In earlier articles in this series, I wrote about art careers from the perspective of what I observed in successful artists. Here, I am more subjective, writing about the art business from my own perspective, from my own intuitions. I am less confident here, because there are many models for a gallery business, and these suggestions and observations apply best […]
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If an artist wishes to stay part of the ongoing narrative of ideas that is part of the intellectual life of curators, gallerists, and art patrons, they need to stay in touch. You can’t presume that people will know what you are doing – or even that you still actively work as an artist – simply because you have a […]
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Like the breath of memory, the works of Gloria Plevin present a moment gracefully imagined and conscientiously realized in a personal consideration of time. In that time there is stillness and then a presentation, and then something of reflection. The works hold that stillness as a meditation without intent to surprise or disturb. But there is cautious mystery that takes […]
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Almost all of the artists that I know who have been successful in our region have been full participants in its art life. They show up at art openings, participate in activities like the Monster Drawing Rally at SPACES or Monothon at Zygote, visit each other’s studios, and populate the boards of art organizations. When their careers were new, it […]
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Once in a while I have startled audiences at lectures with the provocative suggestion that I’ve met many artists who don’t like art. Sure, they like their own art, but they don’t seem to be that interested in art that’s done by anyone else, either now or in the past. If someone likes baseball, they read about it every day […]
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It is typical at art schools, colleges, and universities to offer some guidance to art students as they approach graduation. There are classes with titles like “Professional Practices” and, as an art dealer or gallerist, I have often been asked to give a visiting lecture. Over 25 years I have done this at Cleveland State University, Cleveland Institute of Art, […]
Read moreEverything that I think about angels changed when I first watched Wim Wenders’ cinematic poem Wings of Desire. Angels are all around, in black and white, dressed in long coats (presumably to keep out the chill), listening, and, then, occasionally touching. Their touch is subtle, a note of grace that helps people find hope and confidence. Particularly, they watch over […]
Read moreSince humanity learned something about fire, about its properties of heat and light, and then learned something about how to preserve fire, and then, finally, how to make it, we have cherished it in the hearth of our dwellings. And, since then, we have been making shapes in the shadows – first with our hands, and, later, with cut-outs, […]
Read moreThe May Show, an annual exhibition of Cleveland’s artists at the Cleveland Museum of Art, was discontinued in 1993. There were lots of reasons. Fine. There has been enough discussion. It is dead, cremated, and the ashes have been dispersed. But for the last 20 years there has been an undercurrent sense of loss within the community of […]
Read moreIt is a gallery rule not to ever suggest to artists that they collaborate with each other. It’s one of many rules I have to keep the gallery from intruding in the creative process. This is not a matter of virtue as much as wanting the best for exhibitions. To be authentic and successful, the collaborative venture works best when […]
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