I love Amber’s idea of speaking to the viewer simply with a note. One think I strive for in my gallery is to be welcoming and assessable to a wide range of folks. Where my space is located I get people stopping in who appreciate the work on many levels. Teenagers on the way home from school often find it “Cool”. Working people will stop in after a hard day cleaning houses and all they want is some beauty to fill up their eyes and hearts. They don’t want to ponder that don’t want to work more, but they appreciate. I use these little opportunities to talk a little about what the y appreciate and try and just fork a little bit of deeper understanding. I also get highly educated art connoisseurs who are looking to experience the entire scope of the work.
I think that opening up the secretive and exclusive world to a wider group is key in communicating value. Those who have not had the experience of having their heart taken and eyes filled buy being in the room with an original work of art will never understand it’s intrinsic value.
Often I find artists and venues that seem to strive to be intimidating and exclusive and this practice hearts all but the top echelon of the art world.
I think the value of original art can be best communicated through the emotional connection that occurs. I seek to grease the path to that connection by making the over all experience a positive and welcoming expirience.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by thestudiosource: Creative quickie: Become a champion for your art: http://bit.ly/8YDqSa...

I’m curious to know if you encounter a similar mindset with potential garden design clients.

So no, they don’t know how long it takes to make something with your head, your heart, and your hands. They’ve been conditioned not to think about it.”

So true…

Sometimes people feel embarrassed if they don’t understand the artist’s message or the motivation behind a piece. That creates barriers. Some artists don’t want to explain themselves, but that’s a topic for a different kind of art blog.

From studio visits to conversations in the galleries… it’s always great to get other people’s perspectives on art and their values. To me, i leave it up to the viewer to decide whether or not they want to learn more about the art…. whether it’s the process, thoughts/inspirations, layers of time involved, etc that interests them…. If they show interest in more than their own personal take, or ask about what is behind the work, I include a packaged note with the art purchase that includes little glimpses of these elements that found their way into my creative process. Much of what i do is in preparation, a ritual of sorts that many of my collectors connect with. Sometimes it’s the lyrics to a song, symbolism, poetry, myths, the result of much journaling or simply an image from vogue.

I’ve decided to take it a step further and on my next exhibit i plan to address this concept of the hidden value/ meaning of art by including a closed note or scroll alongside each piece that the viewer can choose whether or not they want to pass the information by and stick with their own interpretation; or choose to open it and be made aware of my vision, the research and time involved to create such a work…. all for the sake of art value and appreciation of creation.