Florida painter, Everglades, Marco Island, artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

2/23/09

Naples National, Future of Art Fairs, Abstract daily painting by artist JoAnn Sanborn


Abstract 5
3 1/2" x 2 1/2" (8.9cm x 6.4cm)
mixed media on paper
$65 with FREE shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.


When I arrived home from the show last night I was tired of talking and thinking about the Everglades, so decided to get out my abstract box. I keep special papers and parts of paintings that are no longer useful in a small box ready for use in small, abstract works. The decisions needed to complete an abstract are the same as for any painting, but it was fun to be working with something besides a brush and paint, and the new subject matter refreshed my mind. Hope you like it!

The Naples National Art Festival is always an exciting show, and this was no exception. The new load in and load out procedures seemed to work, and an impressive number of volunteers were helpful and effective. Thanks to the new collectors and old friends who purchased my work or stopped by to visit. The pleasure of hearing about your joy in my paintings brings me great satisfaction.

My booth was well located by the back gate, and from what I could see, sales were light since few patrons carried bags or larger items. Although some exhibitors did very well, every exhibitor I spoke with said that art fairs sales are decreasing. Since many of the outdoor shows are expensive to get into, and three days of time and effort to do, many artists will be making hard decisions about participation in shows next year.

An article in the National Association of Independent Artist Autumn 2008, newsletter suggests that in addition to the economy, decline in art market revenue is affected by the fact that the younger generation does not purchase original art because they do not recognize it's value. The synopsis of concerns state that an aging population of dedicated collectors, increased appearance of flagrantly derivative and buy/sell work, additional agendas by producers, and lack of new, young craftspeople all are having an effect.

Does "American made" arts and crafts carry the same weight in the marketplace as it has in the past? What can we do to ensure the appreciation and continuation of the value of the arts to our society?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Salient and relevant points. I think you hit on something by using the term derivative.
We've become a look alike society now that every mall looks like Anywhere USA or Anywhere World for that matter.
I think we zone out on look alikes.

Work that moves people, I believe, will have a market and a following.

Your work looks beautifully displayed which is a big part of the lure and perhaps we all need to reevaluate the over consumption mode we've been experiencing during the past years.

It's better to buy and sell selectively.
Maybe the approach is to do more shows with fewer pieces.
Makes the work more dear.

And as cycles go, if we keep painting and producing things that talk to people, the younger buyers will hear the voices.

I just finished a show here and found the same things to be true- fewer buyers and fewer pieces being bought. But what did sell were the ones that had some emotional content.

Anonymous said...

Great to see you on Saturday. Just looking at the photo of your booth reminds me to save my pennies so that I can purchase one of your magical pieces of work!

As for young people not purchasing art...I agree. They do not have the appreciation. They appreciate a Louis Vuitton handbag that they will carry for a few seasons (dont get me wrong because I love that stuff too) but they do not realizes that a wonderful piece of art will last a lifetime and be passed to future family members. There is a great Patek Philippe ad for watches. It says "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation." That is the way that we should look at art. Art is a personal refelection of our generation which we get to pass down to another.

Take care...have a great week...and one of these days (once I have saved all my pennies) I will make an appointment to come to your studio and purchase another masterpiece!

Jo-Ann Sanborn said...

HI, Bonnie. Your thoughtful comments are alwasys so appreciated. I hope you're right that people are making more thoughtful purchases. Congrats on your successful show. Mnay thanks for becoming follower 2!

Anon, thanks for your comment. I love the Patek ad, especially if you substitue art. You're always welcome to come to the studio, purchase or not!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...