Daddy's Christmas Angel

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Art and Writing, Writing and Art

"Farrah's Art Show"
Art and writing. Writing and art. For many years, I've looked for ways to combine the two.

My most recent attempt was to allow artist Ferrah Ferand, the heroine of Evening of the Dragonfly, the opportunity to actually paint the exhibition she creates in the book. Over the past few months, I've had several showings of the work that were accompanied by book signings. I'm not sure how much help the art shows have been, but in one case the paintings were a major hit.

During the two days after Thanksgiving, when my work was part of the Mathews Bay School Holiday Open House, I told many passersby about the meaning of the show. They listened politely, and some asked questions. However, not many book sales resulted from Farrah's Art.

I enjoyed talking to the visitors, most of whom were participating in an Artists Studio Open House which allowed the touring of about seven different art studios located inside or near private homes in the area. The weather was nice both days, and the people entering the gallery were appreciative of the opportunity to see so much original art. They were also quite interested in the jewelry displays located inside the Bay School Gallery.

Writing and art. My next project will involve writing statements about various pieces of art I have produced for sale. You would think that would be quite simple for a writer who is also an artist. It isn't, but still I am looking forward to doing this. What is my inspiration? What is the story for this piece?

5 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry there weren't a lot of sales. You'd think more people who appreciated art also enjoyed reading.

Birgit said...

It can be difficult when people don't seem to want to buy anything or get the idea you are trying to go for. Be persistent you will find the right people. If you get one or 2 who are interested then you are doing really well. My mom created and sold Faberge style eggs and sometimes it was frustrating. I think it's cool that the books are together with your art. Did you ever hear of the One of a Kind show? It is in Toronto and I go every year. Even though it costs for the people to be there for 10 days (or you can be there for 5 or 6), many come back year after year. They people who sell their works come from BC. Quebec and even the States and they say they make what they spend in the first 2 days. The rest is profit. I could see you there.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Monti - it's life isn't it. But I expect you've opened a few eyes as to what can be achieved through combining your talents .. and you've had the opportunity to meet new friends and contacts. The idea of writing statements about your art works - sounds intriguing ... and again a great way to showcase your work ... cheers Hilary

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You would think combining writing and art would be a bigger hit.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Alex, Birgit, Hilary, and Diane, thanks so much for visiting. Over the years of occasionally doing this type of event, I have found that jewelry usually does well, paintings and books, not so much. Unless folks are looking for books as Christmas gifts, they don't do well at holiday events. Children's books often do the best.