You can recognize the signs
of spring wherever you live. People are
wearing shorts, road repair is in full swing
and artists everywhere are opening their
studios to the public. Open studios are not
for everyone, but they are useful as a
stepping stone, especially for emerging
artists.
Artist and A.C.T. Creativity Mentor Sarah
Kahn, L.I.C.S.W. www.sarahkahncollage.com,
has made over 100 collages since 2004, and
as of April has 41 pieces purchased. She
shares her story of finding rewards, other
than sales, in this year's Newton Open Studios:
"My planning and setting up
for the Newton
Open Studios event has many steps and stages.
This year as I was beginning to form my lists
and organize my art 'portables' to carry into
my car, I was attempting to quell my
burgeoning swell of anticipation that I might
really sell a lot of pieces this year!!
I tried to tell myself that the overlay of
the economic realities might very well add a
dampening layer to the event. Still, with my
chest puffed out and attention beaming ahead,
I was aware that I was looking forward to
seeing my group of co-artists, and making
connections in my community as the two-day
art celebration lay ahead of me. I was proud
of my new work, and happy to display it.
I carried my bin of unframed pieces into
the home of my friend and quilter, Dee-
Mallon www.deemallonquilts.com
who had kindly offered to hang many of my
framed pieces a week ahead of time, on her
walls. As I marched in with my bin and began
to help her vacuum and move furniture, my
hanging collages acted as a kind of drum-roll
to the exciting weekend ahead. Dee and I had
shown together at her gorgeous home last year
as well, with jeweler Maria Isaza -
www.baloka.com,
and Dan, a local potter. Dan Wiener - www.wienerwarepottery.com.
I was the only non-craftsperson at this
site. Last year it had worked well, I had
sold two unframed and three framed pieces,
and reveled, both days, in how the glorious
color of our work played off of each other.
The colors of the ceramic, the dazzling
quilts, the tagua-nut jewelry, and my
mixed-media collages were quite a stunning
mixture of color and art. The drum roll
stirred a bit louder as Dan came through the
door with a hefty 'Hey-Ho, Guys!,' carrying a
box of obviously heavy ceramic wares. Then
Maria strolled in with her usually spunky
face and began to pull out her earrings and
necklaces. 'Let the show begin,' I thought to
myself.
That first day was slower than last year's
Saturday. Today was a gorgeous, sunny day.
Last year it had poured rain for the entire
weekend event. People seemed less eager to be
inside this year and even less eager to look
at my art. I tried to push ahead, with my
chest out and expectations high for a
good-sale-day. But as the day went on, I was
not having many 'bites.' Then something
happened which changed my outlook on the Open
Studios Weekend.
Rena, a Japanese woman I had known from my
youngest son's elementary school years, came
in to see us. She had come last year and had
been complimentary of the groups' pieces all
shown together. Rena was very shy but kind
and generous. I was deep in a hopeful sale as
I saw her out of the corner of my eye. I was
fixed on my potential buyer, focused on my
'pursue-lay-back dance' as I tried to listen
carefully for what EXACTLY they were SAYING.
My people skills were in high red flash. I
wanted to sell this piece, and was poised to
follow the lead of this customer, and add my
own editions when necessary. I could feel my
chest folding in toward my sternum as they
said, turning away: 'beautiful stuff, Sarah,
but I don't know where I'd hang it.' I was
disappointed.
I turned to go into the kitchen and
self-soothe by nibbling on some pesto dip,
and a cup of coffee (we do have wonderful
food at our event!). I then saw Rena walk
toward me. She took my hands and found my
eyes gently. 'I love to see your new work
since last year.' I thanked her as I began to
loosen from the grips of disappointment. Then
I saw her eyes pool with moisture. She
squeezed my hands. 'Your work makes me
happy,' and she nodded in a beautiful,
familiar way and pulled my forearms closer to
her. I felt my chest relax and knew where the
floor was under my feet. I was grounded
because I was receiving a high honor. 'Oh,
Rena!,' I said, smiling back at her,
'thank-you so much, that means a lot to me.'
She nodded again as she smiled, released my
hands and went out into the day.
This is art. This is the art of human
interaction, of honor and of touching each
another. I had seen Rena a few weeks prior,
and she had told me that her life was not
easy, that there were some difficult things
happening to her. She had found a way to
bring me joy in the midst of her suffering.
Art had transcribed her misery into joy and
she had unselfishly chosen to give it to me.
Rena and I had validated and honored each
other and shared joy together.
On the next day, Sunday I sold no pieces
at Open Studios, but I had been given the art
of connection and the deep connection of
art."
If you'd like to experience more of
Sarah's perspectives and learn more about the
fine art of business, please join Sarah and me
at "The
Productive Artist" in Boston in July.
Lest your eyes roll back in your head at
the thought of a boring business workshop, be
warned that this is not your usual learning
event. Hands-on, creative training will
expose the "secrets" about art making and art
marketing in any economy.
The itinerary includes:
- Taking inventory of your current artist
lifestyle
- Exploring how being a professional
artists is largely an inside job
- Test-driving the 10 tips that lead to
exposure and to success
- Developing a few art marketing muscles
and resilience in the face of blocks
- Experience learning in a community based
event
You will be learning how to get unstuck
making art while you learn about getting the
word out there about your work and
accomplishments.
It is entirely possible to compose a
creative life as an artist-entrepreneur.
And you don't have to sacrifice your
quality of life to do it. If you can't make
it to Boston, please send Sarah your creative
conundrums. Sarah's practice in Newton
Centre, MA. specializes in creativity for
visual and performing artists. Using a
powerful model of combined coaching and
hands-on art exercises, Sarah's methods
enable artists who get stuck, or hit
"stasis," to re-connect to their creative
voice. Homework assignments are
specially designed to meet the artist's
particular goals. Often periods of inertia
are re-vitalized and the artists feel
productive again! After a series of sessions,
artists feel a sense of fluidity and
progression in their artistic pursuits.
Early
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