Widespread Panic and EMT Sale
(click on image to enlarge)
It’s been busy since my in-laws came into town last Wednesday and I haven’t done too much in the studio. I’m starting to get that nagging feeling like I have to go into the studio to make art NOW. I am enjoying visiting with them and we’ve been doing some much needed projects around the house, such as fixing the leaky spot in the basement, pouring concrete for a new walk, making a new flower bed, installing an arbor…you know little things. My father in law has never been one to sit around the house, and consequently, he really puts the fire under our behinds.
Having my in-laws in town has also enabled me to do a few things that I might not normally get to do. On Saturday evening, my husband and I went to the Widespread Panic concert at Red Rocks. I should probably preface this discussion by saying that I normally avoid all large concerts because I get so very miserable with the throngs of people. I pay gobs of money to see a band, that I can’t hear, can’t see and literally claustrophobia sets in and I want to curl up into the fetal position. The last concert I went to was Dave Matthews Band at the Pepsi Center and I left early even though I LOVE DMB. I much prefer going to City Park Jazz Concerts. However, I make a few exceptions for small venues and out door type venues such as Red Rocks in Morrison, CO. So, a few months ago, my husband who is a huge Panic fan, asked if he should buy a ticket for me. I said yes, and as fate would have it, my inlaws are in town and could babysit for us.
I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have been feeling a little discouraged after the Summer Art Market, and even applied for a job the other day. Though I remember having this feeling after last year’s SAM as well. It’s exhausting and just the thought of having a 401k, profit sharing, a steady paycheck, health insurance sounded mighty tempting. Flash back to Saturday evening, and I had an outerbody creative inspirational experience. It was like having an artist’s date without trying. The music was excellent, the crowd amiable and there was so much eye candy and people watching, that what can I say? I was thinking about my art and am motivated to give my art career a concerted effort.
It requires some short term goals on my part. What are they?
- Write Artist Statement
- Organize and cull photos from recent work – edit as needed
- Research galleries that I want to contact
- Write letter of intent for gallery contacts
- Make packet/book to send out to galleries in the US
- Continue to make work
- Wait for responses to come back
I know that nothing is going to happen unless I make it happen and I need to be proactive – period- end of story! I hope to have my artist’s statment written in rough draft by tomorrow evening.
Meanwhile, as a member of the Etsy Mud Team, we’re having a sale today through Friday, the 29th. 10% off everything in my store and other EMT members. My Etsy Shop.
Have a good week everyone,
The Lone Beader
June 25, 2007 at 1:57 pm //
Red Rocks must be so cool! I’ve never been there, but hopefully I’ll go someday…
And, it’s great that you have written down your goals. I need to do this, as well… Everything I do in my art ‘career’ is pretty spontaneous, and I really should think about some goals…My next step is to plan out/build my own website…It is definitely time for that…Wish me luck..
Cynthia
June 25, 2007 at 2:43 pm //
Red Rocks is awesome, Diana…we’re going to go up there some night when there aren’t any events going on. Great view of Denver, hiking, plus the rock formations are incredible.
Lisa
June 25, 2007 at 4:35 pm //
Red rocks is wonderful. I haven’t been to a concert up there for a few years. Your description makes me want to go up there again soon.
Your short term goals sound great – I’m right with you on that path of being a bit discouraged. And I came to the same conclusion – I need to just keep working hard. There are no miracles.
HMBT
June 25, 2007 at 5:40 pm //
Red Rocks is so wonderful…I love that place! Sounds like you had some fun…good!
Hey when you do write your letter of intent for the galleries…would you mid sharing some tips and such? I have not figured this out yet…and that may be why I have been getting so many No’s of late. I hope to break out of the dumps soon…ARGH!
Mary Timme
June 25, 2007 at 10:17 pm //
I think it is perfectly normal to feel that way when you’ve been having a big thing and if it didn’t meet expectations in spite of all the work you put into it.
I’m glad you got to the concert and enjoyed it. Red Rocks is so much fun to just see and be there. Has the feel of an old mystical sort of place. I love to visit there occasionally although I don’t get there for too much of anything any more other than a short visit.
You do such beautiful work Cynthia! It is just stunning. I wish I could buy all of your wares as they are neat to own and have.
andrea
June 26, 2007 at 2:25 am //
I’ve always wanted to go to a concert at Red Rocks ~ and know what you’re talking about re. the job thing. I was talking to an acquaintance the other day who is vice principal of a local high school and she tempted me with “Substitute teachers are earning $200 a day now.” Eek! Read The War of Art.
jafabrit
June 26, 2007 at 11:27 am //
I have given up, not my art, but trying to make a living at it. Unless I make bread and butter art (which in itself is dodgy and I can’t stand doing anyway) people are just not buying. Not in this area, nor getting any interest elsewhere. People love my work but that is as far as it goes. That is just the reality of it.
On a side note it was very cool to be sitting in the Emporium and hear two people behind me oh and ahing at the jafa art ball machine and buying some art balls. Sometimes rewards come in the smallest and oddest of ways.
Cynthia
June 26, 2007 at 12:49 pm //
I have to say amen to that – I don’t think there is a fast path to art career success.
I’m not even sure how to start the letter of intent, but I imagine I will craft it like a cover letter with introduction Heather, but I’ll be glad to let you know how it goes.
Thanks for your kind words, Mary!
That’s too funny, Andrea…I just got certified to substitute teach here in Denver, but the pay is only $87.5/day. I’ll have to look for the War of Art!
Now, that makes me wonder Jafabrit, since I find your work so fresh! I figure the Art Balls are going to be popular.
Chi Le (aka Peppa)
June 26, 2007 at 2:30 pm //
I hope you’ll find a way to make a living as an artist. It’s definitely where you’re meant to do. Your work are beautiful. Have you consider teaching ceramics at a local community art center?
Janvangogh
June 26, 2007 at 3:12 pm //
I think your short term goals are keepers for the rest of us artists. The waiting is so hard sometimes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I try to keep that in mind ALOT!
jafabrit
June 26, 2007 at 9:20 pm //
Maybe it is too fresh cynthia
and I really only appeal to a small niche. I know my work appeals to young people, but they can’t afford it LOL! Such is life.
I agree with jan, nothing ventured, nothing gained. But I do think I will have to change course a little, redirect my efforts. Right now I feel my art is being diluted with too much of my time and energy going elsewhere.
Cynthia
June 27, 2007 at 2:33 pm //
I have Peppa, I just need to get more organized and put a proposal together and thanks for the encouragement too.
You’re right Janet, nothing ventured nothing gained. It’s my motto!
Ah, eventually, those young people grow up though Jafabrit and would have more money! I think it’s probably good to have modest goals, then anything more feels like the lotto – or at least that’s how I’m trying to stay sane…
david lay
June 28, 2007 at 7:29 pm //
The show on Sunday night was amazing! The energy was great and Red Rocks is gorgeous! I’ve got a couple of pictures up at coldleftovers.com
Lynnette Clay
July 1, 2007 at 3:38 am //
Cyn if anyone makes it in this tough art business I have a feeling you’ll be one of those lucky ones…with your wonderful talent and dedication!! Many years ago my first husband and I visited the Red Rocks stadium, what a surreal and gorgeous place!! It was all quiet (no concert going on) and we climbed on some of the rocks.