle in. If you come up empty, you can always start your own.

The Value of Community

There are at least 5 key reasons to seek out and become an active part of an artists’ community.

Nestle In to Your Artist Community Read

Painting of 3 women by Pam Beer

Have You Lost Friendships Because You Are An Artist? (Curious Monday)

Living the life as an artist is hard enough, but it’s made harder when those we’re close to don’t support us.

We need people around us who can support us emotionally – people who believe in our message to the world. It really stinks when friends and family don’t believe in our goals.

Have you lost friendships because people couldn’t support your life as an artist?

Have You Lost Friendships Because You Are An Artist? (Curious Monday) Read

cat with iPad

Tweekly for April 19, 2014

Before I get to my top tweets from the past couple of weeks, I have something on my mind. . . . Nineteen years ago I was living in Oklahoma City when our museum doors blew open and we simultaneously heard an explosion. The days that followed are both unforgettable and seem like a lifetime ago. I hope we never forget that senseless attack on innocent people or the, sadly, additional ones we hear about every day.

Tweekly for April 19, 2014 Read

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