You have been wondering what happened to me, I am sure! I just returned from a road trip to Colorado, where I had a bunch of my art. I had it hanging in a restaurant in Salida and the restaurant sold. So I needed to pick up my work. I have been meaning to visit Salida all summer, and I finally got a chance to go. I took a friend from Joshua Tree with me. It was a good trip, but tiring.
We drove through Santa Fe on the way out to Colorado. We only had a few hours there, but I did manage to visit some galleries. I brought my portfolios with me. I already feel like I am making progress with my approach to galleries. I used to not even be able to talk to people in galleries about MY ART without practically bursting into tears of fear. My hands would shake and I would stumble over my words. Now, I am actually able to tell gallery owners and managers that I am an artist. I did meet a kind man at one of the galleries we visited in Santa Fe. He was easy to talk to, and I left my portfolio with him. He and I both felt that my art was pretty abstract for that particular gallery, but he told me he liked my work, and that he wanted to keep it, and submit it to the "committee" anyway. That was nice to hear. He also told me of some of the other galleries in Santa Fe where he felt my work might fit. So I have got some more research to do, and it may involve another trip to Santa Fe. That would be fine with me, since I love going to Santa Fe. I always have fun there. I am proud of myself, for "feeling the fear and doing it anyway". Progress is being made.
The return to a place I so recently called home was bittersweet. Salida is such a special place, and the people there mean so much to me! I already miss the camaraderie of artists. I know that I am here in the desert of California for a reason, I just don't know what that reason is. I am making an effort to keep my eyes and ears open for opportunity. I got to see quite a few friends, and stayed with a talented artist friend of mine, Sally Mather, and her husband Greg. I did not get to see everyone I wanted to see, but it was more of a business trip this time. I felt rushed the whole time, trying to see as many people as I could. I did visit Cultureclash Gallery, where I have some of my art. I picked up some art, and brought new art to the owner.
So after lots of driving through some beautiful country, visiting friends, picking up art, dropping off art, and the Santa Fe visit, I am once again happy to be home with husband and dog. There will be more posting soon!
8 comments:
hi karine, i'm glad to see a new entry in your blog. it is somehow strangely comforting to read that other artists also go through this fear of approaching galleries.
i thought everyone did it with supreme confidence except me. whatever the feeling, one has to do what needs to be done. do you carry your portfolio on a CD or in a folder?
I was wondering where you were! Glad you had a good trip, Karine...and good for you for approaching some galleries in Santa Fe. That's not so easy.I can totally see your work there. If they're smart...they'll contact you! Kissies to Pono...I bet he missed you.
Hi Karine, I am glad to hear that you had a little trip, I think I would also love Sant Fe. I really dont think I could approach any galleries. Good for you, cant be easy, but Your work is great so no fear I am sure you will find the right gallery.
Thank you for the encouragement, all! Yes, Linda, Pono missed me, and I missed him. (I cried as I drove away from my husband and dog - I am such a sap.)
Good to hear from you -- I very briefly wondered whether the fires were affecting your area, but was able to figure out pretty quickly that this was not the case.
Glad you had a good, albeit brief, trip. :)
Oh, that sounds for sure like a 'packed' time there. Hope you could enjoy that beautiful landscape again. But I would feel bittersweat as well, returning to my 'hometown' if I would have moved away.
And PS: Usually oportunities just show up out of the blue by surprise, never know when it happens, hope it happens soon for you ;) smiles Anke ;)
welcome back! sounds like a fun and successful roadtrip.did you drive thru taos? next time you'll have to visit. also, i'm thinking of this gallery i went to in SF who carried a lot of abstract work, and i think they might be a potential and good match for you...when i think of the name, i'll let you know.
No, I didn't end up going through Taos, although that was the original plan. I do hope to make another road trip to Santa Fe soon, and if I do, I will give you a hollar, coloredsock! It would be fun to meet in real life!
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