©Deborah Baker Acerasterus
As Autumn sets in I susceptible to being in a ponderous mood as everything around me changes, the temperature dips, the nights draw in and the colour on the trees fade to warmer tones of red, orange & brown. This reflective time makes me appreciate the summer but also look forward to cosy nights in, interspersed with many nights out as openings, art fairs and exhibitions spring up all over London and beyond. One thing always occurs to me, how do I fit all this in? Answer, you don't!
See what is interesting to you & you can't go far wrong. Thinking about Christmas & all those possible purchases, why not take time to support your fellow creatives by buying their work or supporting their fundraising campaign?
Emily Allchurch (right) with Manchester Art Gallery curator Natasha Howes
See the project & fundraising campaign here.
I hear photographers woes mostly, but it applies to all disciplines - they need more support and yet they never expect to reciprocate when they get it themselves? Why is this? Are we all just selfish? Have we given in to the prevailing 'look after #1' attitude? I would like to think that the creative world is better than that. Why preach about art without supporting it with action yourself?
The usual excuses comprise of:
#1 "I have no money."
(We never do, but there is always enough for a pint or a glass of vino for a fiver down the pub, ahem...)
Just think that £5 could support a campaign to fund a commission by a great artist for the greater British public and anyone who visits or see's the work on tour.
#2 "Nobody ever supports me."
(Wonder why? Don't give to receive & you might be surprised with the results - the most generous people are generous with their time as well as their money & always pay it forward...)
#3"There's so much out there I can't choose."
(Try! Is there an artist you have admired, always wanted a work by but couldn't afford - fundraising usually offers rewards of work in Limited editions much cheaper than a large work - perfect)
Why battle this when it could be so much easier...
So back to Christmas shopping…
Yes I know it's October, but there is a reason to think about this early. Most artwork is made to order, so it doesn't happen overnight. With photography even if the print is already done it may need signing, possibly framing, mounting, authenticating with a certificate, delivering between printers & framers then onto the client… So 3 - 4 weeks isn't that long to wait with all things considered. Also most framers don't work weekends, may have a ton of jobs on with all the art fairs at present & winter shows coming…so GET IN EARLY!
Cost:
The cost of a work can be paid for in more than one instalment usually, then goods received when paid for in full. Remember, you can buy a vintage 1932 Karl Blossfeldt photogravure for as little as £90 or a contemporary photogravure from £350 by Hendrik Faure. For £500 a stunning Deborah Baker print (small size) or large for £1000 on aluminium - reverse perspex mounted! See them on display at the William Morris Gallery till 2 Nov. I could go on…
Why:
For the price of a jacket & a pair of jeans you could own a real limited edition (by this I mean less than 20 in an edition - truly limited) which (if cared for properly) will last a lifetime not just till the seams wear out or it goes out of fashion. You can share this with your friends, family and beyond through all the channels out there - also with fellow collectors.
Series: Lion Farm Estate
Why not band together & share a work. I know people who share the costs of larger works with friends & rotate the collection each having a work or number of works for 6 months then swopping over. As the collection grows they start to buy their own as well. This encourages others, everyone benefits! Before you ask - they drew up a straightforward legally binding contract so that no-one can sell unless prior agreement is made by all concerned & insurance is covered by everyone too.
If this sounds too complex why not just start with one work, pay bit by bit (that is how I bought my first limited edition print - Edition of 3 in the smaller size) A print of the same photograph in the large size is part of the National Media Museum's collection, I'm pleased to say. (I found this out long after my purchase) It's the journey, not just the destination.
Trust:
Your instincts. But also enjoy it. You could deliberate forever & regret it. Buying emerging talent now and getting in early before prices rise makes sense. If a new series comes out by an artist you love dive in quick. Artists like the wonderful Lottie Davies have a new series Quinn which is still ongoing, but with her track record assures us that it well worth investing in. Her work recently made a splash at a Christies auction, selling for much more than anticipated. Buy now before the price becomes unattainable. Her Viola As Twins for example, is now available only as an AP so don't miss out! The AP is the most treasured therefore priced accordingly. This means that no more are available afterwards…
Saving money:
Buying several works as prints only, then having them all framed at once can cut out multiple delivery costs. See if the framer can do a good price for more frames, they usually will. Framing them all at the same time can also mean that you also have the option to match them up to fit in a room together. The money you save can go on buying more works instead!
Remember if you buy two or more works from one artist you can often get a discount. The more you buy the better it gets usually as printing/framing costs can come down with multiples.
Be Part of something:
Adding your name to a project will show solidarity but also should fill you with pride to be part of something great. Spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram etc…and as the project is completed be happy to be part of its success. Remember, if you later have a project of your own to fund you already have grateful people on side to be part of the journey again. It never gets old.
Positive + action = good vibes/cosy feelings
Don't tell people how artistic you are without getting creative with your support. Wingeing never got anyone anywhere. People like to be around a good women & men that are positive & upbeat. That enthusiasm always bolsters support & camaraderie. Keep moaning & friends soon begin to avoid you. We all know life is tough, so lean on each other without squashing your/their drive to do better.
Put your money where your mouth is:
Swop one evening meal for a donation - have beans on a baked spud instead - go on just for one night!
Hold back the wine/beer for one night for a cosy night & some cocoa.
Think of a person who would love something truly exclusive & limited who you would love to treat!
Make your enquiries now while it is on your mind & make the it the best end to the year ever!
Enquiries for L A Noble Gallery: hello@lauraannnoble.com
See all of the L A Noble Gallery artists here.
See all of the L A Noble Gallery artists here.
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