Welcome to my next three instalments numbers 4,5,6   in my series, “So you want to be an Artist?”

All articles in this series

1. Starting Out.

2. Preparing your work

3. Finding a Space

4. The Exhibition

5   The Opening

6    Post exhibition Blues

Hope you enjoy!

4-THE EXHIBITION

Months sometimes years or so before an exhibition I find it’s a good idea to apply for funding, sponsorship, in-kind-support if needed. Yes, it can take that long to apply for grants and sometimes galleries have waiting lists for up to 2 years. All this can come later with experience

In this article though, I will be talking about your first solo exhibition.

The contract has been signed; the day has come to take your work to the space you have chosen. Have you remembered to do everything for it to run smoothly?

Don’t worry there will always be some glitches, even when you have been doing it for years. I like to make a checklist months before an exhibition. I also have a separate folder for each exhibition. I just use the cheap manila folders to put it all in.

For example, Invites, publicity, pricelist to send to gallery before hand, labelling the works, title, name, date , bubble wrap,  cardboard, transport , will you do it ,or will the gallery? Insurance. I’m assuming the gallery is responsible for catering at the opening and taken care of mail outs, help with hanging etc…

Allow time to hang. Sitting in a room with 20-30 artworks in front of you and trying to make them work altogether can be challenge but, a wonderful learning experience. My last exhibition took me 5 hours to work out where to hang things. I’ve been to group ones that took 2 days. My very first solo exhibition I let the gallery tackle it and one of my paintings was hung upside down. They even put it in a glossy art magazine this way. So, now I put an arrow on the back of my work to show the top. I also like to be present at the gallery, if possible.

All the hard work has been done. Its now time to relax, revive and get ready for a new experience. The Opening…

5-THE OPENING

Your opening has finally come…..This can be the most exciting time in your career as an artist. Yes, it can be scary and confronting, but it does get easier as time goes on. Your friends and family will be there and new people have experienced your work, you’ve networked, received feedback, contacts from other galleries, follow ups from other artists, commissions and you may have sold a few.

Remember to follow up clients who were interested in your work. Time to add them to your mailing list for future invites to all your openings.

If works have been sold its time work out the dreaded taxes, gst, if in Australia.

I like to invite clients who have been interested in my work to my studio from time to time to see new works and works in progress. If you have a computer its now time to update your email list.

Opening night is over that wasn’t too bad, but why do I feel empty and a bit sad?

6-POST EXHIBITION BLUES

This is something I didn’t believe at first, but since writing this article it has happened to me. The Post Exhibition Blues

Some of your work has been sold; you’ve received some negative feedback or, your just exhausted and worn out.  The blues set in.

Here are some suggestions that may help and have helped me in the past.

See it as a challenge to get on with a new series of works for your next exhibition, or project.

Always invite your friends or family, so you know you will get reasonable feedback about your work.

Plan a short break, a getaway for after the exhibition.

Keep back one piece of work from the series you exhibit. It’s a reminder of what you achieved

Take time out to connect with nature go walking in the country. Pamper yourself.

Most important Congratulate yourself!!! and give yourself a pat on the back. You have passed your first hurdle. Be proud of you’re achievements. It only gets better and easier. Remember the next exhibition won’t be as overwhelming.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on the series. If you have any questions you would like to ask me, I will do my best to answer them.

Was it helpful ?

Would you be interested in reading more about my experiences as an artist?

Cheers

Jenny Davis

Copyright Jenny Davis 2010. This article may not to be copied, or reproduced in any form unless, you first, get permission from the artist to do so.