Time to say a few words
Dear Visual Arts people… (That means you!) In doing research on the Arts, websites, Artists and various other resources. I have come to the conclusion things are not as easy or simple as they seem.
Lets look at it this way, I have tried (and very carefully thought about) how I would set up my sites so the user could get the info they wanted in what I hope is reasonably effective ways. However in flipping about websites and searching, I find others seem to not have the same thought in mind with their sites.
Now I ask, what’s going on here, wouldn’t you want people to find your site or information on you (Artists especially) easily, and then be able to navigate it readily… Ok some are clearly not “offay” with the idea of being found, in fact many seem to want to bury themselves so deep no one can find them or their works.
Some sites have minimal contact details, some have an email login system that does not work “Type in the security code…” When that does not work, what then? (Simple I give up and go elsewhere…)
Many of the artists I have contacted regarding an interview are ones with websites, (I want to be able to send people somewhere and not just a gallery that represents the artist.) and what do I find, many don’t have one, but the USA artists (many with multiple gallery representation) have them, so guess what, they get contacted. and hey most are very accepting of my approach. On the other hand some of the Aussie artists seem somehow “Non-plussed” by the idea and don’t jump on the idea.
Commercial websites for various art organisations I have looked at, some of them have been woeful in being able to navigate and figure out their forums, send them info on linking to us etc…
In short in these times of “let’s be user friendly” I am left to wonder about the state of play…
Artists, get a web site, and make it simple, sharp and to the point, I want to see your work and find out what’s up.
Galleries, thanks to those that make it easy to get in contact with their artists, you are a blessing.
Art resource sites, please, if you offer contact details for an artist via a link, don’t give me an error page saying I need to be a member… I just take the artists name and google them directly so thanks for the barrier… (What were they thinking?) And while I’m at it, organisations handling taxpayer funded $$, cut the fat and the crap and give the money to artists in easily accessible ways, your admin costs are funds that could make a world of difference, instead the barriers and hassles in making application for funds are simply to hard to bother with (go check out some art forums to validate that!).
It comes down to good old customer service folks, sometimes you don’t know what the customer wants, how they want it and what they will do next… end of story.
Interesting resources
I came across a couple of resources which may be of value, can anyone tell me if they are? esp if you are a member…
http://www.artistcareer.com.au
I found things a little difficult to navigate but the potential seems to be there.
Ok when I sign up to something I expect it to be useable, hell I am reasonably web savvy… So when I get lost in a site trying to figure things out surely others might too, is that good? short answer… no.
Sculptural intent
The guys over at Post Industrial Design have launched their website. It’s great to have a sculptural focus in amongst all our 2D works. If you like quirky steel and other constructions that really are Post Industrial you will find great value in checking out Jos Van Hulsen’s works.
Art matrix…
Here is a link to a discussion on an art matrix device. http://www.artforum.com.au/vtopic9601.html
Perhaps it’s something that could be debated further here in our comments? Your thoughts?
the art student and the value of art
There is an ongoing question about the value of art, and a quick search on the “Internet” will show some results. But of equal note is the notion of art students doing their bit to come to terms with how something that may not have mass value or appeal is a useful niche market to pursue especially in challenging economic times. perhaps the title of this piece should be “The Artist and the value of art”.
So is art something that is vital, a need or is it a non vital want that merely fulfills the desires of those that wish to express their status, and buy in at the highest they can afford and hope for the best, or are they connected to the work at some higher level? Perhaps they just “like it” and have the $$ to splurge (ignorance may well be bliss!)
So ask yourself about the value of art and the pursuit of it, explore the notion a bit at least, you may well be chasing a noble cause or causing a noble chase!
Art Can…
“Soothe the soul • be awe inspiring • relax us • aggravate • communicate • annoy • colour our world • build skills • raise awareness • form ideas • scintillate • shock • inform • make us laugh • show a way forward • tell us about history • imitate nature • give us an outlet • fill a space • cause dissent • create unrest • make us think • create miracles • inform us • teach us • lead us • create passion • build character • be three dimensional • tell stories • build esteem • give us culture • alter our environment • keep us human • infuriate • give us a place to hide • show us how to explore • build our vocabulary • hold us back • light new paths forward • ease our pain • show others our thinking • make the dark light • make the light dark • increase our knowledge • hold us true to ourselves • influence our thinking • manipulate our feelings • teach us about others • show us other views • give us energy • cause us to explore • show us new worlds • cause us to be introspective • make us extroverted • cause interest • build wealth • health • strength • make us sing • cause us to rejoice • mislead us • take us anywhere • drain us • be unconscious • make us incompetent or competent • illustrate • paint • give form • cause us to write • be two dimensional • massage the mind • brighten the world • make money • build metaphors • break down barriers • build bridges to new experiences • persuade • liberate • be useful • fascinate…”
Are there more? Of course! Drop a few suggestions into the comments box, take the link below.
Artist Web Sites… 8 Things to consider.
In putting together this Blog site I have looked at probably 50 - 100 sites now, some for art galleries and some for “artists” from the high end contemporary ones to leisure painters and lots in between.
After looking at so many I have come to the crashing reality that my own site is not all it can be (a few more tweaks yet!) however I have found there are MANY sites that are a down right pain in the butt to look at! Simply put they have a few things that annoy the daylights out of me… In this list I highlight a few and give a few pointers you might like to consider yourself.
- Splash pages - Don’t waste my time, get me to the site, and give me a good dose of your best when I get there! What’s a splash page? Well it’s like in a book when you open it up and get the title page, not yet to the text and so you have to flip another page to get started… Usually it says “Click here to enter…”
- Flash sites - If your web dude says “We’ll do it in FLASH!” you might think it sounds great but folks unfortunately its not overly useful for search engines to find them (not enough text usually) and they can take a while to load… (anything over a few seconds and I am out of there!) Sure your web dude will show you some snappy creative bits but hey that’s not always useful for the end user to find and use your site.
- Dud’s - You see the small pic, “Click here to enlarge” so you do… “Error image not found” ARRRGH! not good guys, check your site is operational, or if an image has been taken off, take off the link to it. Do this regularly even if you have not added things to it, and don’t think for a minute that your web dude (or dudette) will do it for you.
- Failure to make it useful - Do some research on artists websites and see what the “big guys” are doing, Art Galleries for instance are acutely aware (or they should be) of how to market to the end user, and the good sites seem to belong to the good galleries. The same with artists, think big time artists (cutting edge, avant garde, contemporary, edgey, street wise) you can find them via edgey art - culture - type magazines on the web that have a link to the artists site if they have reviewed them. VERY USEFUL, some of the ones overseas are really up there and happening in relation to the latest technology, design and making a decent impact, yet your “web dude” may not know about them. Heck find one or three and show the web guy what sort of look you want and utilise the research others have done.
- Blog - This is all about keeping connected to the end user, the buyers, the galleries, the patrons of the arts, students, teachers you name it. Many of the sites I have seen recently have either failed to keep their blog active (if they have one) or have put lame entries about some kids birthday party they went to… That might be fine for Twitter, or a forum, but not so big for your blog. A blog can also show a work in progress, which can be a fabulous way to engage a possible patron.
- Fast loading pics - I get there, I want to see it and I want to see it now, not in five minutes time. Have the site checked by people on a range of computers with varying download speeds, from dial up to high speed broadband. Then make sure the images load fast on all of them.
- Know your aim - Is the site for selling, your ego, keeping people informed, making comments about the world around you? Know the aim and set your site up to do one of these well (the other things can be a side consequence).
- Get subscribers and do the math - My web guy did this early on for my blog, and I can (some how) check to see how many people are following my blog. It lets people know when I have posted a new article or interview on the site. Also have intstalled Google Analytics and know your stats, the best site in the world with only two people looking at it in the last 6 months is not useful, in fact it’s a waste of money. It’s one thing to be able to be seen 24/7/365 but another thing entirely to be found and regularly checked out. If you are not getting visitors, put your marketing hat on and figure out how to inspire people to go to your site. Being active in Vis Art forums and having links to your site from there is one way, look also at social networking sites…
So make it easy on the viewer and easy on yourself. If you are aiming to sell your work, the end user will want to be able to to connect with your site fast, get a look at what’s going on and go from there.
Paddock Glyphs - Art Meets the Paddock
In checking out galleries I came across this show which was a stand out for the day… Works on paper by GW BOT - no that’s not a name it’s a pseudonym… (why artists do this is beyond me but hey who am I to say…) turns out her real name is Christine Grishin, there that takes away some of the “mystique”.
These works as a whole make a stunning exhibition, bold and beguiling in their appearance. Heavy “Colombe” (hand cast?) paper forms the basis for many of the images floating in their frames, which are glyphs (elements of writing) in striking contrast to the heavily textured paper. The glyphs are printed in some cases and in others they appear carved or cast into the heavy paper and then inked. The glyphs were to me are symbols with an eerie feel, contrasted against other works in the exhibition, which appear to be silhouettes of burnt out logs. (Ah the paddock theme of course! So are the glyphs images of tree branches? hmm)
GW (or should I say Ms Bot?) is a mature artist (lots of prior shows, commissions and awards…) that is to me a master of mark making, gesture and placement, and when you couple that with high level technical skills the result is a strong exhibition that left me considering (perhaps pondering) Hieroglyhics, word and letter structures and their relationship to compositions, nature, landscape and visual structures. The title Art Meets the Paddock gives me a hint that perhaps a landscape theme or at least a nature background is a strong element in the works.
There are sculptures too and these echo the glyphs from the works on paper, these seem to me to somehow add an almost ancient, historic or archaeological notion or sensibility to the whole theme.
The works range from $3,000 to $36,300 average about $8,000. however the depth of experience outlined in her Bio probably shows there is great value in these works for this price range and quality of execution.
The show is on from 18 Sept to 12 Oct 2008 at Australian Galleries in Smith St Collingwood
Art Supplies…
As art stores go I am attracted to a few, and the reasons are fairly stand out. Locally Frame Factory (Jenny and John) are always able to handle my framing and bits and pieces fairly well, a bit of a chat, a wander about picking up bits and pieces and I’m off. Parking can be tricky at times as they are on a corner… but hey that’s life. On a bigger scale though Neils Printmaking Supplies in Brunswick (don’t let the name fool you!) has all the quirkiness you could want from an art supply store and good prices to boot on most things.
While in Melbourne, St Lukes Artists Colurmen 32 Smith St Collingwood are up for a chat (check out their KHADI paper! made in India by a few hippies! and their Golden Acrylics, the BEST acrylics under the sun.) it’s like entering an olde worlde apothecary without the old worlde bit jars of raw ingredients etc set off the theme.
It all comes down to service, quality and value, but the big thing for me is the friendliness, heck some of what I buy is tre’hexpensieve anywho… so the friendly chat pushes me over the edge just a tad… They don’t know me from a bar of soap or if I am a big timer or a no timer… so that’s great same service no matter how big I’m not.
Into the Night - Jim Thalassoudis
The master of sunsets is probably a term I would reserve for mother nature, but Jim’s paintings would come a close second.
I am not usually a “painted sunset” person but at last nights opening at Charles Nodrum Gallery I was converted! and Hallelujah to that… Jims technical mastery is highly honed after many solo shows and a bio that shows a solid foundation has been formed by the Adelaide artist.
Jim is kept very busy painting to live, or is that living to paint? The fact that Jim has shows in others states awaiting his oil paint encrusted palette skills next year, bear witness to this, so it’s back to the studio after his short sojourn in Melbourne to get cracking on more art.
The scale of his works hit me first followed by his ability to strongly convey a romantic notion of “going home” after a long day out. The works could well be photo’s to the uninitiated but I figure they go beyond the realistic to give the viewer more. One work in particular “moonrise” offers a Hopperesque feel to the colours and view.
The stand out for me (being a clouds and sky person) is “A Fine Day Tomorrow 2″ oil on linen 150 x 300, a sweeping seascape with brilliant orange tipped clouds lulling us off into some twilight zone apparition. The scale the ability it has to hold people transfixed, yep this does it for me.
Another stand out (and the art gallery of South Australia agrees as they bought it…) is Love Art, reminiscent of the super-realists subject matter (Post Pop - Pop) this heart shaped neon sign set amongst a fading sunset is something special, so much so that Jim outlines it’s evolution in his blog http://jimthalassoudis.blogspot.com/ it’s well worth a look.
The main works (scale wise) range from$4,500 - $27,000 while smaller “jewel like” images went from $1,000 - $2,400 but be quick the show is heading for sell out status fast.
The Gallery is at 267 Church St Richmond Vic. the show is on from Sept 17 - Oct 11 2008.
Stay tuned for an interview (hopefully) a little later with the sunset king…
Artists and business…
“Many artists enter the ‘real’ world with little to no idea of how to build a practice which can sustain them. So they eke out a living in low-paying jobs while creating art part time. Unsurprisingly, many become demoralised and give up art.” Jane Hayley
Well Jane when I went to art school there were no “jobs” mentioned, promised or otherwise (thoughts of maybe a Sales Assistant in an art shop, a curator, or an Art Teacher bounced around in my head, the latter causing me various ‘conniptions’ at the time…) Oh and what about graphic and multimedia arts, oh they have a separate course for that… The brochure that rambled on about the “Diploma of Visual Arts” talked about expression, exploring, creating, developing… but jobs… nah.. not a skerrick of that. Nor did it mention the idea of a “business” and being self employed and the various ramifications of that. I was lucky and landed a technical assistants role in the print department of the uni I studied at, but that was a go no where role, four years later I was bored out of my nut and went on to another technical role… non art related.
So whats the value of visual arts in career terms? Should it be hailed as purely a device for those “tortured souls” that want to tread the “self discovery” path, or for those few that have the “ability” to get through to the galleries, get a show, and entertain the collectors with articulate intellect and lure them into a spending frenzy, being touted as the next “big thing”? Sure there’s more to a “Career in Art” than self discovery for example the fact you can go into another career and utilise your creative skills, show me career that values and fully implements the sort of creativity and innovative approach an “artist” can give and I’ll gladly sign up, the fact is most careers along these lines end up being nothing more than an ideal wrapped up in a notion of “a better workplace due to the integration of various intelligencies and creative approaches”, while in reality the HR person that thought that up has since been shafted due to economic rationalistic notions of make money have fun.
So Jane, it’s easy to see that artists can fall for the notion that a “Certificate in Art” is somehow useful and become disillusioned when the “paper” promised so much, but delivered so little. In the race for funding $$ I don’t blame the educators for putting their “spin” on the arts, but somehow the way the Visual Arts is “sold” to students falls short, something must be done to stop the waste, and the demoralization of folks that tread the path of righteousness. Perhaps this is a duty of care issue and the brochures on these courses should come with a stand out disclaimer of some kind…
So many have so much faith, yet over time the faith wears thin and the strength to tackle, create, explore, develop and make anew, fades into insignificance, so much so that the years of study and the investment of time and $$ leave little but battle scars and a sense of worthlessness, as if duped by an investment scam and feeling ones life savings have vanished and never to be retrieved.
Do artists feel dissillusioned by the fact they have a room or three full of “art” that gets them a piece of paper with the illusion of some vague promise… they sure do Jane, they sure do…
Artist sells for millions - Damien Hirst
The news media is all over this guy (English Artist Damien Hirst) and the ongoing success with his work.
If he is making this sort of money I think I’ll become an artist! (Oh I already am…? darn what went wrong?)
It raises the BIG question, what makes an artist successful?
Hi everyone and welcome!
Here it is, my art blog…
Firstly, book mark or RSS feed the blog, so you can come back to it. Then check out what’s here in the categories. Take a good look and email me if there are any things there you can assist me with!
So it’s new, it’s fresh and with any luck it will be hugely valuable to a LOT of people in the visual arts.
Enjoy folks!
Steve Gray
Sculpture prize not given…
The Age Sept 16… Richest Sculpture Prize Scrapped…
Judges decree the Lempriere sculpture prize entries were not good enough to make the award this year.
I guess the big issue about this could be that the entries this year were by invitation only, and in the past it was open slather for sculptors to apply. Perhaps someone felt the invitation only (by a panel of experts in the field) would probably cut down on the work involved in choosing works.
In the end the only winners are the organisers, that save the cash for next time and have kept their workload to a minimum. The sculptors on the other hand have wait and see what happens and will they be “Up To Standard” next time?
Fallen Angel - Brendon Taylor
(Not an actual entry in the scuplture prize but a nice sculpture just the same!)
The Art - Business Conundrum
Here is a link to a bunch of PDF files (resources) artists can use to assist their businesses, this is from the people at the Australian Business Arts Foundation, seems great to me, (the concept anyway, the files I have not looked a yet.) however there is a challenge I have with this, let me explore it.
Artists are artists, not business people (Okay there are a few, but let me tell you I think there are VERY few). I recall watching a documentary on a New York Gallery owner that prepped artists so that when she took collectors and investors to their studio, they would “act” like artists… she would call first on the phone, arrive with viewers in tow, and they would be “pre set eccentric” and acted as “artists” should, creative and unusual. In her terms the artists she represented were often introverted, low sales skill oriented and so needed to be represented by a person with the business skills to present them in their best light. Sales went up as a result, happier artists, happy collectors and investors, and of course the gallery Director.
Artists are creative souls and as mentioned I believe few have (or want to have) the skills to “sell” and all of the files mentioned above are about presenting and documenting your work, maintining a client database, getting shows in galleries (I should read that one…)
In simlistic terms the personality type required to be a business person is clearly different from the “type” required to be an artist.
Perhaps there should be a “scoop” at the end of “art school” to pick up the “artists” and provide them with a business resource support device (read business incubator with mentors and $$) to ensure they have the business “representation” they require, as many will fall out of the “tree of life” having to adapt from an artistic stance to a business based one. Perhaps we should just give them wings or a parachute to soften the blow of the fall…