Life as an Artist

Recently a Facebook Friend of mine posted a thread asking everyone their thoughts on Selling as an Artist. She said that it seems that American artists seem to be most concerned with selling then with making a social impact or leaving a legacy, more so than artists in other countries.
Here was my reply after someone else criticized artists who sell.

It is in my sole being to create. If not for my art I could not exist as who I am. I was educated in my craft, I teach others my craft to help them realize their Art. I struggle as a full time professional artist to live as such, I got a degree so that I would have the skills to make my living off of my art. My work is my Art, My Art is my work, financial and so on. I teach, volunteer, and donate my time and work, I am involved so that I can be immersed. In the moments when Art does not sustain me physically and financially, I work other jobs to supplement. Sometimes I create for the benefit of others, sometimes its solely expressive. I make what I like, if someone else likes it too great! Sometimes my intent is to make it specifically for others. Many times I just have a great idea, many times I have a deep emotional concept I wish to portray. I enter exhibitions for prestige and to leave a lasting impression. Many pieces are hard to part with and I probably never will, I spend so much time on a piece that it is difficult to let go of that piece of me. Do I sell, yes, do I make a profit, well… School Loans, Materials, Tools, and Metal is expensive… so No. I struggle with having to live and having to be an artist, it doesn’t always pay the bills, so I teach to remain in the midst of creative energy. My friends are mostly Artists too and understand. To be an Artist is to be immersed in what you love or feel the need to do, and to say that one must only give away or keep their art and cannot profit enough to live comfortably with their art, isn’t realistic. In other countries throughout history craftsman and artists work most of their lives as apprentices to be educated and hone the skills to become good enough to make the money for what they do.

Holly Carter, Metals Artist & Instructor

New Show Display Set-up - Too Bad the Selling Season was over before I got to really show them Right!

I am planning to start making these busts and earring dispays to sell. Anyone interested let me know.

My Latest Sculptural Masterpieces

Thinking about making a line of these displays for sale.

Approx. 90% Recycled.

SOLD

SOLD

I donated this piece to the Mesa Art Center 10x10 show, October 10 -17, 2010. It was on exhibit for sale and was purchased during the show opening for $100 as a fundraiser for the Mesa Art Center. The piece was made by me, Holly Carter, of Vitreous Glass Enamel on Copper and mounted on Wood. I was glad to donate to MAC and excited to see that it sold! There were many other beautiful pieces up for sale.

Wall Pieces coming soon!

I am currently working on a New line of Vitreous Glass Enameled Metal Wall Pieces. Hopefully they will be done soon and ready for hanging!

Registration is now open for the Fall 2010 Session at The Pyle Center in Tempe for Jewelry/Metals Classes.

VisitGlendale.com - The Official Tourism Web Site for the City of Glendale, Arizona

I will be here Saturday, March 7th from 10-4 pm, in front of Delfina's Salon for the Paris in Spring Event, selling my goods. Please come by and visit, Thanks.
VisitGlendale.com - The Official Tourism Web Site for the City of Glendale, Arizona

'Great Love exists only through True Friendship and Pure Devotion.'

In Loving response to Roger Ebert's 'Blackie come home' (http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/02/blackie_come_home.html).

In Memory of Nala

Fine Art and Furry Friends Festival

The Fine Art and Furry Friends Festival
4030 East Bell Road Phoenix, AZ 85032
(Bella Angela Plaza 40th St & Bell Rd, North East Corner)
October 25th & 26th, 2008 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
http://www.fineartandfurryfriends.com/

Hello Friends!
We at The Fine Art and Furry Friends Festival would like to let you know about our event and would appreciate any aid you can give us in spreading the word for a good cause.
The Fine Art & Furry Friends Festival is a new event meant to Support Community Enrichment and Connect with Local Artists, Students, Area Small Businesses, Pet Lovers, and Animal Rescue and Wellness Organizations.
Local Support is as Important as ever in a time where our Economy is struggling, many people are out of work, and foreclosures are causing families to leave their pets alone in abandoned houses. Please join us in Supporting our Local Friends by buying at home this Holiday Season and not from the big box stores that sell only imported goods and consider giving a gift of a Rescued Pet at The Fine Art and Furry Friends Festival. Let’s make this event Unique and Exciting!
Bella Angela Plaza shopping center merchants such as Beans, Books, and Barks, Scala’s Italian Ice, One Step A Head Salon, Rosati’s Pizza, and Postal Palace will be hosting the festival, taking the initiative to bring together community awareness and loyalty in supporting Local Business, Arts, Animals, and the U.S. Economy. In an additional effort to promote local arts and art education we will be holding an area High School Student Art Contest and a portion of vendor fees will go towards awards. As many of us are pet lovers we have also dedicated festival booth space to animal rescue and Wellness organizations that may be accepting donations and offering pet adoptions or information. We are confident that the Fine Art & Furry Friends Festival will attract patrons, art connoisseurs, and animal lovers from all over Phoenix, anticipating that they will find interesting and high-quality art, friendly local merchants, and activities to delight their senses.
Goals: Fine Art & Furry Friends Festival *Support community development and connect with local artists, students, area small businesses, pet lovers, and animal rescue organizations *Aid in our struggling economy and off-set raising gasoline prices by offering only Locally Hand Made goods by the Artist *Bringing attention to the Festival Hosts aiding loyalty to small local businesses, boosting the U.S. economy *Promote Local Arts and Art Education through an area High School Student Art Contest *Bring awareness to the Animal Rescue Organizations of Arizona *Promote Community Involvement with exciting activities and awareness *Bring Quality Art to the Local Community

Events:
Doggie Costume Contest ($5 entrance fee goes to Animal Organizations)
Face Painting
Bicycle Safety
Games on the Beans, Books, & Barks Dog Patio
Area Student Art Contest
Kids Art Station

Some Exhibiting Artists:
Incognito Designs by Holly Carter
Dew Drop Glass Studio by Adiel Garrison
Cruces De Mi Madre by John Alejandro
Stained Glass by Vicki Leigh
Angela’s Art by Angela Everts

Demonstrations:
Ani-Motion
Dog-On-It Training

Animal Rescue and Wellness Organizations:
National Canine Cancer Foundation
Hacienda de los Milagros
Altered Tails
Heart to Heart
Boxer Luv
Cactus Corgi

Thanks for your help and we hope to see you there!
Holly Carter (Event Organizer)info@fineartandfurryfriends.com

HollyCarterArt.com

I am currently launching a new website so please keep an eye out for updates on http://www.hollycarterart.com
Thanks
Holly