Ramblings...#6
by Timothy B. Anderson

Art and Economics

As we move deeper into these tough and very challenging economic times, we are continually concerned about where we will be one, two, three, five years from now. We are concerned about our market share shriveling up, and turning into dust.

I have heard from a few photographers who indicate that their client base has shrunk by more than 35%. What are we to glean from this? What will it take to survive? Should you get a job at Wendy’s? Good questions, all. I feel that the bottom is not far from us as I write this column, and that toward the end of next summer (2009) we should be on the uphill curve, instead of continuing to plummet headfirst into the abyss, without a net.

There are those who say, “No. There is no getting out of this tailspin for at least five years!” I tend to not believe in the cutthroat, drastic doomsayer modality. Most of us can’t do anything about the economy, except to tend to our own circumstances, and be as positive as we can. And that means continuing to produce. Because if we do keep “cranking it out,” when the swing begins to turn upward, we’ll be ready to take advantage of it. It won’t do any good to get out the hanky, in preparation for the tears. Put it away and take another picture, develop another negative, spend some time learning more about Photoshop. Take this time to tighten up your belt, conserve your disposable supplies, and spend more time with your loved ones.

***
I find it interesting that if you choose to you can learn so much from the most subtle lessons of life. At the art show I talked about a couple of articles ago, my friend was concerned prior to it that no one would show up; that she wouldn’t sell anything. She even gave a little bit of thought to canceling the show. As I mentioned in the previous article, however, she sold very well! We even had to put up some pieces that we had left in another room at the gallery. This is a good lesson in believing in what we, as artists, do. What most of us want to achieve. We seek satisfaction and acceptance from “our” audience. Is that so much to ask for? Just a little respect.

***
In the seventies, when I first became associated with a gallery, I was impressed by how well the owner could sell. Very few people left without buying anything, and the gallery was located on a small island in the San Juan Archipelago, two hours off the coast of Washington State. Even those customers who I knew had small homes, with walls filled with art, seldom left without a purchase.

So, when I had accumulated enough inner fortitude I asked him how he was able to sell so well. He told me that when people came through his door, they walked in ready to buy something, and it was our job to steer them toward what it was they were seeking. He said that if someone ever said they would love to purchase that new piece, but they just don’t have any more room in their house I was tell them, “You have solved the first and foremost problem, you have found something you like.”

From that point I would indicate to customers and potential collectors that they could move their acquisitions they already had around take some down and put up a few new pieces. His philosophy was that when people walk into an art gallery, they usually want to buy something. Something memorable. Something worthwhile. The art we create will find a home if we choose to get it out into the world.

That’s enough rambling for now, readers, and I hope you have a truly great, happy, fulfilling and rewarding Holiday Season.

P.S. don’t forget to donate. Remember, for donations of $25 or more, I will send you an 8x10 of Red Dog himself.