Today I got a very long email from a young artist trying to establish herself. She is asking questions about what to paint, how to paint it, who to send it to, how to get noticed....
First of all, I am happy to help when I can, but I have to do the same thing you know- send out new images to see what galleries are interested. I write up a letter to basically pimp my art and promote it. All artists must do it: painters, musicians, writers, etc.
Here's my advice: Rule one: Believe in your art. Rule Two: if a gallery doesn't see the value in your art, then it doesn't belong in that gallery. You want a gallery to believe in your art as well. I don't want my art hanging in a gallery in which I am their lowest priority. Rule Three: Gallery owners are not the alpha and omega. Some of them merely have money and a hobby and don't know anything about art. Some of them don't like anything that has happened in art since Monet. Many of them would prefer a Bob Ross painting over a Pollock (I'm not trying to be funny, by the way). On the other hand, some of them have a vision- find those gallery owners. Kudos to Nicole at Boxheart Gallery. She always exhibits meaningful art and doesn't judge art based on how good it will look in a dentist's office!
Make sure you are creating the best work you are capable of creating. Make sure you are creating art with an impact, that can communicate. Just understand that everyone has different tastes and not everyone will like your art. Find the galleries that are best suited for your art and style. Don't be crushed when a gallery director rejects you. If the gallery sells paintings of ducks, sunsets and clowns- do you really want to be associated with them?? Find the galleries that show similar work to your own.
Believe in yourself and create meaningful art. Once you have done that, then consider how you want to exhibit it. Don't try to convince a gallery that normally exhibits living room art that your ground breaking installation belongs in their space. Know thyself.
Good luck to all.
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About Me
- James Wodarek
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Artist, designer: Modern Pop Art
7 comments:
Brilliant James. You say what everyone is afraid to put into words. I was denied and crushed by a gallery owner once and later learned she was just some rich guys wife. No art history degree, no real client list, no experience either.
I did get accepted into an alternative space and it was a life changing experience. There are just as many shitty gallery owners without a clue as there are great gallery owners. Artists need to figure out who is who and only deal with the right ones.
Beautifully stated. I work for a director that will not allow me to show artists like yourself. We cater to old money and old people who want paintings of the fox hunt and the country club. Shameful that they call this an art gallery.
I can't afford to change jobs right now or I would leave this geriatric ward.
Good luck to all of you artists who dare to create art knowing you will be excluded from these galleries that supply law firms and doctors offices with their sedated scenery paintings. One day I will own my own gallery and will only showcase artists who create true art.
Artist co-op galleries are the best way to go. Find the local co-op in your city and join. That's where you can find art without compromising the artists.
It didn't woprk out with the co-op in my city. It was mostly watercolors and I didn't fit in. Best is to find a gallery where you belong, but it might not be in your city.
Galleries will sell more and let you spend more time working on art and no time gallery sitting.
This is a good post though- many frustrating gallery owners out there.
The point is not to turn away from art galleries my friends. The point I am making is that you cannot feel defeated if you are rejected. There is a gallery out there for you, you have to find it.
There are so many different styles, don't try to force yourself on a gallery where your work wouldn't fit in. Granted, if your work is contemporary, your choices are drastically reduced. Research the galleries first before sending out your info/slides/prints... it will save time, money and disappointments if you do!
Good luck!
U are too nice J-Wo, there are too many scumbags in the gallery system playing politics with artist careers. Maybe your friend from Boxheart is an exception.
Galleries are as important as travel agencies since the advent of the internet. Artists no longer need them to succeed. Poetic justice.
It depends on the city. New York, L.A., Santa Fe, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Columbus, Chicago, D.C., Boston, Miami- sooo many great art cities that wouldn't tolerate the fox hunt ( I loved that comment!).
Good luck to all the artists!!
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