Take a Walk...

Henry David Thoreau wrote “I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least….sauntering through the woods, and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all earthly engagements.”

In our very busy lives, there is little or no time for reflection, let alone time for relaxation, enough to allow a influx of new ideas, concepts or solutions to the problem at hand….HOW do I get my art or creative talents to market?

The problem lay in the primary understanding of who we are as artists. Taking time to unwind, relax and discern one’s core ideologies and core values is ESSENTIAL in assisting one to define their ultimate destination for sale of their original works. It is clear, that as an artists myself, I create in multiple mediums, there is a constant and underlying tone to all that I create, FREEDOM, TRUTH, AND BEAUTY. Without taking time each day to participate in activities that give me that end result, as I and only I perceive them, I am often unsettled and without clarity as to what to engage in next. And often times, its as simple as laying down for 30 minutes just to let my head and mind relax…I almost always awaken and arise rejuvenated, refreshed and spinning with solutions to the problems that fatigued me in the first place.

The same is true for all artists I meet who struggle with marketing and sales of their art and talents. Defining for oneself, again, one’s core ideology and core value, will also help that individual to discern which groups, organizations or networks may better serve a positive result, a primary consideration before joining or participating with them.

Core ideology may be simply understood by writing a brief overview as to the purpose of your work. My first attempt garnered several pages of content defining the purpose of my own work. At final edit, only two words were required to describe my essential motivation for doing anything, and more specifically anything related to my particular art forms. What must be related to my audience or to my viewer is TRUTH and BEAUTY…specifically, as only I perceive it.

Additionally, I must also consider my Core value, specifically, what values will discern my direction and choices. For me personally, I must be learning something new in order to motivate myself into action. Thus my core value is “self – awareness through action.” I must be a moving force, growing in scope and knowledge as I endeavor in a new area or it does not hold keen interest for me. As an artist, this requires risk and discovery into the unknown…and how so often unknown, IS the field of business endeavor as it relates to actually selling the original works that are created. However, if one is certain of their gift to create the original art form, then too, the same thread by which the inspiration arrives and is painted, sculpted, danced etc, then too, I KNOW for sure, that there is a home for that work…It is actually defined at the point of inspiration for the creation of the art work. There will be a client for that work…and often time while producing an original piece the name of some friend, client or person known to me crosses my mind as well. I take note of those intuitive thoughts and record them, as often that is the first person I solicit for the particular sale of that art work. How interesting you would find it, too, to follow up on that intuitive notion, for it often delivers, if not the PURCHASE of the item, a referral to someone or some gallery or that will also have an interest in that particular piece. I have tested this system over and over and have discovered that it is a natural progression to the creation of the piece and thus, finding its appropriate home.

If it is your intent, as artist, is to illuminate the viewer as to the plight of cetaceans, dolphins and whales, for example, it would be crazy for one to consider an attempt at promoting one’s work to a gallery in Deadwood, South Dakota. For although there are a multitude of galleries in Deadwood, South Dakota, the likes of which will feature almost anything Western or Cowboy in nature. However, a brief surf on the internet to discern groups, orgs, or associations that focus specifically on Marine Art, up pops 387,000 topics related to groups that feature, promote or organize Marine Artists, specifically, worldwide. The list provides contact information and cross references to galleries, immediately that feature, specifically Marine ART.

An immediate email to any of those organizations to discern the requirements for membership and or the value of membership, will begin your discovery of potential resources and potential distribution or placement for your original art. Many of the sites, marine related, also offer online exhibitions of works that require little or no action from you the artist, except to become a member, provide photos of the works, a short bio, and contact information so that you can STAY in your studio up until the actual time of sale to a client who secures a purchase online.

That is an ideal situation. And it is without your personal exchange with the client, and it is in parting with a % of your sale to the organization that features you. A minor price to pay for the freedom you seek in the first place, to stay at home, paint, and promote your works to the public.

Again, very ideal, and would require your participation in many different organizations to have that kind of promotion done on your behalf, but viable. However, I’ve yet to meet one artist who doesn’t require, on some level, the pride and prestige of being the featured artist before REAL people in a tangible environment, that gives credence to the fact that the artist exists. We all LOVE to hear the complements, the devotion, and ultimately the demonstration, (the purchase) of the art by REAL people with whom we can continue to converse.

But in accordance with The National NetWorker’s concept of promoting the ART of networking, one is required to step outside the studio and interact with their community personally…

Narrowing down the discovery of organizations, galleries, art consultants, interior designers, architects and ultimately private patrons may require ACTION on your part. For example, Take A Drive. Starting point Vancouver, BC to San Diego, California is a long stretch of highway dotted with innumerable retail galleries, gift shops, hotels, restaurants and other establishments of business who daily open their doors to tourists engaged in exactly the same agenda...taking a drive up or down the coast. Staying true (TRUTH) to my daily need for freedom, travel plans are open ended, (BEAUTY), the breathtaking experience of stopping at ALL designated Vista Look Outs, allow me to live according to my core ideology, and allow me act according to my core value. Self realization, through action. I have to learn something new along the way, daily. In this type of walk about marketing, I have the opportunity to meet all kinds of new people, explore new regions, refresh myself in a constant manner, and open doors to NEW representation for my work.

Of course, you carry with you, your portfolio, your biography, and speak with the purchasing agent, manager or owner of each business establishment you enter to ASK whether they are taking on any new artists...

It’s a simple plan...The art of networking, sourcing those roadside stops is as simple taking a walk, taking a drive or by surfing the net, the outrageously simple resource for finding ANYTHING these days that you wish to pursue.

And think of the multiple locations, worldwide that are adjacent to ANY beach. The stretch of road from Vancouver, BC to San Diego is only one of many trips the artist may plan, but imagine, if you will, the number of galleries in Hawaii, Tahiti, the South Pacific, the East Coast of the United States, Europe or the Orient.

I know of one artist who actually carries his art supplies and canvases with him, lands in a place where he wishes to spend some time, finds a gallery to represent his works, opens a bank account so that the gallery owner can direct deposit the funds from his sales, and continues on his worldwide journey, periodically collecting those funds deposited for him. Speak of the act of ultimate freedom. This method is not for everyone, and certainly requires a great deal of trust and non-attachment to the outcome. However, he continues to do so and has done so for years. I find it an intriguing way to spend one’s artistic life.

Thus is the content of my inaugural article with The National NetWorker. As the arts and entertainment editor, I will consistently ask of you, the artist, to push the envelope on every belief system that you have in place. I genuinely believe that artists are the spokespersons of the future mind and thought of the collective human race. Why not find a way to live your truth honestly, express yourself freely, travel the world, and impact a larger number of people with your thought and creation, while having a wonderful life long vacation in the process. Remember to stay true to your core ideology...WHY you do what you do, and to your core value, VALUES that discern your direction and choices...and ENJOY the fulfillment of your heart’s desire.

Contact Sian at SianL@TheNationalNetworker.com or via TNNW Blog.

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