Uncharted Waters

I’ve been painting for some fourteen years now. I really want to say something clever or amazing about my work, but the fact is I paint farm animals, and I paint them because I love them. They are my passion. I’ve always really struggled when it comes to having to verbalise what I do, because it’s that simple.

It’s all very well being passionate about your subject matter and loving what you do, however like most artists I’d also like to have some financial return in order to continue this. The bare fact is I, probably like many artists, have no pension. I’ve never earnt enough to be able to pay for one. As I get older this becomes more of a concern.

I had a particularly demoralising experience just before Christmas. I had some work in a local arts and crafts centre for sale. I had to pay for this priviledge, something I’d advise others NOT to do. If the person isn’t on commission they have no incentive to do anything other than waft around their little kingdom each day. And indeed the owner appeared to have no interest in customers. I saw no one else apart from other crafters wanting a shelf, buying in to the Facebook sucess story about this shop “buzzing”.

Of course every time I went in I was greeted with a line of excuses as to why nothing had sold, and kept being told I shouldn’t really be charging anyway, I should be doing it for love. As I pointed out, love doesn’t pay bills. I was also told my work was too expensive (£28 for a small original illustration) when I’d priced it lower than normal due to the area.

I do not believe people “don’t have the money”. People spend a fortune on Iphones, jewellery, shoes, meals out, cars, holidays…I could go on. Art is not a priority for a lot of people. I don’t actually know anyone in my small circle of friends who would contemplate buying original art. We don’t value the contribution of art enough, it’s seen as something for the elite, not the normal person who goes to The Range and buys some mass printed canvas.

The other thing is I feel art is seen as some flippant hobby, and therefore shouldn’t be charged for. Over the years I’ve had numerous people expecting free art. When I ask if they would go to a shop and expect a free washing machine, or perhaps expect a plumber to work for nothing they always say no. So why should artists be expected to work for free then? It’s a question they struggle to answer.

A lot of things have happened to me over the years regarding art. I feel some of my initial passion and love has gone. I feel demoralised at times. I just want to go back to doing it for myself like I used to. But as I mentioned before I have no pension. I’m solely supported by my husband, we have a smallholding with numerous rescue animals, and it’s difficult for me to find regular employment that fits around it.

After a period of severe depression where I didn’t paint, I started making jewellery again. When I was in my teens I wanted to be a silversmith, but it wasn’t an option due to the cost. However now I have that chance, again supported by my husband. Not only do I have that chance, I come better equipped with sound knowledge of design and draughtmanship. I can see potential in putting my art designs onto metal. I’m excited about being able to explore more three dimensional work. I’m also excited that people could wear my work, possibly giving it a greater audience.

Currently I’m learning the basic smithing skills. On my own, at the school of “whoops (insert relevant swear word) silversmithing”. I hope this blog can chart my journey of changing mediums and where that might lead me.