Girl About O-Town

So yesterday, I stopped in to check out this year’s annual Art in the Park, at Central Park in the Glebe.  What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Munching delicious chocolate chip cookies and enveloped by sunshine and a warm breeze, I walked among some amazing artists, sculptors, potters, photographers, and designers.  Their collective output is clear evidence of a very creative local community.  

Interestingly though, it seemed that some obviously gifted artists were also shy about their work.  Those with business cards sometimes didn’t have websites and those with websites were often self-depreciating or even apologetic. 

It must be difficult when crowds of people stop to ask probing questions, to browse, and to buy - or worse – walk right past .  Being present for this interaction must make an artist feel unbearably vulnerable.  Expressing individuality and perspective through any artistic medium takes courage, so all who take this leap should be admired and commended.  

There is an economy to art however, and an artist’s vision, their effort and their investment should be accounted for.  Both creativity and courage should be appropriately rewarded, and the exchange between producer and consumer ought to be honoured equally.  There is no shame in an artist marketing themselves  or their work.  The old stereotype of “starving artist” - and its opposite – “the sellout” benefits no one.  Creating a lifestyle, earning a sustainable income, and contributing to a more creative community must also incorporate commerce.  Don’t be shy!