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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.

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.

...but why should you write an Artist's statement?

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.

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

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.

Gemma (vintage_twinkle)

Manager, The Bridge Gallery

Labels: art, artist, business, commission, gallery, retail, sale

Friday, 29 April 2011

What A Royal Week @ Friday, April 29, 2011

As you may have read somewhere, I work in a little gallery in North Yorkshire. So with all the hoop la surrounding the Royal Wedding, I decided to join in. I asked the Gallery director if I could make bunting to theme the gallery windows. Now I'm not a Royal family fan, I don't follow their every move..but it's not everyday there is a big event that the whole world joins in with, so I figured 'why not'.

So I set about making some fabric bunting.. my first ever attempt at bunting I might add. It took what seemed like forever, however I did spread it out over the week...I did have to work, eat, bath and sleep after all.

So here are the results:

What do you think?

I decided to do the typical flag shape. I also assumed it would be a little easier for a novice like me to work in a rectangle format rather than a triangle.

I used layers of polycotton fabrics to create the flag pattern. Then I used a white Silk Dupion fabric for the back, keeping it simple. It's not all perfect, or anywhere near.. but I like the shabby chic look. It's meant to look that way...(that's my story and I'm sticking to it). I made a fair few flag pieces, and realised it might be a little too busy for the eye, so whipped up a few plain rectangles to alternate in between each union flag piece.

After I had stitched the layers, then the backs, I simply attatched a blue ribbon to the tops of each flag, using a simple straight stitch. Leaving some space at either side, to attatch to the walls.

For finishing touches, I added some small blue and white beads to the ends. I was thinking 'that'll do' when I started tidying up, but I found a rather fitting button in my button stash. Yes, I'm a hoarder. The button instantly appealed to me, with its shiny golden tone. It also featured a small embossed crown design..so I had to incorporate it into my bunting. I figured it would show better on one of the plain flags. So attatched it by hand to the corner. It just adds something a little extra I think. I forgot to take a photograph though!

I had no real goal when making the Royal bunting, I just wanted to 'dress' the Gallery window. When the hype about the wedding fades, I think I will take the bunting down and keep it. I put a lot of work into it, and for my first attempt, I'm pretty pleased. Go me!

Here's a quick picture I took of the bunting on show:

Final thought? I have learnt sewing machines can be a nuisance, but making bunting 'Rocks'! ^_^*

I also made a few cupcakes to give out to any willing ~~guinea pigs~~ customers. Sadly they may taste fine, but I think they look a bit dishevelled. The frosting got too warm, so didn't pipe to well. What's that saying about a bad workman always blaming his tools?

I hope everyone has a great Bank Holiday, and if your loving the Royal Wedding stuff, enjoy Friday. If your not, it'll soon be Saturday!

vintage_twinkle

Labels: cupcakes, english, fabric, flag, gallery, machine, royal, sewing, wedding, work

Friday, 22 April 2011

All Work (and Play)... @ Friday, April 22, 2011

Hello,

So I wrote a list of '100 things I wanted to do', in a previous post. Well, one of the things was to update my blog once a week. It's actually a lot harder to do than I thought...I have recently been fairly busy and just can't find the time. I don't know how some of you manage to do it.

I have been focusing on a lot of other things, like taking part in the Papergirl Leeds exhibition. Which was so much fun. I popped down to Leeds, Test Space the other weekend to take a look. A big variety of work was on show, and I am so pleased I took part.

I have also been devoting a lot of my energy into my job. I work at a cute little Gallery in North Yorkshire, called The Bridge Gallery. It's fairly new to Bedale, but has already attracted a lot of attention. I really do love it there. We have such a great collection of Art, and also sell lots of Hand Crafted goodness..like Jewellery and the most adorable Teddy Bears.

Just in time for Easter, we have these funky Crochet Bunnies!! They all need a good home...

It's not all fun 'work' though...I am currently saving, what I can, for my own place. A proper home. Some cute little house somewhere. I recently viewed a couple of local places. I'm really leaning towards the older, 'loved' houses, one's which are full of character. Of course, this means that (mostly) they need a little bit of work. Structurally and well as cosmetically. I have already thought up colour schemes for potential rooms. Considering I haven't even bought a house, I am possibly a little ahead of myself.

I can't save enough to buy anywhere outright, I'm sadly not that flush. So I had a meeting at the Bank last week, with a mortgage advisor. It was interesting...They didn't say no, and a previous phone call to them a few days before seemed promising. So fingers crossed when it comes to the crunch.

I have also been driving, myself, alone..for the past two weeks. I am really proud of myself. I am allowed to say this because before, I wouldn't say I couldn't drive, as I have held a licence since 2005 (or so). I was just really scared. It sounds stupid, I know, but I was fine after I passed my test, then a lot of incidents happened. These incidents literally put me off driving. So because I wasn't driving, I got more and more nervous at the thought of driving. This all resulted in my car being scrapped by my Dad, which leads me to believe it wasn't that safe anyway....This didn't help my nerves! A few years on, University had come and gone and I was forced (due to many reasons) to venture back home, to live in Yorkshire with my parents. Hence I need my own place. Anyway..I now have a lovely little green Micra. It's taken some time, and effort on my Mum's part, but I'm driving. I'm not nervous, I know I'm not going to burst into tears should I stall, or not find the right gear. It's life, it happens. Every driver does those silly little things, I can accept that now.

All in all, I'm keeping busy. I find it's the best way for me. I have one of those personalities that leans towards sadness. It's not like I have a horrible life, it's just the way I am, a glass half empty type. My pessimism, I have recently learnt has come from my Dad. Thanks Dad. A lot has happened over the past few years, well more than a few. I have had a lot of relationship and life ups and downs (but who hasn't, right?) but I am trying to keep thinking positive. If you don't, you will only wallow in self pity. Which will grow into something much worse. So, I say, keep busy and active. Do what you love. Find friends with similar interests, you don't have to be clones..just to have the same sense of humour, it's magic. Try new things, don't be scared...I find if I want to go somewhere, but no one else can or will, then I go alone. I used to be one of those people who scoffed at the minions who sat alone in a coffee shop, but why? There's nothing wrong with that...I actually like my own company. Isn't that much better than needing someone with you constantly?

So there you have it. Trying to sort my life out, on all aspects is keeping my very busy. I've even been neglecting my 'work out' sessions. Something which I now regret. My self image is a topic for another day though!

I hope you are all well, and if you have managed to read through all of my ramblings you deserve a gold star.

For now, until next time... have a great day! ^_^*

vintage_twinkle

Labels: 100, art, driving, gallery, me, papergirl, things, twitter

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

100 things I'd like to do: @ Wednesday, March 30, 2011

   1. ~~Have a Trip to the Seaside~~ Redcar 01/05/11
   2. Visit Japan
   3. Finish working on my Website
   4. Update Blog at Least Once a Week
   5. Read Two Books Before Summer
   6. ~~Get My Ear Pierced Again~~ 08/05/11 ('Rook')
   7. Get A New Tattoo
   8. ~~Become a Confident Driver~~ 22/04/11 (Driving on my Own For Two Weeks!)
   9. Save Monthly
10. Buy More Original Artwork
11. List Artwork on Etsy
12. List Artwork on Folksy
13. Show Work at Galleries around North Yorkshire
14. Create A Portfolio of Illustration Work
15. Contact Publishers For My Mucky Pup Short Story
16. Sell All My Ebay Items
17. ~~Buy Another Pair of Tuk Shoes~~   26/08/11 (Kitty Leopard Print TUK Shoes..)

18. Buy A Pair of Dr Marten Hello Kitty Shoes
19. Visit Jo More Often In York
20. Paint Black Wall Pink Or Green
21. Collect A Cavey Every Month
22. ~~Buy A Cavey Pillow~~ (Received two pillows for my Birthday 22/08/11)

23. Buy A Hula Hoop, and Hoop once a Week
24. Take up A Social Art Event/Group
25. Learn How To Screen Print
26. ~~Take More Photographs Every Week~~ Taking photographs every day with The Bridge Gallery

27. Re Upholster My Chair and Buffet
28. ~~Buy A Vintage Town Bike, and Go Cycling~~ Bought a modern Bike (for now)
29. Go to More Gigs
30. Visit Cornwall
31. Cover The Staircase Wall with Pictures
32. Find A New Home
33. Stay Positive and Keep Creative
34. Enter Art Competitions
35. ~~Network~~ On nearly every Social Media Site

36. ~~Participate in More Creative Events - Just For Fun~~ 08-17/04/11 (Papergirl Leeds)
37. ~~Buy A New Xbox Controller~~
38. Pay My Dad Back
39. Pay Matthew Back
40. Get A DAB CD Radio For My Micra
41. Fix Micra Window/Door
42. Subscribe To My Favourite Magazine
43. Buy More Art Books
44. ~~Visit More Galleries~~
45. Be Thrifty..Go to Car Boots and Charity Shops
46. Do Another Car Boot
47. ~~Listen To the Radio as Often as Possible~~ - Kerrang
48. Meet New People/Make New Friends
49. Find An Art Group
50. Buy Some Hello Kitty Headphones
51. Get A Sewing Table/Cupboard
52. Get A Cabinet For My Kitsch Collectables
53. Hang Posters On My Wall
54. Have A Picnic
55. Be a Home Tourist and Visit Local Attractions More
56. Purchase a Fish Eye Camera/Lens
57. Go To A Zine Fair
58. Go To A Vintage Fair
59. Contact Arts Council, Empty Spaces
60. Source Ink For Type Writer
61. Buy A Small Caravan
62. Go To London
63. Visit Sister
64. ~~Spend Less Time On MSN~~
65. Use My Nail Art Foils More
66. Become More Confident in Myself
67. Forget The Past
68. Buy Mum A Large Scale Winstanley Cat Sculpture
69. Visit A Zoo
70. ~~Buy Some Gerbils~~
71. Be More Social In General
72. Collect Old Mix Matched Frames
73. Make Jewellery
74. Make A Skirt
75. Make An Apron
76. Make A Peg Bag
77. Watch Disney Classics
78. Write To An 'Idol'
79. Get A Pen pal
80. More Illustration Swaps
81. Keep Active (It's Working)
82. Buy A Pink Rug
83. Paint/Draw A Picture For Tordster
84. Illustrate A Children's Book
85. ~~Update Artist C.V~~ ~~and Letter~~ 02/05/11
86. Go To The Hair Dressers For A Proper Trim
87. Watch More Horror Films
88. Go On Holiday
89. Play Badminton
90. Use My Wii More
91. Go Camping
92. See A Proper Musical
93. Make Interesting Meals with The Recipes I've Collected
94. Make Hair Grow Extra Long
95. Cut Hair Into A Bob
96. ~~Start An Inspiration Journal~~ 28/04/11
97. Find A New Updated "Big" Dictionary
98. Go Ice Skating
99. Be Part of A Live Studio Audience
100. Have A Stall and Promote My Work at An Art/Craft Fair

♡♡♡♡

Labels: art, cavey, craft, creative, gallery, leeds, North, papergirl, photography, piercing, seaside, tattoo, website, yorkshire

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)