What they didn't tell me in art school.

A few thoughts about being an artist....or what they didn't tell me in art school.

First of all, most people don't really get what kind of time, money, sweat, and energy goes into being a full-time artist.
It's the same as having your own business....you don't start making money until you have been going at it non-stop for a while, more likely a few years or more. However, it's different in that you probably have at least one or two other jobs, a part-time gig or three--something to keep you in art supplies and show fees. You see, it's costs money to be an artist even if you don't sell the work right away.

Then after a lot of legwork, you might start getting some recognition, make a few sales here and there, get into shows. It's all about the resume and the big milestone: getting into a real gallery and making a name for yourself.

So ultimately it's still all about the work.

Getting into your studio and making the art. Marketing. Spending money to make art that you may not sell for a year....or five. Or longer.
And don't forget coming up with new ideas, new angles, new ways to get yourself out there: websites, blogs, e-mail marketing, printed postcards, social networking sites, taking workshops and classes to keep up with the art world and learn new techniques, traveling for inspiration, going to openings, museum shows, getting on mailing lists, scouring art show websites for more shows to enter, looking for internships, talking to galleries and coffee shops so you can show your work somewhere, networking with other artists....it's endless. There are seasons for doing all of these things, busy times, slower times, deadlines, planning, loaning work, pricing, burning CDs, sending images, working in Photoshop for hours getting those art images just right for the next show entry.

Just like any other job.

And, unlike other areas of the country I have lived before, southern Arizona has an art season: generally September or October thru March or April.   It coincides with the tourist season, which is based on the weather. Which makes perfect sense here.
And Summer? That's for travel and taking those art courses and workshops.

So, tomorrow, it's back into the studio 'cause I got more shows coming up!
Ciao,
reb

Thanks and more thanks!

It's been a fantastic week!

The Taiko Plus! Show was a rousing success! Each show (There was one shorter kid's matinee Friday noon and two full-length shows Friday & Sunday nights) was very well attended: the kid's were yelling "yoi-sa!", asking for autographs afterward, people were dancing out front of the theater afterward like it was carnival. We were even on TV with Batucaxe!! http://tinyurl.com/taikoplusKOLD

Hubby and I also went to an art reception Saturday night between taiko shows, the Salon Exhibit at Platform Gallery. A really cool show for several reasons: the artworks were small and very reasonable priced (For holiday shopping!), they represented different mediums from sewing on fabric, the blown glass, photography, paintings, small and large-scale metal sculpture, glass wall pieces, and more.

But the best part about the show? It was all by local, Tucson artists and the work was selling. And I met some really cool artists and bought stuff from a young photographer.

So listen up folks!!  If you choose to buy gifts this holiday season, please just do one thing for the artists and craftspeople in your town:

Buy Local. Buy art. 

Keep your local economy going.

Art is a unique because doesn't go out of style, it can be handed down to heirs, and can be enjoyed by all. Don't know someone's taste? Try a gift certificate.

And stay out of those malls! They sell mostly crap anyway....

Cheers,

reb

PS: this painting is in a show at the Tubac Center of the Arts right now.

And I almost forgot: Thanksgiving was really fantastic! Went to a friend's house.....really great food & people. A fun time was had by all. And check it out: no gravy, no hideous marshmallow yams, and no canned cranberry jelly.

Speaking of TAIKO: here is why I can't attend the art show reception in Tubac this Friday that I mentioned in the previous post. I'm in this Taiko Plus show and we have two shows this weekend! 

So wish me luck!

~ciao,

reb

Tickets still available online!!

Hey! This show starts this Friday! I have a piece in it of course. I'm going to miss the reception since I'm in the Taiko Plus show, but feel free to take a fun trip to Tubac, AZ to see this show and contribute to the economic success of this historic artist's colony. It's a great day trip from Tucson, only 1-hour south on I-19.  Standout places to visit when you are there: The Green Olive, right at #2 Plaza Road, is a place to taste luscious olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I always buy something when I'm there! My current fav is the Persian Lime olive oil....it has incredible flavor; and you can't miss Wisdom's Cafe down the road in Tumacacori. This famous restaurant has fabulous Mexican food for lunch or dinner;  and of course do not miss the Tubac Center of the Arts! It's right on Plaza Road, which is the main street. From here, you can walk anywhere and there are tons of shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
More art news soon so check back.
ciao,
reb