ART IN THE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC

WE NEED ART NOW

I don't have to tell you that the way we live and work has changed more in the last year than we could ever have imagined. We are accepting as "normal" things that would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Many businesses, including the art business, have encountered challenges that have forced them to reinvent themselves. And these same challenges force us to focus on what is -- and what isn't -- really important to us.

As home is becoming more and more meaningful to both our personal and professional lives, we are rethinking how we invest in these spaces. Home renovations and decorating are more relevant than before as we try to decompress and deal with the stresses of different work/life balance. The significance of having things around us that bring comfort and joy is more clear to us in many ways, and art can play a big part in that.

ART MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

In fact, science confirms what all art lovers already know -- art makes you feel good.

According to neurobiologists, when you stare at great artworks, the part of your brain that is stimulated is the same part that is stimulated when you fall in love. That feeling we have when we fall romantically for someone is the result of our brain releasing dopamine, a feel-good chemical.

"She could make me happy," acrylic 36x36"

ART CAN HEAL

Dopamine can also have a powerful effect on our quality of life. And, among stroke survivors, studies have shown that those with interest in the arts have enjoyed better general health, found it easier to walk, had more energy, and tend to be happier. They were also less likely to be depressed or anxious.

These results suggest that being around art may encourage long term changes to the brain that help the person to recover when things go wrong. How about that for an endorsement for living with art?

"Morning has broken," acrylic, 24x48"

other product or service -- it must be marketed, and marketing takes time and effort. Not very many people beat a path to the artist's door looking for art without a lot of effort on the artist's part -- at least they don't for me! So getting their work out in front of buyers is always part of the artist's business.

I have seen some artists move their marketing more to direct selling online, some continue marketing to galleries, some are moving towards marketing to interior designers, some are teaching, and some artists are holding back and waiting it out, hoping the pandemic will soon be over and things will get back to normal. I'm not sure we'll ever go back to the old normal again, are you?

1. Marketing my work to galleries. I still think it makes the most sense, for me, to get my work into galleries. Even though there are fewer of them now and they are more difficult to get into, and even though many have stopped having events, I still believe in the gallery representation model. I think there's a lot of knowledge and expertise galleries can lend in helping me to get my work to those who can appreciate it -- much better than I can. I paint on a large scale so my paintings are not inexpensive, which makes them a bit difficult to market online, especially if the buyer doesn't know me or my work.

Galleries are skilled in working with buyers and designers and really know how to help them find art they will love. I like that -- a lot! Right now, I am thrilled to be represented by two very fine galleries, Bennett Galleries in Nashville and Gallery 1401 in Chattanooga. (Of course, you can still buy from me directly if you see something on my website that's not in a gallery!)

"Sunshine on my shoulder," 36x36", sold through Bennett Galleries 

2. Direct selling online. I have my website set up so that art buyers can purchase directly through my website. I list all of my paintings, even those shown in galleries -- so if the painting is available only through the gallery, the link is there to purchase directly through them.

3. Social media. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram (see below), although I admit I am often too busy painting to keep up with my social media! I also send out a newsletter and publish this blog. I try to do it monthly, but again, often I get sidetracked and skip a month. Many artists who are very successful marketing on social media have switched to painting smaller, more affordable works to attract new buyers. I've tried working small but my true passion is BIG and I'm always dragging out my big canvases, so I've found social media not to be my best avenue. Check me out anyway, I love interacting with you there!

"Life could be a dream," 24x24", sold through word of mouth

4. Word of mouth. Word of mouth has proven to be a wonderful marketing avenue for me as friends refer friends to my work. I love having people like my work enough to suggest their friends check me out -- thank you so much!

ART IS FOR ALL OF US, PANDEMIC OR NOT

The main thing is, pandemic or no pandemic, artists can't afford to stop trying to get their work in front of people. I truly believe that art is a joy, and that it can bring such a huge sense of fulfillment into our lives, so I will continue to push on.

I LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK

I do love your comments and feedback about my work or the content of my articles -- you can do that below!

I sure do appreciate you taking the time to read and look at my work, and of course, to forward it to other art lovers.

This blog is published every month or whenever I remember to do it. I promise not to spam you, but only to introduce you to my new work and events. Please forward to other art lovers. Also subscribe to my newsletter in the navigation bar above. And of course, you can unsubscribe at any time. Questions? Please email me. I'd love it.