We've been doing the art-business thing the same way (more or less) for the past five years. Make the art, sell the art, make more art. Same schedule, same deadline. Each piece was one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated. But this year, we've decided to rock the boat a bit and make many pieces several times-- a sort of limited edition of originals. I've practiced enough now that painting the same face over and over doesn't present too much difficulty, but sculpting the same head many times. . .well, I'm nervous about that. So today's table is filled with twins (amongst other things).
More practice, and a self-imposed test to see if I can manage to sculpt the same head more than once (without using any moulds of course).
More practice, and a self-imposed test to see if I can manage to sculpt the same head more than once (without using any moulds of course).
So far so good, I think.
It's not the way I'm used to working. But getting used to something isn't necessarily a good thing, creativity-wise. The discomfort of doing something new is bound to result in finding new ways. So I'm embracing my discomfort (with a few curse words thrown in here and there), and looking forward to a new journey. I'll let you know how it goes.
Anybody else start a new journey this year?
your clay work is so amazing maybe keep those to a real limited edition or one. at least noone can copy those as well and sell them on ebay. someday one is going to come live at my house, i have the fund set up:)
ReplyDeleteYes! I missing my little box a bit, too, truth be told. Do you ever read Seth Godin's blog?
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting entry.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/01/unrealized-projects.html
I can totally relate to trying new things. I had the awkward time when you're getting used to it. I like to be good at things the first time I do them. Unrealistic, but in the past it kept me from trying new things I eventually got good at. I'm collecting rusted and abandoned objects to make interesting items from and it's in the tinkering stage, but I'm allowing myself lots of awkwardness. In fact, I'm reveling in it because I'm not expected to "produce" yet. I can't wait to see what you do next in your evolutionary process. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for you for embracing your discomfort. Discomfort makes me so uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that your limited editions are really still one-of-a-kind.
Don't tip that boat over, though.
I totally understand why you would make limited editions/multiplies because there are so many people who want to own the same piece and yet if it was mass produced, it would lose it's specialness of being the one and only (or one of a very limited group). So if you decide to offer a limted edition, I'm sure SO many people would be thrilled. But I would say to make sure that YOU are happy creating becasue you don't want to make doing what you love into something you don't love doing...am I rambling and just not making any sense?...sorry.
ReplyDeleteI have made a vow to myself to finally open my Etsy shop this year and I've started creating but I feel like I haven't hit that rhythm where I am creating what truly reflects my spirit. I am conflicted as to whether to list these creations or not.
I love some many artists work and I struggle to find my own "groove". I can NOT stand when someone rips off another artist style and calls it their own...so, I am on a journey myself!...I love your quote about the birds who sang best and I try to remember that!
I've been a fan of your work for a long time now, and I can understand why you would wish to make limited editions ... and yet, from the vantage point of an artist I can also see how perhaps it will suck the joy out your creative process to personally reproduce so many of the same piece.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide to do in the long and short of it, please don't ever stop creating wonderful works of art that make YOU smile as much as they do the rest of us.
Peace
I couldn't agree more with what "Oldblackcatboo" said! And I think you are so right! Trying anything new is usually a bit frightening! But I'm a firm believer in the phrase "You can only fail if you never try"! As for trying something new this year.....I am working hard at embracing the fact that I am an artist and a not so bad one at that! Coming out of a deep well of insecurity and low self-esteem is scary, but certainly well worth the risk! :-)
ReplyDeleteI cannot make the same thing twice, if my life depended on it, lol. My hand has a mind of it's own;)
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Looking forward to seeing how this all turns out for you Jo. You two are so prolific and talented of course. I'm still in the trying new things stage. I've just begun my art journey and so I'm like a child in a candy store, so many things to try, so little time. It's all good!
ReplyDeleteWish you guys the very best. It is an art to make the same thing twice. I always kick myself when I take an "order" for something. I am with Debbie above, my hand has a mind of it's own too!
ReplyDeleteAnnette
I think you will be EXTREMELY successful at duplicating your pieces. And I don't for a second think stepping outside your comfort zone will either alter, diminish, or hurt your creativity. You were MADE to take LOTS of journeys, lil' Jo! In fact, you can afford to not only step OUT of the box, but step ON the box and create something from THAT! My only journey this year is to close my ears to all who continue fussing that my work is not ART but 'only crafting'. Do I care? NOOOO! My goal is to ENJOY what I do. It's enough for me, and if that means I am only a crafter, I will wear that tag PROUDLY. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, are you making paperclay dolls too? Yay. I just started and I am smitten or bitten or both! I can't wait to see yours.
ReplyDeleteI have start many new projects this year...can't tell them all yet!
I am teaching myself again how to painting from magazine articles, web sites, and online classes. It has been almost 30 years since I have really sat down with a brush,and there are so many new products to play with!
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