All tagged art exhibitions

Rejection!

Rejection is not the end of the world, although it may feel like it at the time. Applying for art opportunities is part of the process of being an artist, whether it is for exhibitions, collaborations, residencies, grants or any other project you dream up. Not all applications are successful, which makes the ones you do get accepted for even sweeter.

Art is Therapy

Whether you are making art or appreciating it in its myriad of forms; immersion in art can be exactly the therapy you need on a grey and dismal day or when life itself feels a little overwhelming. Artists supporting each other gives truth to the saying, when one rises, we all rise together.

Out in the World

Your artistic children do not belong to you. They are life’s longing for self expression. Letting go of your art creations is important if they are to find new homes. Yet you can be full of anxiety - will they be loved by others as you love them yourself?

Galleries and Artists

What makes a successful art exhibition? Gallerists can provide a special bridge between an artist’s work and its audience, advocating for the artwork on the artist’s behalf. They handle the installation, marketing and selling of the art, leaving the artist free to talk to their audience and enjoy the ‘buzz’ of the exhibition opening.

In Hindsight

Do we truely value what we do? If the answer is no, is this about the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome or living ‘under the radar’ as a woman, to not draw attention to yourself? This undervaluing can translate into how you value your own creations and artworks. What do you choose to exhibit or share?

Published

Self publishing is a fantastic way to create a printed catalogue of your art project. The images in a book retain the essence of place, the sounds heard and smells experienced there as well as a document of art created ‘on site’. Books can become ambassadors of your work, able to travel and represent you when you can’t be there yourself.

Rejects

It’s disappointing to reject artworks you know you have laboured over. Painful as it may be, we have to ‘kill our darlings’, the works that we have spent so long with, they no longer feel fresh. Instead, think of these as pilots, leading the way for the better works to follow.

Sales, Sales, Sales

What’s the secret to selling art? Time and time again, I’ve found that my artworks that sell almost make themselves. They jump from the paper with joy and fizz with delight in their frames. Quite often the artworks I labour over for many hours and days are not the ones that sell.

Talking Paper

Why do I love paper? I love it as a material to touch, smell, fold, stitch, crinkle, burn and print on. I love to thrust my hands in water and fibre and pull out a sheet of still wet paper. Its an alchemical process that never fails to inspire me.

Talking with my Hands

Whenever I make new art, I ‘talk’ to my materials with my hands; moving papers around, ripping some up, stitching some together, folding and glueing. It's what I've been doing as I get ready for my exhibition, Paper at The Centre, Beaudesert, QLD in January.

Happy Talking, Talk

It can be pretty scary thinking about how to talk about your art. The best way to create a talk with ease, is to know the 4 things about your art: your Who, What, How and Why. These are the essential ingredients for a 2 minute “elevator” pitch or a longer talk about your art on the wall.

Validation

Picture yourself at your own art exhibition. Someone you admire is introducing you and your art works to an audience. It’s like having a magic mirror reflecting back at you. You feel validated as an artist, whether someone buys your work or not.

Value is a Mirror

How do you price your artwork, especially when you are starting out? Valuing yourself for where you are on your journey means embracing all your perceived ‘failures’ and keeping on going. I know now that the more I exhibit, the more I value what I do and why I do it.

When to Stop

Quite often my best art works are created really quickly. Things “just click” and the work literally makes itself. Other pieces I will labour over but these are not as successful as they have lost that initial “spark”. Knowing when to stop is key.