The business of art is fickle, always changing. An artist can just make whatever she feels like making and hope it sells. However, if an artist wants to earn a living, she needs to pay attention to the ever-changing world of what people want, what they can afford. She also needs to pay attention to selling opportunities, another ever-changing set of circumstances.
For a handful of years, there have been three places that sell steadily for me. One was next to a popular restaurant, which has now closed, diminishing foot traffic by the gallery. Another is a seasonal store in the mountains, and it most likely will be unable to open this year due to a ruined road. The third is in a building which recently changed hands, the lease will expire so things will go month-to-month, and with Sequoia National Park being closed so long, the traffic in town has diminished tremendously.
This may or may not be connected, but I have no commissions.
The murals which I thought were in the bag have fallen into indecision on the part of the customers.
So, I am drawing simply because I want to.
I will continue to think, and continue to share my thoughts.
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Alas, this is the downside of being self-employed, and especially being a self-employed artist that creates with music, yarn, paint, iron, or other mediums. It waxes and wanes, ebbs and flows, comes and goes. It takes one with fortitude and patience to find joy in both the down times (“I can draw what I want!) and the up times (“I’m sorry, can’t take on your project, I have too many commissions right now.”).
It reminds me of Romans 12:11-12 “. . . not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer”
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