Camille Morin on tue 16 apr 02
I think that post was very interesting as well...
As a post clay undergrad just starting to really enter the market, I
stuggle with deciding to make sellable art and more creative pieces. I sell
through a co-op but am trying to branch out. I have made some stoppered
perfume bottles that, when it comes down to it, probably won't be used for
much, but I glaze each uniquely and evry one is different. I wholesaled 6
of them for what I thought was too little, but worth the moving them out. I
like the direction they are taking me in, but I have to face it - I'll never
make what my time into them is worth. So do I continue?
So, for me, it is a hard choice, especially when I look at wanting to
apply for grad school sometime in the next 3 years. Money from pottery is a
supplement now, but I would like to profit a bit over what I spend on studio
rental and supplies.
I was once told the answer is in finding a few pieces that don't take much
time and are good sellers and doing them to make money, and reserving time
for the special work. But I spend alot of time on almost everything - I'm
just that kind of person. I do, however, always hear my professors adage
"use the KISS method" - I assume we all know what that is, or have been told
that at least once!
So maybe I'll throw some mugs and make some collanders before my next
series of intricate bottles.
One more thing, having said all this, should I bother with the craft fair
circuit? I hate to have 50% on everything taken from a gallery - I'd never
sell anything at the prices I'd have to charge. But my work won't be
elcheapo at those either - I think a handmade pottery mug should be more
than $12! Unless you just crank them out and don't put any soul or
individuality in them. What we do IS worth so much more than we charge, and
I think we need to elevate pottery so it is thought of as what it is - a
disciplined artform that takes years to skillfully produce ware.
Don't sell yourselves short (or if you do, I guess I should prepare myself
for a life of hard physical labor without compensation).
My 2 cents. Anyone else?
Camille Morin
Charleston, SC ... 80 yesterday and today is on the rise, blue skies, and
little fluffy clouds.
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