Comments on: How is the economy affecting your art? http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/ Celebrating Massachusetts Art and Artists Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:56:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Tova Speter http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-14163 Tova Speter Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:52:58 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-14163 With more and more people accessing services during times of need (i.e. homeless shelters, mental health services, local health clinics, etc) the need for art is only growing. Experiencing original art can stimulate dialogue, creativity, learning and healing, and - as all artists know - art can feed the soul. The Art Connection is a nonprofit in Boston that works to increase the access of art by facilitating the donation of artists' work to community nonprofits that could otherwise not afford to have art in their space. Recently, more artists seem to have been generous in making their art available to benefit the community - many thanks to them! If anyone knows an artist interested in donating artwork or a nonprofit interested in receiving artwork - please refer to our website at www.theartconnection.org. With more and more people accessing services during times of need (i.e. homeless shelters, mental health services, local health clinics, etc) the need for art is only growing. Experiencing original art can stimulate dialogue, creativity, learning and healing, and – as all artists know – art can feed the soul. The Art Connection is a nonprofit in Boston that works to increase the access of art by facilitating the donation of artists’ work to community nonprofits that could otherwise not afford to have art in their space. Recently, more artists seem to have been generous in making their art available to benefit the community – many thanks to them! If anyone knows an artist interested in donating artwork or a nonprofit interested in receiving artwork – please refer to our website at http://www.theartconnection.org.

]]> By: bigbaby http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-14131 bigbaby Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:14:04 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-14131 The Boston Dance Alliance is holding an open meeting called "Dancing Through the Downturn." They are inviting discussion topics that concern dancers during this economic downturn. For more information go to the following Web site: http://www.bostondancealliance.org/bda/communitymeetings.php#annual RSVP info@bostondancealliance.org The Boston Dance Alliance is holding an open meeting called “Dancing Through the Downturn.” They are inviting discussion topics that concern dancers during this economic downturn. For more information go to the following Web site: http://www.bostondancealliance.org/bda/communitymeetings.php#annual

RSVP info@bostondancealliance.org

]]> By: Liz Stewart http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-14047 Liz Stewart Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:04:30 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-14047 I am a jewelry designer and teacher. I own a beading supply shop. People are definitely still interested in classes. What is nice about beading is that is can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be, so even in an economic downturn people will still pursue the hobby. Plus, it makes for a fun social gathering! I am still selling jewelry pieces as well, and people seem to have a deeper appreciation for the quality of handmade goods. People may not be buying as much, but they are still buying. So far, so good. Keeping my fingers crossed! I am a jewelry designer and teacher. I own a beading supply shop. People are definitely still interested in classes. What is nice about beading is that is can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be, so even in an economic downturn people will still pursue the hobby. Plus, it makes for a fun social gathering!

I am still selling jewelry pieces as well, and people seem to have a deeper appreciation for the quality of handmade goods. People may not be buying as much, but they are still buying. So far, so good. Keeping my fingers crossed!

]]> By: Judy Blotnick http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13981 Judy Blotnick Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:33:47 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13981 I am a practicing artist and teach art/fashion at the college level. This semester I've decided to forego all the old rules and have explained to my students that everything has changed and that the only thing we can count on is that nothing will ever be the same. I prefer to view that as a good thing, a stimulating perspective that will power up this country's strengths. It is a wonderful time to invent, to experiment, to follow old passions and to cater to the creative impulse. My own work has become much more fun to produce because it feels free of commercialism and pops out unencumbered by agendas. My faith in this country remains unwavering and frankly, I am thrilled to have all the status symbols, the shallow decorations and wastefulness move off the stage. Show us what you've got artists. I am a practicing artist and teach art/fashion at the college level. This semester I’ve decided to forego all the old rules and have explained to my students that everything has changed and that the only thing we can count on is that nothing will ever be the same. I prefer to view that as a good thing, a stimulating perspective that will power up this country’s strengths. It is a wonderful time to invent, to experiment, to follow old passions and to cater to the creative impulse.
My own work has become much more fun to produce because it feels free of commercialism and pops out unencumbered by agendas. My faith in this country remains unwavering and frankly, I am thrilled to have all the status symbols, the shallow decorations and wastefulness move off the stage. Show us what you’ve got artists.

]]> By: Coco Larrain http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13975 Coco Larrain Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:54:36 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13975 I do high end pet portraits and rely on word of mouth. Editorial advertising is too costly. I had a good run in the fall of '08. A few new commissions were also on the burner but seem to have faded away. I also do large scale skyscapes and will be participating in a group show at the Yarmouth Cultural Council in April and have decided to scale down with smaller paintings and collages. I must for now, put my next skyscape on the back burner. I look at it as an opportunity to explore new creative streams within me and I'm grateful for the ability of being flexible! Best of luck, fellow artists ! I do high end pet portraits and rely on word of mouth. Editorial advertising is too costly. I had a good run in the fall of ’08. A few new commissions were also on the burner but seem to have faded away. I also do large scale skyscapes and will be participating in a group show at the Yarmouth Cultural Council in April and have decided to scale down with smaller paintings and collages. I must for now, put my next skyscape on the back burner. I look at it as an opportunity to explore new creative streams within me and I’m grateful for the ability of being flexible! Best of luck, fellow artists !

]]> By: mark a. sutherland http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13968 mark a. sutherland Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:31:01 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13968 Despite the ongoing drumbeat of bad economic times and constant stories in the media about layoffs and downturns , I've been surprised to find new commissions coming in . I build & repair ship models and 2009 is my 30th year doing this as a full time professional . I had expected to coast through the winter on the backlog of work in my closet - repairs & new pieces , and had been worrying about the future thinking that it was going to all dry up . Ii had anticipated a slowdown as an opportunity to execute some original projects that had been in mind for a long time , but had been too busy to get into . Since New Years several major commissions have come in and my back orders haven't been reduced that much , and there have been a number of inquiries , so for the moment , things are OK . What a surprise ! Despite the ongoing drumbeat of bad economic times and constant stories in the media about layoffs and downturns , I’ve been surprised to find new commissions coming in . I build & repair ship models and 2009 is my 30th year doing this as a full time professional . I had expected to coast through the winter on the backlog of work in my closet – repairs & new pieces , and had been worrying about the future thinking that it was going to all dry up . Ii had anticipated a slowdown as an opportunity to execute some original projects that had been in mind for a long time , but had been too busy to get into . Since New Years several major commissions have come in and my back orders haven’t been reduced that much , and there have been a number of inquiries , so for the moment , things are OK . What a surprise !

]]> By: mignon ariel king http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13961 mignon ariel king Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:26:12 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13961 I'm a night writer whose productivity diminishes when I haven't a dayjob. Sitting around the house during the day makes me doubley useless because I am neither earning a paycheck nor writing. The formula of working 9 to 5 then flicking a switch and going artsy somehow makes me write more...and more intensely. There is also less to write about since transportation costs keep me limited to a small area of the city. The upside is that I am in fantastic physical shape from walking an extra half hour per day to save money; plus, I get to stroll along listening to birds, gazing at the sky, and smelling the cold air. I’m a night writer whose productivity diminishes when I haven’t a dayjob. Sitting around the house during the day makes me doubley useless because I am neither earning a paycheck nor writing. The formula of working 9 to 5 then flicking a switch and going artsy somehow makes me write more…and more intensely. There is also less to write about since transportation costs keep me limited to a small area of the city. The upside is that I am in fantastic physical shape from walking an extra half hour per day to save money; plus, I get to stroll along listening to birds, gazing at the sky, and smelling the cold air.

]]> By: Scott Cahaly http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13960 Scott Cahaly Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:46:56 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13960 Times are tough and sales slow to non-existent. Art is and remains a luxury purchase and when folks are worried about their portfolios and kids college tuition, acquiring big colorful paintings and sculptures take a back seat. There are always exceptions of course but people are watching their wallets! I do see this time as artistically stimulating where artists really get to prove their "love" of creativity and the process, specially since a sale at the end of the tunnel is tougher. It is important for me to sell work but more important to produce work! I believe people will start purchasing work again in the future when the recession lifts!! Times are tough and sales slow to non-existent. Art is and remains a luxury purchase and when folks are worried about their portfolios and kids college tuition, acquiring big colorful paintings and sculptures take a back seat. There are always exceptions of course but people are watching their wallets!
I do see this time as artistically stimulating where artists really get to prove their “love” of creativity and the process, specially since a sale at the end of the tunnel is tougher. It is important for me to sell work but more important to produce work! I believe people will start purchasing work again in the future when the recession lifts!!

]]> By: Paula Estey http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13959 Paula Estey Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:20:55 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13959 Thank you for this opportunity! I am a mixed media painter and teach classes and workshops. My classes are holding steady this past year--not a lot of new students, but steady with on-going ones. My art sales, however, have really declined over the past 8 months--no matter how small or inexpensive I am selling. My workshops are doing ok, but I am charging half of my usual fee. What is expanding is my own passion for creating! I have recommitted to making art, no matter what--and that feels GOOD! Blessings to one and all, Paula Estey Thank you for this opportunity! I am a mixed media painter and teach classes and workshops. My classes are holding steady this past year–not a lot of new students, but steady with on-going ones. My art sales, however, have really declined over the past 8 months–no matter how small or inexpensive I am selling. My workshops are doing ok, but I am charging half of my usual fee. What is expanding is my own passion for creating! I have recommitted to making art, no matter what–and that feels GOOD!
Blessings to one and all,
Paula Estey

]]> By: ArtSake http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/index.php/2009/01/26/how-is-the-economy-affecting-your-art/#comment-13880 ArtSake Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:12:59 +0000 http://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/blog/artsake/?p=1341#comment-13880 Louise - great to get your insight. Interesting that there may be some upsides for artists and artisans amidst all this economic turmoil. Louise – great to get your insight. Interesting that there may be some upsides for artists and artisans amidst all this economic turmoil.

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