Art Articles & Reviews

Surviving as an artist in INTERESTING TIMES.

No one wants disruptions in their plans especially when your income depends on public access to you and your artwork to make a sale or meet new connections in person. There is nothing stronger than word of mouth referrals and personal introductions when it comes to art selling and collecting. Since late February, dependence on online shoppin has strengthened substantially as well as connecting with buyers through social media and websites.

I will relate a few personal experiences this past few months. 

I was in the setup stages of a retrospective exhibition I co-curated for Nik Semenoff, master printmaker. This exhibition was 3 years in the making. The show was installed in March and no one could come into the gallery. (Saskatchewan Craft Council) We knew we had to do something so we went online with Instagram LIVE and did a spit screen interview. It worked well and had a wider audience than would have attended locally. The show received an extension and a further extension till July 24th. These types of performances will probably become part of the norm for the gallery which adds another dimension to exhibiting.

Personally as an artist

Working from my home studio I felt this barrier of isolation as well and i sensed the same was happening with those in my neighbourhood. People were out walking just get out of the house, but it wasn't an enthusiastic outing. It was the same streets and no one really around. So I decided to create my own OneWindow Gallery outside my studio. Many people didn't realize what I did for a living let alone in this strange building. I had planned on doing this years ago, but was motivated to do it now. I have changed walk patterns, get comments - from kids and appreciative parents and have had some media attention, so all in all successful and fun. I post a new painting each Monday and hope to continue doing something creative through the winter. I refer any interests to my website, as sales were not my initial intension. Lately, I have noticed a number of other artists doing the same idea across Canada. ONEWINDOW GALLERY

So what can you do?

You may have to diversify your revenue stream to include personalized showings in places where distancing can be practiced. Garden and yard art shows are casual and friendly. Make sure you create a newsletter (MailChimp is free) to stay in touch with your customers and followers. Look at wearable art and even COVID Masks. Artists in Canada has a member partner (LeGaleriste) that produce masks and wearables using your art designs. (You retain all copyright) See the details from our shared page and save on your first order. On social media try Instagram LIVE or Facebook video to reach out to your followers and put a face with your art as well as your thoughts. People can interact and ask questions etc. I am not a fan of free give-a-ways to garner a following, but as a small bonus offer for taking the time to attend, it can be a nice thank you while starting up.

I also encourage you to be part of www.artistsincanada.com to keep your website and social medias accessible to our following that we openly share with you. Over 1.5 million views each month with traffic from your City, Province, Canada, North America, UK and Europe mostly. Make sure you are listed, it's free.

Use this time to be creative and continue doing your best work possible. Things will get better, but always remember what you did during the tough times.

Paul Constable, Director