New Zero- Art Show
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Two weeks ago I had an art show. This was my first show in all my professional history as an artist.
5 Months in the making.
It was all I thought about.
I poured my soul into new drawings and added more tarot cards to show off my highest skill level.
I had a plan for how many pieces, and even though I was not able to finish everything I wanted. I was still very happy with the body of work.
My work
The month leading to the big day, the two resident artists that invited me to display my work- Erica Kyle and Anthony Burks were instrumental for my growth in achieving a standard that they wanted to see in their studio gallery . This felt like an art gallery bootcamp.
Two seasoned artists having done many solo shows, sat down with me at different points in time. I jotted pages of notes and absorbed what I could, like a sponge.
when the student is ready the teacher(s) will appear
Notes:
Elevating my original famed work, not just slapping a square of wood and calling it a day. This included wiring my work properly, and methods to make the final product as unique to my art and brand as possible.
My print reproductions- high quality paper, backing board, packaging and finer details to make them more valuable to art enthusiast and collectors.
Reaching out to an audience that isn’t just the artist, and family I know. Creating a rolodex of people I’ve had contact with- personally and professionally. Making them aware of my event with a very unique invitation that you can’t ignore.
Writing a press release and contacting local organizations, publications- to share and advertise my event on their website or monthly news board.
On the business side of things:
Analyzing and assessing what I want for myself as an artist and the future of my business. What are the bodies of work I want to continue making, what new projects do I want to step into.
On a marketing and administrative side, where am I lacking and where am I excelling. How to improve and become intentional with the direction I want to go, and what the pathway would look like if I concentrated on a game plan for the next 3 months.
This was all valuable to me- moreover it felt like a gift from people who believed in me and my craft.
framing and mounting artwork
I’ve been so used to trekking it on my own and hoping to get it right.
I’ve found my community, my tribe, my art family.
Most artists stay on islands all their life. They won’t venture or are able to find an in person group that cares about the artists as a collective.
Artists need to create community! Yes we may make work on our own. But in the outside world
We survive better when we collaborate.
The day of my show came
My stomach was in knots hours before we opened the doors. I had a written speech prepared which I fumbled through, as over 20 people watched me silently- speaking about my work. Being vulnerable to an entire audience, and not only explaining the several bodies of work, but my inner thought process on what even compelled me to make art at all, was a terrifying experience.
My art show was a whirlwind experience, for being the first- of many to come.
Having such a large reception of people. I went to sleep that night buzzing. Relieved it was over. The marathon wasn’t done. But heat 1 of the race was complete.
This was a milestone, and I’m proud to make it come together with the help of wise mentors, a supportive family that carried many of my home responsibilities I neglected.
Looking at it retrospectively- I felt love!
group shot from left to right- Erica, Anthony, myself
