Post: #1

I there mysterious forces against me. I know...it's very ego-tastic...

It's starting to get to me.

Let me explain:

So, there was a time, a few years ago, when I was showing regularly and selling work so quickly that it was rare to have a complete painting sitting around in the studio. I was selling work before it was finished sometimes. I was doing interviews in the regional papers and NPR. My shows were always full. Once, a fire marshal came out because there was a complaint about occupancy rules being broken. I would like to add that this was when I made purely pretty things with no meaning at all...I enjoyed making them, but they were pure brain candy.

Gradually I began to feel cheap by creating empty paintings. Sure, they looked good in a lobby or over a couch, but I wanted to put more of myself into the work. So, I slowly started introducing images of people or things (symbols, structures, etc...). To my surprise, people really enjoyed them. I lost some of my regular collectors, but I gained new customers and then some. I also felt like I wasn't squandering my talents just to make a buck. I was completely prepared to lose money because I knew I had to stop "whoring".

Well, after my divorce, I took some time off from having solo exhibits. I made a point to stay visible by shows in a handful of group-exhibits for the next two years. I did am few charity events and a couple of public projects that got my name in the paper. The point was to stay visible and not let people forget. That's when I started to notice that dealers were becoming stand-off-ish when it came to representing me. Which was weird because I still made them money.

Now, when I have an exhibit it's always something I put together alone. I rent it myself. I advertise myself. I schedule catering and bar, sales, installations and tear-downs. Why? Because no one will represent me. The weirdest part is that when I go to shows at any of the "galleries", people come up to me and say that they liked this or that or that they own a piece of mine. The staff and a lot of the times, the owners themselves are complimenting me. No one is ever rude and that is important because gallery owners are usually f*cking snobs to the umpteenth degree.

I still sale work. It's how I support myself. Granted money is tight right now, but it's the same way for everyone in any of the arts. Galleries, theaters, clubs, visual, musical or performance. But, I am like the black sheep now. I just don't get it. I generate money. The public likes me. Galleries will even mention me in newsletters if I am involved in something jointly, but no one will represent me. I believe it's because I have started "talking" in my work. I openly question things. When people ask me about my work, I explain to them what I was thinking. It's amazing.

People believe TPTB are going to round us up in camps. They don't have to when your neighbors, family or fellow citizen has been conditioned to act a certain way or believe a certain story. When you question it, they are the equivalent to prison guards in the open-air, fence-less penal farm that is America. They will shun you until you get back in line. Then, once you feel loved and supported again, you can happily wait your turn in que to go over the cliff.

Anyway...I rant...

So, does anyone get what I am going on about here?

Post: #2

seems that before your divorce things were ok, maybe your wife spoke to your agents behind your back

or perhaps you seem 'unstable' now that you are single ?

Post: #3

I "dabble". When I was young, I wanted to be a graphic artist and design album covers lol.

and I was very good in some of my early sketches. Detail was excellent.

But i know what you mean. My dabbling is not something to sell. It's purely a way of connecting and expressing something much deeper. I have gotten many "messages" just by putting the brush to the canvas.

And they have been personal

Post: #4

MrRash  Wrote:

I there mysterious forces against me. I know...it's very ego-tastic...

It's starting to get to me.

Let me explain:

So, there was a time, a few years ago, when I was showing regularly and selling work so quickly that it was rare to have a complete painting sitting around in the studio. I was selling work before it was finished sometimes. I was doing interviews in the regional papers and NPR. My shows were always full. Once, a fire marshal came out because there was a complaint about occupancy rules being broken. I would like to add that this was when I made purely pretty things with no meaning at all...I enjoyed making them, but they were pure brain candy.

Gradually I began to feel cheap by creating empty paintings. Sure, they looked good in a lobby or over a couch, but I wanted to put more of myself into the work. So, I slowly started introducing images of people or things (symbols, structures, etc...). To my surprise, people really enjoyed them. I lost some of my regular collectors, but I gained new customers and then some. I also felt like I wasn't squandering my talents just to make a buck. I was completely prepared to lose money because I knew I had to stop "whoring".

Well, after my divorce, I took some time off from having solo exhibits. I made a point to stay visible by shows in a handful of group-exhibits for the next two years. I did am few charity events and a couple of public projects that got my name in the paper. The point was to stay visible and not let people forget. That's when I started to notice that dealers were becoming stand-off-ish when it came to representing me. Which was weird because I still made them money.

Now, when I have an exhibit it's always something I put together alone. I rent it myself. I advertise myself. I schedule catering and bar, sales, installations and tear-downs. Why? Because no one will represent me. The weirdest part is that when I go to shows at any of the "galleries", people come up to me and say that they liked this or that or that they own a piece of mine. The staff and a lot of the times, the owners themselves are complimenting me. No one is ever rude and that is important because gallery owners are usually f*cking snobs to the umpteenth degree.

I still sale work. It's how I support myself. Granted money is tight right now, but it's the same way for everyone in any of the arts. Galleries, theaters, clubs, visual, musical or performance. But, I am like the black sheep now. I just don't get it. I generate money. The public likes me. Galleries will even mention me in newsletters if I am involved in something jointly, but no one will represent me. I believe it's because I have started "talking" in my work. I openly question things. When people ask me about my work, I explain to them what I was thinking. It's amazing.

People believe TPTB are going to round us up in camps. They don't have to when your neighbors, family or fellow citizen has been conditioned to act a certain way or believe a certain story. When you question it, they are the equivalent to prison guards in the open-air, fence-less penal farm that is America. They will shun you until you get back in line. Then, once you feel loved and supported again, you can happily wait your turn in que to go over the cliff.

Anyway...I rant...

So, does anyone get what I am going on about here?

I get EXACTLY what you're on about... keep below the radar as much as poss...its difficult to explain... but its more real than you think... you may need to shift your focus....Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Post: #5

Yeah, you are a real hellraiser.

Post: #6

LoP Guest  Wrote:

Yeah, you are a real hellraiser.

They dont mind hellraisers.. its bringers of heaven they are after...

Post: #7

Your art will be worth much more after your death. Where did you say you live again?...

Post: #8

I don't know man, I always dug your work, I mentioned several times.

I wish I had the $$ to buy a painting of yours to hang in my house, I'd give you double if that's what you wanted.

maybe we can work out a trade ?

Post: #9

MrRash  Wrote:

I there mysterious forces against me. I know...it's very ego-tastic...

It's starting to get to me.

Let me explain:

So, there was a time, a few years ago, when I was showing regularly and selling work so quickly that it was rare to have a complete painting sitting around in the studio. I was selling work before it was finished sometimes. I was doing interviews in the regional papers and NPR. My shows were always full. Once, a fire marshal came out because there was a complaint about occupancy rules being broken. I would like to add that this was when I made purely pretty things with no meaning at all...I enjoyed making them, but they were pure brain candy.

Gradually I began to feel cheap by creating empty paintings. Sure, they looked good in a lobby or over a couch, but I wanted to put more of myself into the work. So, I slowly started introducing images of people or things (symbols, structures, etc...). To my surprise, people really enjoyed them. I lost some of my regular collectors, but I gained new customers and then some. I also felt like I wasn't squandering my talents just to make a buck. I was completely prepared to lose money because I knew I had to stop "whoring".

Well, after my divorce, I took some time off from having solo exhibits. I made a point to stay visible by shows in a handful of group-exhibits for the next two years. I did am few charity events and a couple of public projects that got my name in the paper. The point was to stay visible and not let people forget. That's when I started to notice that dealers were becoming stand-off-ish when it came to representing me. Which was weird because I still made them money.

Now, when I have an exhibit it's always something I put together alone. I rent it myself. I advertise myself. I schedule catering and bar, sales, installations and tear-downs. Why? Because no one will represent me. The weirdest part is that when I go to shows at any of the "galleries", people come up to me and say that they liked this or that or that they own a piece of mine. The staff and a lot of the times, the owners themselves are complimenting me. No one is ever rude and that is important because gallery owners are usually f*cking snobs to the umpteenth degree.

I still sale work. It's how I support myself. Granted money is tight right now, but it's the same way for everyone in any of the arts. Galleries, theaters, clubs, visual, musical or performance. But, I am like the black sheep now. I just don't get it. I generate money. The public likes me. Galleries will even mention me in newsletters if I am involved in something jointly, but no one will represent me. I believe it's because I have started "talking" in my work. I openly question things. When people ask me about my work, I explain to them what I was thinking. It's amazing.

People believe TPTB are going to round us up in camps. They don't have to when your neighbors, family or fellow citizen has been conditioned to act a certain way or believe a certain story. When you question it, they are the equivalent to prison guards in the open-air, fence-less penal farm that is America. They will shun you until you get back in line. Then, once you feel loved and supported again, you can happily wait your turn in que to go over the cliff.

Anyway...I rant...

So, does anyone get what I am going on about here?

Only if we substitute the words 'internet forums' for 'galleries;' otherwise, no... not at all...

Post: #10

Im crazy like that too.

Thats why I wear my stupid human suit.

Post: #11

I tint resin painted a concrete floor today in a crazy building with an irredescent crackle glaze. I clear seal it tomorrow. I get paid in 30 days.

I do a lot of concrete polishing and patina work for Art Galleries.

My Art goes un noticed and walked over.

And worst of all its always unsigned

Post: #12

Everyone  Wrote:

Your art will be worth much more after your death. Where did you say you live again?...

Memphis.

Post: #13

goldenfleeced  Wrote:

MrRash  Wrote:

I there mysterious forces against me. I know...it's very ego-tastic...

It's starting to get to me.

Let me explain:

So, there was a time, a few years ago, when I was showing regularly and selling work so quickly that it was rare to have a complete painting sitting around in the studio. I was selling work before it was finished sometimes. I was doing interviews in the regional papers and NPR. My shows were always full. Once, a fire marshal came out because there was a complaint about occupancy rules being broken. I would like to add that this was when I made purely pretty things with no meaning at all...I enjoyed making them, but they were pure brain candy.

Gradually I began to feel cheap by creating empty paintings. Sure, they looked good in a lobby or over a couch, but I wanted to put more of myself into the work. So, I slowly started introducing images of people or things (symbols, structures, etc...). To my surprise, people really enjoyed them. I lost some of my regular collectors, but I gained new customers and then some. I also felt like I wasn't squandering my talents just to make a buck. I was completely prepared to lose money because I knew I had to stop "whoring".

Well, after my divorce, I took some time off from having solo exhibits. I made a point to stay visible by shows in a handful of group-exhibits for the next two years. I did am few charity events and a couple of public projects that got my name in the paper. The point was to stay visible and not let people forget. That's when I started to notice that dealers were becoming stand-off-ish when it came to representing me. Which was weird because I still made them money.

Now, when I have an exhibit it's always something I put together alone. I rent it myself. I advertise myself. I schedule catering and bar, sales, installations and tear-downs. Why? Because no one will represent me. The weirdest part is that when I go to shows at any of the "galleries", people come up to me and say that they liked this or that or that they own a piece of mine. The staff and a lot of the times, the owners themselves are complimenting me. No one is ever rude and that is important because gallery owners are usually f*cking snobs to the umpteenth degree.

I still sale work. It's how I support myself. Granted money is tight right now, but it's the same way for everyone in any of the arts. Galleries, theaters, clubs, visual, musical or performance. But, I am like the black sheep now. I just don't get it. I generate money. The public likes me. Galleries will even mention me in newsletters if I am involved in something jointly, but no one will represent me. I believe it's because I have started "talking" in my work. I openly question things. When people ask me about my work, I explain to them what I was thinking. It's amazing.

People believe TPTB are going to round us up in camps. They don't have to when your neighbors, family or fellow citizen has been conditioned to act a certain way or believe a certain story. When you question it, they are the equivalent to prison guards in the open-air, fence-less penal farm that is America. They will shun you until you get back in line. Then, once you feel loved and supported again, you can happily wait your turn in que to go over the cliff.

Anyway...I rant...

So, does anyone get what I am going on about here?

Only if we substitute the words 'internet forums' for 'galleries;' otherwise, no... not at all...

You get it, then...

Post: #14

From one artist to another.. I've had my shit ripped off at galleries and shops I put it up in.. barely made any money.. they just kept taking my paintings and giving me excuses.. I used to do stuff.. I used to be known in the tiny circles we travel in.. but when it all comes down to it.. and you find yourself not wanted anymore.. you have to say f*ck it.. as for the rest of it.. get over it.. everyday is babysteps to the next.. no matter how mad we find ourselves in the matter.. it's all perception.. don't cut yourself short.. and quit bitchin.. peaceloveandfirepower... jesh

Post: #15

Have you ever done a, "Memphis After The Big One"? Maybe including the Dolly Parton collapsed or the FedEx portion of the airport rubbled. How about a procession of Humvees driving down Beale St.? Admittedly, I've never seen any of your work. But if you're getting the cold shoulder, show them the future.
Putting vaca time to use!