about
vintage_twinkle
Creative Practitioner based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Independent Artist & Illustrator (BA Hons), Previous Manager @ The Bridge Gallery, Owner of The Mucky Pup Gallery (@MuckyPupGallery)
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Tuesday 20 September 2011
Writing An Artist's Statement @ Tuesday, September 20, 2011
An Artist's statement is a short paragraph written by an Artist which provides insight into the Artists thoughts and visions in their artistic creations. Ideally it should enlighten and engage the viewer, who could be potential buyers, exhibition curators or even fellow Artists.
Typically the statement describes a single piece of Art or an entire body of work. It is not a resume or biography, the statement needs to be easily read and informative. It simply serves to add to the understanding of the Artist and their work. Ideally the statement should never be more than 100 words.
Typically the statement describes a single piece of Art or an entire body of work. It is not a resume or biography, the statement needs to be easily read and informative. It simply serves to add to the understanding of the Artist and their work. Ideally the statement should never be more than 100 words.
You could include:
- Why you create Art.
- What inspires you.
- What are your influences.
- What thoughts and feelings you wish to convey.
- If a specific piece: What do you call the piece and why?
- What materials did you use.
- What are your goals for the future.
Generally people who love an Artists work like to know more about the Artist. Writing a statement will help with any questions a viewer has about your work. Having these answers means their interest could increase, and hopefully result in a sale. The Artist statement is effectively a marketing tool, building a connection between the Artist and audience.
Remember, the key for an Artist's statement is to be yourself. Keep the statement clear and concise and avoid a lot of Artist talk, as this can distance yourself from the viewer.
An Artist's statement could also open pathways to new ideas, that perhaps you hadn't thought of before. By putting your creative practice into words you may discover more about your Artwork.
So get out your pen and paper now... and have a go at writing your own Artist statement.
So get out your pen and paper now... and have a go at writing your own Artist statement.
If you have any tips for writing an Artist statement let me know. What helped you create yours?
Gemma (vintage_twinkle)
Labels: artist, gallery, statement, writing
A View From Scarborough.. @ Tuesday, September 20, 2011
"If she'd 'ave kept on goin' down that way she'd 'ave gone straight to that castle"
Gemma (vintage_twinkle)
Gemma (vintage_twinkle)
Labels: Gemma, photography, scarborough, scenic, seaside
Monday 19 September 2011
How To Approach Galleries - Advice From Roo @ Monday, September 19, 2011
Approaching Galleries can take a lot of time, and research. Different Galleries will require different styles work. Ideally you want to build relationships with Galleries who stock similar types of Arts and Crafts.
First of all you should identify the type of Gallery you want to approach. For example are you trying to sell your work, or raise your profile. Remember, it is possible to do both. However, equally they both take time.
Ideally you should visit the Gallery and see if your style of work fits into their space. Cost is also an important factor. If the Gallery works on a ‘Sale Or Return’ basis, what commission do they take? ..and is this added to the retail price of your work? Some Galleries work with a ‘Hanging Space Agreement’, which is where the Artist rents a space within the Gallery for a small charge. Pricing is an important factor when considering which Gallery to approach. With our current climate, I recommend that Artists price their work lower, to gain interest and ultimately test the market…prices can be increased when demand increases. After all, would you rather only sell one piece? Or create on going relationships, which will in turn build a strong client base.
Maintain and revisit existing contacts, by joining a mailing list and attending Exhibition Nights. This process allows you to gain knowledge about the types of Artwork appearing in the Gallery and prepares you for possible future ventures.
So you’ve researched Gallery spaces, and have a short list of Galleries to approach…. Now what?
Contact!
Most Galleries now ask for a few high quality JPEG images of your work via email, a long with an Artists’ statement. However it is advisable to check their website for submission enquiries.
Think about the information you are about to send…poor quality photographs will not show off your work to its fullest potential. Remember, we want to see actual pictures of your work, not just an up close shot. Equally don’t send too many images, five or six will do. On a day to day basis, a Gallery will receive many emails from potential Artists wishing to exhibit. So, be punchy and straight to the point.
Do not include images of work that is unfinished, no longer your current style, or sold.
I hope this Blog will prove useful to some of you… remember, Gallery staff do their very best to showcase and promote each Artists work. Respect.
First of all you should identify the type of Gallery you want to approach. For example are you trying to sell your work, or raise your profile. Remember, it is possible to do both. However, equally they both take time.
Ideally you should visit the Gallery and see if your style of work fits into their space. Cost is also an important factor. If the Gallery works on a ‘Sale Or Return’ basis, what commission do they take? ..and is this added to the retail price of your work? Some Galleries work with a ‘Hanging Space Agreement’, which is where the Artist rents a space within the Gallery for a small charge. Pricing is an important factor when considering which Gallery to approach. With our current climate, I recommend that Artists price their work lower, to gain interest and ultimately test the market…prices can be increased when demand increases. After all, would you rather only sell one piece? Or create on going relationships, which will in turn build a strong client base.
Maintain and revisit existing contacts, by joining a mailing list and attending Exhibition Nights. This process allows you to gain knowledge about the types of Artwork appearing in the Gallery and prepares you for possible future ventures.
So you’ve researched Gallery spaces, and have a short list of Galleries to approach…. Now what?
Contact!
Most Galleries now ask for a few high quality JPEG images of your work via email, a long with an Artists’ statement. However it is advisable to check their website for submission enquiries.
Think about the information you are about to send…poor quality photographs will not show off your work to its fullest potential. Remember, we want to see actual pictures of your work, not just an up close shot. Equally don’t send too many images, five or six will do. On a day to day basis, a Gallery will receive many emails from potential Artists wishing to exhibit. So, be punchy and straight to the point.
Do not include images of work that is unfinished, no longer your current style, or sold.
I hope this Blog will prove useful to some of you… remember, Gallery staff do their very best to showcase and promote each Artists work. Respect.
Gemma (vintage_twinkle)
Manager, The Bridge Gallery
Labels: art, artist, business, commission, gallery, retail, sale
Friday 13 May 2011
Dino-tastic @ Friday, May 13, 2011
Do you like my little Dinosaur creation?
I was asked by my Gallery Director to sew together one of the 'Make Your Own' kits we stock, to give customers a better idea of what the finished product would be like. A great idea! Of course I jumped at the chance. Anything crafty is always fun.
We stock a choice of three kits, a Bunny, Kitten and the Dinosaur. Also in three colours, Blue, Orange and the Green. Well, for some reason I have a thing about dragon looking creatures...so I chose the Dinosaur. Green is my favourite colour, so really, it was an easy choice.
It was a simple, cut and sew pattern. Made from four different sections. I simply followed the instructions, and sewed together using a straight stitch.
The end product was a little rough around the edges, but so cute! Admittedly the instructions told me to trim the edges with pinking shears, or right angle cuts - but I was too eager to see the finished result. So, my 'Dino' has perhaps more angular features than he should, making him look more like the loch Ness Monster.
I love the green retro looking print though!
I decided to slightly customise 'Dino', simply by adding a yellow bow, and a gold tone button on his tail. Makes him more unique, plus shows people what you can do, should you wish.
Look at his cute face...those big brown eyes!!
These are available to buy at The Bridge Gallery, both in-store and online.
These are available to buy at The Bridge Gallery, both in-store and online.
vintage_twinkle
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Seaside Day Trip.. @ Tuesday, May 03, 2011
So, on Sunday I was lucky enough to visit the Seaside. Matthew and I went to Redcar. Although we didn't stay overly long, it was really nice to 'get away' and have a break from work and home life.
I was a little cold, and hadn't taken a jacket so I borrowed Matthew's Hoody. Even though I was covered up, the sun still found me. When I got home I noticed that my cheeks and chest bone where really red. Damn you sun!
Anyway, I just thought I would share a photograph I took...
I hope everyone had a great Bank Holiday weekend.
^_^*
vintage_twinkle
Labels: bank, beach, holiday, redcar, sand, sea, seaside, sun, trip, weekend