I was pretty worried about my ability to repair the chips in one corner of the canvas that had been returned. After my disasterous day spent with a totally screwed-up canvas that I could not rehabilitate, I figured there was potential for complete destruction. Then Joey came to spend part of the day with me, and I put everything on hold to play with him. After he left, it was time to work on the canvas. I dislodged all the pieces that I could, then sanded very lightly and applied gesso. Then, being very cautious, I actually waited until that had dried. I gathered my paint choices and very carefully dabbed layers with my finger, waiting for each to dry. It was nerve-wracking, but it worked. No one could possibly tell I made that small repair. This is the first time I have had to do this. I feel a bit more capable now.
Playing around on Twitter the other day, I came across an artist who is using her art to perform random acts of art, kind of like random acts of kindness. She arranges to leave small pieces of art in public places and asks only that the finder contact her by email to tell her where the art was found. I cannot find that site back. I emailed her at the address provided, but it was bounced back to me. I'm thinking that this is both a great marketing tool as well as a nice thing to do. . . I can think of all kinds of places to leave a little art that would make anyone's day a bit brighter. . . how about the courthouse? Or a dentist's office? Or the grocery store check-out line. I once found a pass-along book on the edge of a McDonald's pick-up window. So I'm going to do this, too. I'm going to use the little collages I've been making lately.
If you can think of any good places to leave these little collages, please leave a comment. I'm also going to leave them in places that have art traffic, too, like the Plaza or the Crossroads District here in Kansas City. I'm going to give a few to my nieces and nephews who are in college in various cities and have them make a drop, too. Another thought I've had is to get a sponsor who will pay like $10 for my art supplies and in return I will add a coupon or some incentive for the finder of the art to visit the store that is sponsoring me. I hope this isn't too slimy, marketing my art in this manner. Tell me what you think.
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9 comments:
I think it's a great idea, Mary!
In days of yore artists had wealthy patrons who would provide for them. We have our creative selves. I like your marketing idea. There's nothing slimy about it. Multiple income streams, Mary! It doesn't all have to be from galleries and artist reps, and the people who say it does aren't interested in your survival but in some notion of purity that exists only in their narrow little minds. Go for it.
Glad you fixed that canvas, btw. I know that had to feel good.
I also think this is a cool idea Mary. It is almost like performance art. Sort of! I know an artist who leaves small pieces in museums!!
I like your idea. I have heard about the book sharing project before. I really think you have something with the art sharing. What about leaving one in the cereal section of the grocery store, behind the first box of your favorite brand. Please let us know how this works out.
I don't think it's slimy, I think it's brilliant. And you make people happy in the process.
Leave some on tables in food fairs, or in buses. I know I've left books in both places, and know for sure that at least one book was picked up since I saw someone reading it the next day. It had the exact same torn cover.
This is like Book Crossing! http://bookcrossing.com only with art! I love the idea thank you for sharing - how about on public transport - buses and trains! Or in the library!
I'm glad you were able to fix the piece, Mary. And as or places to leave giveaway art, how about park benches, bookstores or libraries, hidden among some art or home decor books. What about giving them to friends as a valentine gift?
I love the idea of releasing your art into the wild. It is bound to make people happy :-)
Wow, everyone has great drop spots. Seth, a museum is a wonderful idea. Miki, the grocery store is absolutely ripe for this project, and the cereal section is perfect. Jazz, there aren't any food fairs going on right now, but buses are brilliant. The area doesn't really have a great public transportation system, a subject of much municipal debate, but the library is a great idea, Rose. Jo, I like the park bench idea, as well as the bookstore and library. But I think my friends are sick of receiving my art as gifts.
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