Post-Digital Art Creation: Exhibit? - Sell? - Donate?
Title: Humpty Dumpty / Image credit: WaveCult (luis.m.justino)
- http://flickr.com/photos/wavecult/
I don’t often share thoughts this deep, as sometimes my words messup, but I felt the need to give it my best shot today! :o)
PICTURE THIS: Your computer is busting at the seams with mega sized files of your meaningful, creative digital [fine] artworks you’ve created over the years, you’ve filled an external hard drive, (probably backing up your master files) and you’re sitting there wondering, ok . . . so now what?
Probably time for some soul searching. Time to dig deep and ask yourself - why am I creating my art? Do I create just to satisfy a personal itch? to self-express and bring meaning to the world I live in? Is creating my art a true definition and output of an unsatiable passion that must be feed, DAILY? Is my art meant to be viewed by my eyes only? or do I feel the need to share it, to expose my soul, divulge my inner world to the outside world? What sense of self will I gain from putting my art out there? Will feedback [good or bad] help me in my persuit to keep on creating and possibly to become a better artist? Will viewers engage and relate to the message I am visualizing, sharing with them? Do I want to play it safe and create only what one might consider asthetically pleasing works of art that match your living room decor? or do I follow my muse and visualize my most secret thoughts, emotions and yearnings? And finally, do I need to create art in order to put bread on the table?
Somewhat of a Humpty Dumpty scenario eh? . . . sitting on top of that brick wall . . . thinking about the economics of art VS the heart of art!!
EXHIBIT?: A great way to emerge as an artist. The rush of having to pull works together, working towards a deadline. Opportunities to collaborate or maybe go it alone for the first time. The nervousness of opening night, a sense of personal accomplishment! Kudos & accolades from your peers, friends, family, local press and viewing public . . . or not? After exhibition blues: where the heck to I store all these works???
SELL?: First of all, What exactly am I selling? An original digital fine art print? (meaning I then destroy the master file) a series of Limited Edition Archival Inkjet Prints on paper or canvas? = a giclee? Open Edition prints, calendars or art cards through Print-On-Demand online service providers (where I have limited if any control on the quality of the final printed works)? Do I sell through representation of a local gallery? Sell directly to patrons through my website, blog or perhaps from the studio gallery? Participate and sell @ Art Fairs? and the list goes on with so many various options out there. Is one still considered a professional artist if they do not persue to continually market and sell their art? Big Question: DO I NEED TO PUT BREAD ON MY TABLE? or do I just need funds for materials that allow me to keep on creating?
DONATE?: Why donate a work of art? As human beings, it just plain feels good to help the cause of others in need. Donations usually translate into funds for charity programs. On the flip side when you donate a work directly to another person, you are giving of yourself, just because, and that too feels good inside. The final decision is always up to you the artist, as to how often you donate and to what cause.
By the way, as I am writing this, I am asking myself these questions, and the reason I am putting it out here is to see if you, as a working digital artist, might be asking yourself some of the same questions as I. Your thoughts & comments are most welcome & appreciated!!
Deep Thoughts & Happy Creating!
Artfully yours,
Carol :o)
Red Dot?
“The red dot sticker on an artist/price card indicates that the art piece has been sold. This is an American gallery tradition. During scheduled art exhibitions, art is sold and marked with the red dots, but remains on display until the closing of the exhibit, even though ownership has passed to the buyer(s).”
- snippet from the Davis Dominguez Gallery website
read more of this informative article written by Mr. Mike Dominguez: here
