04/16/2008 13:51:24

Ya.  just when you think you want to blast a hole in your studio, things start to happen.  I was just "there"  (black hole) when I call came in about a piece and a possible show.  Well, isn't that a reason to get back to the studio and go nuts painting up a storm to see if more sells.  Are we all crazy or just mildly OCD?  Whatever,  I am back at it again after mourning losing my mom, stuff, stuff and more stuff.  Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow....   Keep those postitive thoughts goind no matter what- we are all in this together, remember?     love,    me

04/15/2008 07:47:16

I understand the barriers to my sitting here a nobody.  I crossed the wrong person that influences the art circle around here.  Ironically, they don't sell too much either...normal people like us eschew them (hahaha...a word that this woman would use).  I'm plain and middle-aged looking. I notice that even on this site attractive women are in the artist spotlight.  I live in redneck country, where art is not even a concern with most.  I'm a Christian, and won't do art that would come so natural to me if I wasn't wanting to please God first. The most definable style I specialize in is totally outdated...pen and inks.  Our culture is rapidly sliding downhill and also, besides losing common sense and values, is in financial decline.  Also, our culture is over-stimulated visually and art of any kind can be easily obtained over the internet...something that I'm not interested in doing...maintaining a website.  My computer whiz son designed one for me and all I had were people trying to sell me stuff.  By the way, all my originals sell for between $20-$200, even my large paintings, because all I'm interested in now is staying busy and avoiding a depression.  I've been in a art world black hole ever since I had to quit back in my early 20's to raise my seven children...my absolute number one choice to do...I have no regrets.  My regrets now is that I'm not a marketer of self...so no one knows I am even selling art...I don't even think it is worth the energy to try.  I will open my doors to the public whenever this cursed weather allows me to put up my sign, install a public mural on my property, and landscape around the studio...but every time my husband is available from work to help me, it is raining or cold.  Trying very hard here to keep my head up.  When it boils right down to it, dear BarnardStudio, it isn't worth selling the soul just to sell art.  I take it as a hobby...or I wouldn't be able to take it at all.  Oh yes...I must mention...I do donate art all the time...especially to the schools and my church...so I have an occasional out to share my work.

04/15/2008 07:23:38

If you don't experience the black hole, a funk, artist block, insecurity, etc., etc., etc., then you aren't an artist...you're an alien. 

You'll come out of it. Some artists take a break, some have to do more painting, some need a little spontaneous inspiration. Hang in there.

04/14/2008 23:18:02

Black hole, smak hole send me your right ear lobes!

Here is a quote fer ya:

 "Heaven has denied me fame, the greatest good we can attain on earth: like a refractory child, I am throwing everything else back in heavens face. I cannot prove myself worthy of your friendship, nor can I live without it.  I am leaping to my death."  " The truth of it is there was nothing to be done for me on this earth." 

--Heinrich von Kliest,  German Romantic and a suicide,

(perhaps a contemporary of Van Gogh?)...

04/14/2008 21:20:12

We all feel that way sometime, so don't get discouraged. You have a good " rooting section here". We are all " ARTISTS" which means highs and lows ! We're here for you.

04/14/2008 16:17:11

My only advice is to keep working.  Your watercolors are beautiful and no juror can take that away.  You are correct that everyone goes through it.  Most artists that I talk to say that everything they have has been rejected by someone at some time.  Remember Van Gogh and all the others that were thoroughly rejected while they were alive.  Keep positive and it will get better. Good Luck.

04/14/2008 10:41:48

Hi Jane, (thanks for the comment on my page) .. does misery love company?! yes!! part of my issues right now are not so much insecurity with the art I create but more about selling the art I create in order to pay the bills. I really have been questioning this artist profession and asking myself if wouldnt it just be easier to get a weekly paycheck at some part time job and put less pressure on myself to produce income with my art. Times are tough everywhere right now.. but knowing that doesnt make me feel any better. Last week when my credit card statement came I had charges for an ad and membership renewal to this big show I do twice a year and its like I can never get ahead. Then last Friday I hung a solo show of my work and thought everything looked very 'saleable', but that doesnt mean I will sell a single piece! I dont know what the answer is other than a different profession.  

I guess I am in the black hole with you right now, and I hope it passes sooner rather than later.