“When you buy from an independent artist, you are buying more than just a painting. You are buying hundreds of hours of experimentation and thousands of failures. You are buying days, weeks, months, years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You aren’t just buying a thing, you are buying a piece of heart, part of a soul, a private moment in someone’s life. Most importantly, you are buying that artist more time to do something they are truly passionate about; something that makes all the above worth the fear and the doubt; something that puts the life into the living.”
Rebekah Joy Plett
I have come across this quote a few times lately - it is travelling around the inter web and I read it on the inside cover of an artist's notebook the other day as well. It speaks a certain truth I think and I like how it tries to explain that what people are buying - it isn't just something the artist whipped up, or something that the buyer could necessarily do or make themselves. What they are buying is made up of all those hours of learning, training and experimenting; testing, trialling and failing.
Each of those steps has led to that piece; not just the latest bit of thinking. Oftentimes with a commission people are surprised (sometimes shocked and horrified) to see how many trials and tests I make before committing to their final piece. Sometimes they even see the number of hours that go into the "pre" part, not just doing the final. Sometimes, though, they think I just sit down and write.
The other part of the quote I like is the final bit - where she talks about how by buying art the purchaser is also buying the artist more time to make and create.
We were at the opening of the new Pop-Up Gallery in town last night and I saw red dots and it felt good to know that money was flowing to artists so they could keep doing what they do.
I'm never so sure about the emotive part of it - and never sure that there should be an expectation that we should get paid for doing what we love, (like demanding a market because we made something therefore somebody should buy it) but I do like the notion of opening up the issue of what the exchange of money for art is really about!
Once agan, Jennifer and Julie have kicked off their colour challenge on the third Thursday of each month. Feel free to join in and share photos of the monthly colour - this month it is red.
We saw this piece in New York last year. Vibrant and delicious and very very arty.
Rebekah Joy Plett
I have come across this quote a few times lately - it is travelling around the inter web and I read it on the inside cover of an artist's notebook the other day as well. It speaks a certain truth I think and I like how it tries to explain that what people are buying - it isn't just something the artist whipped up, or something that the buyer could necessarily do or make themselves. What they are buying is made up of all those hours of learning, training and experimenting; testing, trialling and failing.
Each of those steps has led to that piece; not just the latest bit of thinking. Oftentimes with a commission people are surprised (sometimes shocked and horrified) to see how many trials and tests I make before committing to their final piece. Sometimes they even see the number of hours that go into the "pre" part, not just doing the final. Sometimes, though, they think I just sit down and write.
The other part of the quote I like is the final bit - where she talks about how by buying art the purchaser is also buying the artist more time to make and create.
We were at the opening of the new Pop-Up Gallery in town last night and I saw red dots and it felt good to know that money was flowing to artists so they could keep doing what they do.
I'm never so sure about the emotive part of it - and never sure that there should be an expectation that we should get paid for doing what we love, (like demanding a market because we made something therefore somebody should buy it) but I do like the notion of opening up the issue of what the exchange of money for art is really about!
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| ©2012 F Dempster - Arman I Still Use Brushes, 1969 MoMA, NYC |
We saw this piece in New York last year. Vibrant and delicious and very very arty.
What a fitting photo for this week's quote (and interesting how the effect of all those brushes gives the feeling of a painting, especially when seen 2D on screen). I'm sure that, to anyone who creates regularly - or even who has tried to realize a creative idea here & there - these words ring true...all of the time (and proverbial blood, sweat & tears) it can take to transform an idea into a piece that expresses what you intended. I almost might prefer the quote with the word 'appreciate' substituted for 'buy', since that seems to place an emphasis, as you say, on creating with the expectation of being paid - though I don't think this is really what drives an artist to create. I believe we create because we can't not create...which of course is why earning something from the way we spend our time would be very handy. I have an internal struggle with this all of the time - and still at times find myself questioning my right to spend my days following inspiration instead of filling a 'utilitarian' position in the 'real' world. But I truly love inhabiting this world of ideas & inspirations, of valuing process, and can't imagine not living this way!
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing the food for thought, and sharing your thoughts...
Hi Lisa - thanks for your thoughts and considerations too! I think kin-folk understand all that goes into a piece before it actually comes into being (altho there are those ones which just happen brilliantly which balance the slate a bit) but it would be nice to have more people understand this - thats kind of why I like the quote. I think the appreciate v buy thought is good as well - altho I do think it's like Valerianna says - about how the world in general values arts and creative work versus other work somehow. Sigh, lots to keep pondering. Go well.
DeleteIn relation to the last part of the quote, it is sad that the most money that folks pay for art is almost always after the artist is dead.
ReplyDeleteOh Olga - that hurts, but is so true isn't it? Ouch. It's a madness really isn't it?
DeleteThis is one of my favourite quotes. The first time I read it and wrote it into my quote book (several months back), I thought of you and Barry and your quiet way of supporting the art community..... all over the world. I love the concept of buying artists more time too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robyn! I think the purchasing of art is about recognising all these other elements that have made it what it is - it isn't just something pretty to hang on a wall or pop on a table. I love that each piece has a story of its own and its maker. And yes, it does help buy artists more time to make more art!
Delete...You aren’t just buying a thing, you are buying a piece of heart, part of a soul, a private moment in someone’s life...
ReplyDeletea quote that makes you almost feel complete and whole...a inner glimpse of an artist's mind... bringing light to the truth in all we do...this one i shall be saving...
a fascinatingly wonderful RED piece shared...much love light and blessings~
It nice to share these quotes with others who respond and feel the same way; for whom a truth is revealed or reinforced...
DeleteWhat a great quote and your words. I think I'll keep that quote! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to keep that one Diane! It's pretty apt isn't it and one we can all be reminded of from time to time. Go well.
DeleteFiona- Thanks for your thoughtful quote. And thanks as always for joining the Search for Roy. An amazing art piece. At first, I thought it was feathers!
ReplyDeleteHi julie - it's a stunner isn't it? I love that it took me a while to go into it and discover it. It is fun to keep an eye out for colour and photo that matches a quote - quite the challenge at time!
DeleteI'm reminded of something Itzak Perlman said after a concert. A person came up to him and said, "I'd give my life to play like that!", Perlman answered, "I have."
ReplyDeleteI agree that there shouldn't be an expectation that we get paid for doing what we love, but I DO desire a shift in how we and the larger culture values the contribution of imagination, creativity and, dare I say it, beauty that the arts make to society. I know so many people who do what they love AND make living wages, no questions asked. Their work is valued differently. So, I do spend time dreaming about what it would be like if there were a shift in values.
Hi Valerianna - isn't that the most perfect response? It had clearly taken him all of his life to reach that point...
DeleteAnd I like the discussion about valuing different types of work differently - where people get to do what they love AND get paid. And also about the importance of creating beauty...A great reminder - thank you!
I've not come across this quote before, but it really made me punch the air and "whoop!"
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Yay Suzie - glad you got to whoop!
DeleteThat quote resonates with me for the reasons your stated... when someone buys a piece of art they are buying the years of working... I always smile when someone asks "how long did that take?". But I also like it because I am dealing with an artist who took my workshop and then started copying my collages.. when artists copy other artists they don't realize they are stealing all those years of hard work it took to find style, voice, medium, tecniques.. soul.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna - I'm pleased that it suits you for the first reason; but saddened by the second. You are right - they are just taking all of those years of trials and experience and not respecting them at all. I hope it works out OK...
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