Boo!

It's "All Hallows' Eve" again. That time of year that brings out the ghosts, goblins and monsters in each of us:-) But, the beginnings of this tradition found their roots with an ancient people, in another time, and another land an ocean away from here -- the Celts.

Wikipedia offered this information about this spooky day and the people that started the trend: The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm.

So don your most creepy mask and costume and make your choice...will it be trick, or will it be treat???? BWWWWWAHAHAHAHA....

August, Art and Passion

Hello, all -
It's been quite a busy summer of business, travel and rain. I've learned a lot through these un-summerlike conditions here in New England: the value of a good book, the enlightenment of an art gallery, the wisdom of friends and acquaintances, the power of discipline.
Discipline not only has provided me with the motivation I've needed through the rainy days of the past two months, but it's also been the driving force behind all of the steps I've taken with this 'fetal' business of mine. I've learned to appreciate the process and enjoy the high and low points of creativity. I've come to understand that all of us go through this ebb and flow. But the passion each of us possesses pulls us to the destiny we are intended to follow.
I saw a fantastic oil painting in a Vermont gallery last weekend. The artist laid the painting on the canvas in thick, bright strokes that pulled you into the scene. But, the most interesting thing to me was the element in the painting that didn't fit - an oversized hand. I looked at it as the key point of the painting - the subject was a worker and the hands 'pulled her through'. Very powerful.

Have a wonderful August day!

Andrea

Andrea's Art Tip: Get to know your power and how you can use it in your art and your life.

Art is Happening!

It's been a long, busy summer. I've been stacking art catalyst business ideas for the fall and winter in my office waiting for the chance to get my plans in gear.

The time has come! I'll be changing this blog into the New England Artspot website it was intended to be during the month of August. The blog will still exist on the website, but the opportunities for growth with a larger website venue will be OUTRAGEOUS, and artists will have another site to display their art, and art-loving customers will have more selections to choose from. I am so THRILLED to make this happen!

Have a great day! Stay tuned for further updates during the coming weeks:-)

Andrea

Andrea's Art Tip: Some say that business and art don't mix. I don't buy it (no pun itended). They are the Yin and Yang of the art marketplace. To deny one, opens a vaccum where the other should appear. It's about balance and about measuring how much you can do and how much you can leverage your skills and the skills of another to bring about a desired outcome. It's teamwork, it's collaboration, it's life. Understand your environment and identify who you need to be on your team to create, sell and market your package of skills to balance the Yin and Yang in your world...Enjoy!

Art and the Senses

I came across this link and wanted to share the artist's story. Check it out - it may set you to dreaming and thinking about creating a multi-sensory experience with your art.

http://artmarketing.com/maya%20green%20blast/mayagreenblast.html


Andrea's Art Tip: Never stop pushing the edge. Brilliance lies around every corner!

Let Freedom Ring!!

Art Realities - 'Prepare, Survive and Thrive'

I saw this phrase used in the title of a class at the NYFA a few months ago. It made me think of the glass being half full. I liked it. Despite the bummer economy and ever increasing prices these days, the belief in and love of art will always find air, visibility, and ongoing appreciation through each generation. It's an upper that we all need to feel these days.
So, how can we make this happen? We all need a different perspective. Look at how you presented and sold art in a good economy. Is there a better way to sell? to market your works? to talk about your art? to build a broader customer base? Sure there is!
Have you reached into the technology bucket to pull out the possibilities available with podcasts, videos, tweets, facebook, bing, etc. It's amazing what technology offers for free!
Have you looked at your pricing? Is there a better way to get your art to the customer without squeezing them and hurting your wallet? What about art 'sales (2-4-1)'? what about leasing your works? creating prints while retaining the originals? creating an alternate go-2-market strategy? Dream big!
Have you looked at your existing customer base? your competion? your colleagues? your community centers? Take a look! Bring people together and create a glass that is half-full (at least!).
Breathe, Smile and Create. You will thrive:-)

Think Up and Have a Great Day!

Andrea


Andrea's Art Tip: Reposition yourself and look to see the opportunities you may have missed in the past in your community, in on-line art communities, in state coucils and centers. The internet is full of so many paths for each of us to explore. So put on your Internet Safari hat and go for your own walkabout - a surprise can exist around any corner:-)

Art in Motion

...and then a site makes me smile...check it out:

www.mattbaldelli.com

Nice time lapse photography:-)

Have a great day!

Andrea