How I have procrastinated! Would I ever actually publish any of the thousands of images I've been creating for nearly a decade! Well, yes... here, now! Every year I said I was definitely going to do something this year and never did. I've had one major physical exhibition, but it's an interesting concept, selling photographic art online. Firstly, what makes it art? I've pondered that one for many years. Secondly, how can you publish works that you think will sell? Both are big questions and both have pre-occupied me for nearly ten years.
I now think I have the answers...
The answer to the question of what makes art is so simple that I had to go round in massive circles before I arrived back at where I started. The answer is that I do. I must not try & copy others I see; I cannot force my style into a pattern that I think will be perceived as art; I can only do what I believe is great work. Like everything else I have done in my life, I have practised & practised, learning mostly from experience (I am extremely self-critical) but also from other people's reactions. It is my own instincts that tell me when to listen to & when to ignore others' advice. At times I'll get it wrong, but hopefully I eventually learn from that. So, I have honed my skills for the last decade & I am confident enough in my own work to bring it out of the shadows... Be kind, gentle viewer, be kind...
The answer to the commercial question of what will sell is pretty much the same. If I wanted to sell art solely to make money, I don't believe it would be my best work, because I would have to bend & manipulate my artistic instincts to fit into a pre-conceived mould, even if I could actually judge the mould correctly. I love what I do with a passion. Why would I dilute that just to try & make a fast buck? I work as a commercial photographer and designer and copywriter, so I'm happy making money that way. I work as an artist because I not only want to, I have to...
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the models I photograph & the other artists, body artists & stylists I work with. All of us do it for the love of the enterprise & I have been promising everyone for years to find the right forum & method to display & sell selected works. I have created a gallery section on my site, but I have decided to pass over the commercial aspects to Saatchi Art Online. They can handle enquiries & orders from anywhere in the world, a reach that sadly my site cannot yet equal! I doubt this will be the only outlet for my work, but I think it's a pretty solid start. Only 18 pieces are up for the launch, but I will be adding one or two each and every week, so keep tuned! Love to hear what you think.
p.s. If you missed the link in the text at the top, click on the image, or here...
