Olivia Alexander

Prizes, People and Pizza

I've just returned from Brisbane where I enjoyed soaking up the sunshine and some of the wonderful restaurants and cafes by the river.

I was there as a finalist in the international Brisbane Art Prize. I didn't win the art prize, but you know what? I felt that I was rewarded in many other ways.

 

Often it's not about the prizes (and who doesn't love them!), and it's not about the sales. I mean, we always need more sales,  right?

Lets face it, us artist don't live on fresh air and we do have bills to pay, just like normal people. 

But, what really hit home for me as I attended this event, was the sense of community, connection and network.

 

I spent most of my time getting around the artists' stalls, introducing myself, asking questions, admiring art and encouraging where I could. I had a ball!

 

I made quite a few new friends, we chatted about possible future collaborations and most of us shared a common story; the fact that it takes years and years (and did I say, more years) to become a 'successful' and known artist in the world of art. We discussed the discouragement and  frustration that can threaten to overtake and sabotage our careers unless we learn how to manage it.

 

When I talk about the artist here, I'm talking about the serious creative who wants to pursue art as a career, make a living and live in the passion of art.

 

The Artist job description should say; "able to run for long distances with little encouragement or sustenance".

It's definitely a task for the marathon runner , not the sprinter!

 

The artists I spoke to talked about the fact that even when you win awards it's no guarantee of sales. We all agreed the Australian market is a hard place to sell. The value of original, good QUALITY art is not really appreciated. Sales can be prolific for some months and then for no apparent reason, drop off for a month or two. The art market is unpredictable for various reasons.

I don't share this to discourage but rather to point out that if you're an artist and your art isn't selling it doesn't mean it's not good.

I mean, that might be the case, but probably not!

Seriously though, many professional artists in Australia are finding it hard going, so you aren't alone.

My number one aim is to enjoy the journey!

It's not all about the sales.

Don't get me wrong, I do desire and need sales of my work and I market it accordingly. In fact I work on a full time basis on my art business.  After all, I have a mortgage and need to feed my family, just like everyone else. In fact, this year has been my best yet and my works have increased in value.

But what I love about the art journey is the wonderful people I meet and friends I make all around the globe.

As an artist I spend many  hours in solitude creating my artwork or perhaps writing, and it's easy to become disconnected from the outside world. Building a community in my art life helps to keep things in perspective, it stimulates the creative brain and excites with thoughts of new artistic collaborations with like-minded humans on the same mountain trek as myself.

 

We artists have a tendency to be a 'little bit' on the intense side, so being part of an arts community helps by reminding us that we aren't the only ones on this trip.

 

I've found it can take time to find your 'tribe', it certainly has for me. Not everyone you connect to turns out to be on your side, but that's all part of the learning curve. Artists can be a competitive lot and I'm sure most of us have encountered the nasty side of the art world from time to time.

Eventually though,  we find who we can work with and then help one another climb that ladder.

 

I titled this blog, Prizes, People and Pizza. "What has pizza got to do with it" ,you ask? Well, nothing but I couldn't think of anything else beginning with 'P'!

Anyway, that's about all for now, but hey! My studio is open this coming long weekend so why not make it a date, come see what I've been up to with my works for Paris or just come and say hi, you'd be most welcome!

Sat and Sun.3-4th October  10am - 4pm.        No appointment need,  just drop in.  

Monday I will be open only by appointment, so if you can only make it on Monday, please give me a call and we'll make a time.  All welcome!

Where: 1/27 the Boulevarde, OAK FLATS, NSW 2529

Contact ph: 0411 197 254.        Email; info@oliviaalexander.com         www.OliviaAlexander.com