      It looks like I’m showing off! I make a sale and I feel I have to tell the world! My heart pumps faster and my head feels lighter and I want to jump around and just hug everyone! Why? I used to be in full time employment working for someone else and every time I got my pay check I didn’t feel this excited! I’m pretty sure shop owners or contract writers don’t announce to the world they’ve sold an off the shelf item or just signed a new deal. What is it with us artists?
I guess as artists, the sale of a painting or piece of artwork is not merely a transaction but a celebration of our creativity and hard work. No matter how many times I sell a piece, I rejoice as though it were the first time. Each sale brings its own unique thrill! It’s like winning the ‘Artist Of The Universe Award’ and I just burst with excitement. Can I even unravel my excitement? What is it that makes me feel I need to tell the world? I love my paintings and I do love creating them so how come I don’t feel like I am selling one of my children into slavery? Well, for me I guess the first thrill is the validation and recognition I feel. Someone loves your painting so much they are ready to part with good money in exchange. Yet every sale is more than just a monetary transaction though truth being told your head is probably whizzing with the bills that can finally be paid or the materials that can now be purchased. Many artists I am sure are familiar with those periods of feast and famine. As artists, we really do pour our heart and soul into our creation (most times anyway) and when someone appreciates it enough to purchase it, it validates our artistic journey. Each sale reinforces the belief that our art resonates with others, igniting a sense of pride and satisfaction. In addition, as artists we are constantly evolving, experimenting with different techniques and practicing. A sale during our ‘experimental’ period can signify a milestone in our journey and can be a testament to our growth and development so a sale could be a sign we are on the right path. This is encouraging!. I do believe deep down that we invest a piece of ourselves into our artwork. Most of our paintings embody our emotions, experiences, and perspectives so when a painting is sold, it forms a connection between ourselves and our buyer. I really do have a sense of joy knowing my painting has now become a part of someone else’s life, their story, and their memories. So yes, each sale is a personal victory, a glimpse of the effect my art has on others. With every sale I dance, I celebrate, and I embrace the thrill of being an artist. It’s a wild and wonderful journey. Whilst I’m celebrating, I need to put in a good word on behalf of all artists for our buyers and collectors… you are our heroes!! To all buyers and collectors we owe you a wealth of gratitude. Your support and enthusiasm keeps us afloat both creatively and financially. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!… Keep collecting and we will keep producing. Brushstrokes dance, a painting sold, Colours rejoice, stories unfold, Gratitude blooms, walls find space, A painting’s sale, a joyous embrace. Thank you! Are you an artist? How do you feel when you sell your work? Do please comment below. It would be lovely to hear from you.
8 Comments
Seiwa Cunningham
17/6/2023 05:39:35 pm
You've hit the nail on the head on this girlie. It's about validation isn't it? Your friends and family love, support and praise you, but rarely put their money where their mouth is and buy your work. Even when they do, much like their compliments, we brush their purchase aside as something they're doing just because they know us. Keep celebrating! Why not? Look at footballers - not only do they celebrate each goal, they turn either to the crowd or their team mates as if to say "Come on then! Come and celebrate with me. Look what I did!' We all need validation and recognition. :) 17/6/2023 06:10:15 pm
You are soo right about the footballers Seiwa. Validation is a good thing and must be celebrated!! I think our upbringing had taught us not to boast of our achievements and so I do feel a slight niggle… but a sale is very worthy of a happy dance and dance I will… 19/8/2023 10:23:35 pm
Spot on, Anne. Validating your creativity is affirming. One of my artist friends changed her landscape style quite dramatically earlier this year. Sales plummeted, requests for the old were made. Then suddenly sales of new work rose and she was singing from the rooftops.
I suppose that shouldn’t stop you from being experimental Yeside, maybe just keep doing more of what you were doing before. It’s a balance between what we do to earn a living and new stuff we want to experiment with eh. 21/8/2023 10:40:55 pm
Thank you kindly Gina. Yes, it makes you feel like you’ve been chosen… such a wonderful feeling. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI love to paint and sketch and although predominantly a studio artist, I have discovered the joys of painting and sketching outdoors. Archives
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