Business in the etsy shop has been super slow lately, and I'm wondering if I really want to keep it going. Selling online has always felt somewhat inorganic to me, and I must admit that I have never grown comfortable with the process. While I have no delusions about my work being "high art," I also find it a bit demoralizing to think of it as a simple consumer product.
However, there is also no attraction whatsoever in the alternative. Submitting to galleries or being juried for art shows costs way more time and money, not to mention the personal beating of the constant rejection, which I know that I am not emotionally stout enough to handle.
The brief moment in my life when I thought that I wanted to be a professional artist has come and gone, now I just enjoy the thought of my work being enjoyed by others. The money isn't an issue; as long as the expense of making a piece is covered, I don't care about making a profit. I just can't think of a way to get my stuff out in the world without making it into something it's not: either head-up-my-ass-high-brow art or a throw away online product in a sea of other throw away online products.
Of course, this could all just be a side effect of a constant stream of head aches I've experienced this year over the "business" side of owning a business. Noooooo fun.
Hm, i'm in the midst of starting my own business and this was definitely good to read...sigh....but, still gotta do it and take the risk!
ReplyDeleteNo risk, no reward! I would always wonder if I had never tried, and I am so glad that I did. I'm just entering a new stage in my artistic development and am considering my next move. Good luck with your new venture!!
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. You've had it for several years now, and it could be time to look into something else.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I need to purchase those two paintings! (Since it's no longer hailing.)
Ash - Oh, yeah! I will bring them on Friday.
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