The Trauma of Sales

Fibonacci's Dream, 2004
collage with gold leaf, 5x7"

The title of this post likely sounds strange to some - after all why bother having exhibitions in not to share your work with others and hopefully make some sales?  In commercial galleries, this is the natural progression, if you are fortunate enough to find another person who thinks what you do is pretty good.  This is something to look forward to.


But, what happens when you sell something?  That means that it is gone, and that you might not see it again.  What if it is the best thing you'll ever do?  What if you will never have that moment of inspiration or luck that led to its creation again?  And a stranger is the one who gets to see it!  As I said, it sounds pretty silly, but these are all the kinds of feelings that happen...

Early in my career, I had created a new body of work - mostly collages, but a few box-works as well.  I exhibited them, and admittedly they were very well priced - I was just staring out, after all.  And I was lucky enough to find a few people who thought they were pretty good.  And then there were a few more... and a few more.  It became so stressful, I remember having a bit of a panic - what if I can't remember how to do this again?  There were a few tears, and some excitement.  Artists are a bit insane sometimes.  I wonder if other people feel like this or is it just me?

The Golden Wheel, 2004
collage with gold leaf, 5x7"

That was a great show.  There have been other shows since then - fortunately I still remember how to do it (make work).  I've never been able to reproduce this kind of clear-out show (which I am secretly both sad and pretty happy about).  I must thank the couple of folks who thought that my most recent work was okay - I hope that the work will make you happy, and only feel small pangs of stress.. 

Plus, I've learned to take better photos.