Getting Paid for Your Art / Part I

Creating art is what most committed artists enjoy doing, and we also enjoy selling our work - some with aspirations of being a professional artist, and some who are already at that level.  However, the business of art can be ridden with financial pitfalls, from buyers who are slow in paying to organizations who want to own an artist's work without paying anything.  Invariably, these type of buyers prey on an artist's desire for exposure and their need to sell their work.  There are some precautions that serious artists can take to ensure getting paid at the time they sell their work.

In order to establish a track record through exposure, emerging artists tend to participate in almost any venue that is offered, including vendor shows, street fairs and group exhibitions.  They are often quite eager to accept commissions, as well.  It is important that proper forms are available and signed before an artist participates in any venue.

After being "burned" several times (in various ways)by not getting paid on time, I drew up every conceivable type of form to have on hand for selling my art.  Some of these forms included contracts, commission agreements, blank itemized bills, reminder notes, installment agreements and exhibition agreements, to name a few.  Even though art dealers and other art business people have their own forms, I wanted to make sure that all their forms covered all variables.

Other ways that artists can make sure they get paid is by establishing a business policy for selling their work and stick to it.  Again, put it in writing! This policy should include:  How, What, Where, When and Who regarding the exchange of art for the exchange of cash.  It should also include whether you plan to be paid in full or in installments.  An artist should always include any variables pertaining to special circumstances regarding their particular work.
  
For example, if an organization asks you to freely donate a piece of art with the understanding that they pay no percentage, agree to donate but state your percentage policy if you expect to be paid.  Make sure you either have a form or draw up a form for this type of exchange.  Gaining exposure is always good, but artists must get paid for their hard work.

In Part II of this series, I will share some of my experiences regarding this subject.  

The Creative Home as Sanctuary

"Who loves the rain
  And loves his home
  And looks on life
  with quiet eyes."
        Francis Shaw

Currently, I am finally beginning to beautify the home I've been living in for the past one and a half years.  Having painted an accent wall in the living room, all the bathroom and the bedroom, I find myself daydreaming constantly of colors for the other rooms to match the existing ones, which are in gradated shades of soft yellow, from palest pale to deepest gold.  The kitchen backsplash is lime.
Running through my head also are ideas for furniture and accessories, preferably trash-to-treasure and artful, respectively.  My favorite accessories would include pictures, pillows, plants, books, lighting, hanging paper mobiles and gifts from friends.  All of these items are related to my interests.

But more important than all these thoughts is that I want a space that is not only beautiful, but also imparts a feeling of stepping into another world, a visual sanctuary where I can always feel safe and relaxed and where visitors can feel welcome, happy and stimulated by their surroundings.  I want them to leave with a sense of having learned more about me based on my surroundings.

Ambitious? No.  I feel that a comfortable and beautiful home is a major component in contributing to one's sense of well-being.  It has been a life-long need that I must be surrounded by beauty at home in order to be fulfilled.  When I was younger, I thought I was odd in this strong need for beauty and comfort, but seeing other lovely homes in real life and in books changed my thinking.

Some favorite books in my library include "Feeling at Home" by Alexandra Stoddard, "Sacred Space" by Denise Linn and  "HouseBeautiful Art, Decorating with Art at Home."  The respective websites are alexandrastoddard.com/library.asp,  http://www.deniselinn.com/ and http://www.housebeautiful.com/.  There is much valuable information in all three books about  making your house into a home.  I was inspired to push forth in my beautification quest after reviewing them once again.

After painting the mentioned rooms, I began looking for fabric to make a special bedspread and pillows for my bed.  I also hung from the middle window panel five small hand-painted elephants suspended on golden thread.  I love waking each morning and looking at them because they were given to me by a friend, and were packed away in boxes until recently.  Objects like these become treasured friends over time, an integral part of your home.
 Step by step, I hope to have made good progress toward creating the type of atmosphere I desire in my space.  I will keep you posted.  Please feel free to comment on your own beautification adventures, be it home or garden. 

Loving Nature

As I grow older, my love and respect for Nature intensifies.  I find that during this time of the year, in particular, it is vital for me to find time to sit alone or walk somewhere in the presence of trees, flowers, river and birds.  Whether I'm reading or just reflecting, the peace I feel when I'm one with Nature is beyond description.
 Whenever I think about when my love of Nature began, I think back to my gradual, progressive journey with it - my awareness of it.  That awareness began during my early childhood in a small southern town, where my family and I often went on excursions into the woods during the summer to pick blackberries, cherries and grapes.  I loved the freshness of the air, the colors of the many different plants and the many, many trees everywhere.  I remember being excited that no two trees were the same.  I was even excited that we had to be careful to avoid areas known to harbor dangerous snakes.  Somehow, knowing the snakes were there and knowing that I was protected by adults kept my adrenalin flowing.


Growing up on my grandfather's small farm was another reason that I viewed Nature as a friend, especially in summer and fall.  In the summer, there was a garden filled with corn, green beans, tomatoes, greens, watermelons, cucumbers and okra.  There was also a fig tree in our front yard, and a chicken coop in our back yard.  I loved that we grew most of what we ate, and it wasn't until we moved north that I discovered  not everybody made  their own buttermilk - or wrung a chicken's neck in the morning and ate it for supper that same day.


Everybody had not eaten a yellow-meat watermelon from Georgia, or witnessed newborn kittens in a bedroom dresser drawer. Nor had they learned to climb a tree, catch a trout or watch caught-tadpoles turn into frogs.  Everybody had not caught June bugs in the summer, tied a string to their legs and watched them "zing on a string," making a zinging noise.  Nor had they sat on the front porch at night in the summer, catching lightning bugs in a jar. 


Everybody had not known the thrill of watching their relatives shake a pecan tree in the fall, and fill a crocus sack with the wonderful bounty.  Yet, as a child, I thought everyone had experienced all these things.  Later on, and even now, I am amazed that there are still those who think it is unsophisticated to love nature so much.  I have learned that it is they who are showing their ignorance with these type of thinking.


When I am in the presence of nature, especially trees and water, I am acutely aware that there is something higher than myself - something wise and mysterious.  Something that has been here forever, and for that I am thankful.


When I die, I will go back to the earth because I came from the earth.  I am a part of the earth, a part of Nature, and perhaps that is why I love it so much. 

Living My Best Life

Today as I viewed yet another "to-do list," it occurred to me once again that there was no way to complete everything on that list.  The tasks before me could realistically be completed in a week or even two, but to try doing them all in one day would be begging for stress, irritation and exhaustion.  A two-week time span would allow for leisure time and socializing between tasks. Doing so would certainly make those tasks more palatable. 

After taking some time this morning  to reflect about my life, I realized that I continue to sometimes measure  the success of my day by the number of tasks accomplished, particularly the ones relating to my artistic goals.  This train of thought led to me to thinking about  what I would consider to be my best life. 

Even though some of my life goals have remained the same over time, the way I want to go about bringing them to fruition has changed.  My view of what constitutes my best life is rather simplistic and divided into four categories consisting of self-development, art, family and friends.  While there are sub-categories under each area, this is it for me. 

Spending my time focusing on these four areas and whatever is relevant to them is my best life. In many ways I am living my best life right now.  Most days find me dividing my time between various  activities relating to these four categories, with painting often being the top priority.

Besides the painting, I enjoy writing for the projects that are not yet "soup," reading, spending time in nature, and consciously developing myself spiritually.  Having lunch with friends or chatting with the long-distance ones on Facebook is also gratifying,  as well as spending time with my lovely family.  This is the gist of my best life.

Keeping in mind that a best life does not mean there will be no dark days, I can say that I am grateful for the best life I now have.  I just have to remember to keep those "to-do" lists short! 

Human Equality ( a rhythm/ performance poem)

Black people, red people, brown people white
Yellow people, pink people, dark people light
Tall people, short people, fat people thin
All people same save the skin they're in

Rich people, poor people, middle people drink
Smart people, dull people, dumb people think
Beautiful people, ugly people, pretty people plain
All living people have some type of brain

When you consider how basic the plate
It makes no sense to discriminate
When you consider the boat we're all in
It's best to accept all people as kin

Women people, men people, children people speak
Young people, middle people, old people eat
Girl people, boy people, straight people gay
All living people breathe every day

Moral people, sinner people, saint people priest
North people, south people, west people east
Good people, bad people, wrong people right
All living people face day and night

Black people, red people, brown people white
Yellow people, pink people, dark people light
Tall people, short people, fat people thin
All people same save the skin they're in

When you measure love with hate
It makes no sense to discriminate
When you consider the boat we're all in
It's best to accept all people as kin!

copyright 2009, Georgette Jones

The Week in Gratitude #4

"Objects of Affection #7 /  Private Collection

This week  has found me extremely anxious about some very real complexities in my life.  It is at times like these that I realize  my supreme source of comfort extends beyond the realm of the Human, but more toward the realm of the Divine.   The principle of gratitude continues to be a soothing mainstay for me.  Whenever I take stock of the blessings in my life, I feel reassured.  This is what I am thankful for this week:

Life - Regardless of what kind of day I'm having, there are so many things in life to enjoy, including the simple act of waking up and continuing to breathe.

Grandchildren - Here is an inexplicable love, so unlike any other.  They make me laugh really hard.  They say exactly what's on their mind.  And sometimes they say, "I wuv you" without really knowing what that means.

Books  - Cheez!  I am such a bookworm - sometimes sneaking in chapters between other tasks throughout the day.  Yes, it's true that I sometimes read on the run, but what better way to forget about your troubles than escaping through a book?  It's better than escaping through a bottle...............(I wouldn't fit into a bottle, anyway).

Food - On Wednesday, I made one of my speciality dishes, Tahitian Chicken, a stir-fry consisting of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, red bell peppers, onions, broccoli, pineapple chunks and Catalina dressing, all served over brown rice.  This is healthy, comfort food that can be prepared in small portions.  Totally delicious, served with peach tea Crystal Lite.

Work - When I'm feeling down, I become a workacholic.  I am thankful for having the energy to do my art, clean my place, go to the grocery store, do my laundry and answer my phone calls. 

Humor - Thankfully, there is a variety of humor to lighten any given moment of a day, whether you're alone  or with others.  I love to make others laugh and love to have my funny tickled, as well.

Pets - I am so thankful for my cat, Lucy.  No one would believe that when I'm putting on lipstick and mascara to go out, this cat jumps on the toilet seat so that I can put some on her, too.  Sometimes, she actually stands very still on her two hind legs while I pretend by rubbing each tube across her eyebrows.

Being grateful comes to me by remembering to focus on what I already have.  I hope this works for you, too.  Anyhow, these are the things I'm grateful for this week.  What are you grateful for this week?

10 Things Art and Sex Have in Common

Interest - Regardless of skill or experience, if you have a sustained
interest in any pursuit, most likely you will do it well or learn to do it well.  Talent without interest fizzles, and ability without interest is just stone cold.  Enthusiasm, excitement and confidence are vital in evolving interest into passion.
Committment - Making art that expresses who you are requires time to learn how your own technical knowledge and emotions interact with both the subject matter and the materials at hand.  It requires committment.  Having sex with someone with whom you have a committed relationship is better than with someone you hardly know, which is not true intimacy, but more like having fast food when you could have had gourmet.  While I'm not implying that every committed relationship automatically means better sex, I am saying that it allows you the time and unfolding to learn your partner's emotional, physical, mental and spiritual temperament.
Freedom of Expression - You have the idea, you have the feelings, you have the desire.  You may express yourself however you wish, either in making love or in making art.
Spirituality - Spirituality is the level you reach during the phase where art makes itself - where eyes, hands and mind work in unison without self-conciousness or mental prompts, where color, form and all elements become one.  Enough said.
Creativity - When making art, it is exciting to approach each new work with a sense of joy rather than duty.  Each new work will have your own signature, but will be individual in its originality.  It is possible to approach intimacy with your partner in the same manner, with a willingness to be creative and varied in your activity.
Fulfillment - Satisfaction can be temporary, while fulfillment suggests permanency, while still challenging you to continue to strive for your highest.  This applies to many areas of life, including art and sex.
Health Benefits - Whenever I am involved in the process of painting with focus and committment, the results of my efforts invariably are felt afterwards.  The completed work leaves me with a sense of well-being and energy.  Over time, this has influenced my overall health.  Being in a committed relationship with someone you love and share a healthy sexual relationshp contributes to good physical and mental health, as well.
Communication - The process of making great art requires not only a robust constitution, but also a heightened sense of connection between yourself and your tools.  Heart, head and hands must be keen in communicating through dialogue between the artist and the work, reacting as the moment dictates.  The same is true in maintaining a fulfilling relationship with your partner.  Good communication includes the ability to truly listen, responding appropriately with sensitivity to what was said.
Passion - In many cases, the passion for making art can endure as long as you're an artist, even though, gradually over time, the physical aspect might limit your productivity.  The same could be said of a sexual relationship. 
Development - Great art must be developed over time.  Some people have given me funny looks when I have stated that this is such an overlooked area of intimate relationships.  It is my belief that a sexual relationship should also be developed over time.  I believe that the loss of sexual interest in your partner often results from failure to develop the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects  - as well as the physical aspects of a relationship.  Focusing on the physical alone can result in constantly seeking new partners, or even becoming sexually addicted.  A good sexual relationship cannot thrive strictly on physical attraction. 

    

Appreciating Art by Children

When my now eight-year old grandaughter was five, she often sat next to me making her own art as I painted or sketched.  There was a period when she was quite prolific, cranking out colorful abstracts as well as a series of "girl" drawings which she obviously enjoyed making.  Each one of these girls had serious hair and a common stance, which I assumed she was attempting to duplicate from "Top Model," her favorite television show at the time. 

I was so enthusiastic about these small drawings that I carefully framed and mounted them in a montage arrangement over my kitchen desk.  Of course, my grandaughter was thrilled about this.  Whenever she came to visit, she went straight to the kitchen to look at her paintings.  Although they were raw and undeveloped, they were unique, colorful and made with lots of love.

Once, when I was preparing to take some paintings to a potential client, my grandaughter asked me, "What's a client?"  When I answered they were someone who bought paintings, she said, "Wait a minute!  Take some of my mine because I'm sure she'll want to buy them!"  Is that not confidence?

Parents, teachers and relatives can instill confidence in their children's artistic abilities - or even just passing interest- by showing appreciation for their creative renderings.  Every effort is praiseworthy as well as pure because a child's vision is spontaneous, genuine and innocent.  Some of  the art I've most enjoyed has come from children.  Whenever I look at it, I can feel the initial response that brought it into being.  Usually, this response is a sense of  wonder and excitement about the work itself.

As an adult artist, it is this feeling that keeps me painting, keeps me returning to the drawing board.  Often, I am aware that it is this feeling of excitement that I want to re-capture each time I start a new painting. How wonderful that children get to experience that feeling each time they make art.

Art made by children can be viewed at exhibitions presented by schools, libraries and community centers, among others.  These works are also available online.  Two of my favorite sites of art by children are ArtSonia and http://www.kidsart/.  When you visit the latter, be sure to click 'visit the gallery.'  Enjoy! 

*Note:  I wanted very much to post a photo of my grandaughter and me, as well as some of her art work, but was unable to do so because of technicalities.  I hope you enjoy this essay just the same.    

Leaving Winter

Even as the snow continues to cover the ground and the temperature drops at night, something has shifted in my winter perception.  I am thinking spring.  As I continue my pattern of rising just after dawn to write or read, I am no longer feeling restricted by winter.  Instead, I am thinking about walking outside again, maybe taking a swimming class and attending that monthly networking group I have missed all winter because of the cold.  I am also thinking about how much fun it will be to shop for and wear spring clothes.  Yea! No more looking like Lenny the Lumberjack!

The cardinals that frequent the feeder at a friend's house must be feeling spring-like, too, because the male and female have been playing "bird tag"  every time I visit. They know winter will have to leave soon, whether she wants to or not, because spring is patiently waiting just beneath the surface of the snow.

Despite my occasional complaints about the weather, I realize that the season of winter is necessary in order to enjoy and appreciate the warmer seasons.  I believe that winter is a metaphor for the major challenges of our lives.  The fact of winter helps to  build character and endurance, as we would probably be "fluffy" rather than solid people if it was spring all the time.  That which is too familiar is often taken for granted.

As winter is leaving, I am mentally bidding her goodbye in subtle ways.  I am noticing that the trees continue to be beautiful, even when bare.  And even though I dislike driving in snow, it is pleasant to view from inside, especially when the house is dark. 

Yes, I know that winter is notorious for throwing curve balls.  During the fickle month of March is when she is most likely to get weird on us, mixing all kinds of unlikely elements , "Ummm, what about  some fog with that ice!  Or a bit of sleet with the fog - haven't done that one in a while!" 

Still, when your time is up, it's up.  We are now closer to spring than winter, and soon it will be time to say......

".....goodbye, winter....hello,spring!"      

Navigating Facebook

It's been almost a month since my account has been active on Facebook, and I'm not surprised that, despite a few annoying occurences, I am enjoying the experience.  I think my experience has been mostly positive because I am aware of my primary reason for being on the site - to promote my art.  Making friends along the way would definitely be an added bonus.

To date, here's some of my favorite features of Facebook: 

Friends - My list includes friends, other artists, musicians and family members.  Taking it slow when it comes to adding people makes my list relatively small in comparison to others who have added thousands. Also, I'm happy to say that I ACTUALLY KNOW or at least have met most of the people on my list!  It's a delight to connect with people I have not seen in years, and I look forward to finding more of these connections on Facebook.  Also, it's thrilling beyond words to connect with relatives in other states.     

Inbox - I love that I can send private messages via my inbox.  Since I enjoy one- on- one conversation, I use this feature regularly, mainly with people with whom I have had a "real life" connection. 

Status Updates - There is a section for viewing the most recent comments and activities of people on your friends list as well as updates about businesses, products, websites and celebrities you have added to your Pages.  Such an interesting treat!

Pages - This is one of my most used resources on Facebook.  I have become a fan not only of favorites I have used, but also a few that I want to learn more about.  I like getting updates about these favorites.

Artist's Groups - There are many I would like to join, but have only joined one thus far.  It's so much fun conversing with the other artists there and viewing their work that I haven't had time to check out the others.

This is all I have to say right now.  I think my Facebook experience will continue to be positive if  I remember that it is an enjoyable PART of my life, and not my  ENTIRE life. 

Already I have made some connections with people from my past whom I might still have been searching for had I not joined Facebook.  This makes me glad.