Discarded Artwork
I am constantly sculpting or painting. I take a break from time to time but I try to sculpt or paint, or at least draw several times per week. I focus on one piece at a time while thinking about two or three more I want to create right after. At times I alternate between a sculpture and a painting working a little here and a little there. By the time I decide what my next show is about and how many pieces to present I probably have three times the amount of pieces ready. Only a certain amount make it to the exhibit. What happens to the other pieces? The discarded artwork might get rejected way before selection. Here are a few things that happen regularly in my little studio.
Let’s start with paintings. That’s the easier one since I don’t show that many paintings. If I like the painting in the first place it goes for sale almost immediately. If I’m not sure if I like it I hang it on a wall where I can look at it from time to time. I take pictures of it and pot them in social media. After sometime I might move it to the website for sale or I just set it aside to paint over it something different. When people talk about the mysteries of Leonardo’s multiple layers paintings I just laugh inside. If the painting falls under the theme or concept of the exhibit then I put it aside as part of the selection. In the event that it is sold before the show I send it to the new home unless the buyer wants me to show it. There are other possible destinations for a painting like donations or gifts. Technically no painting is discarded, just recycled.
Sculptures go to a slightly different process depending on the stage and medium used. Let’s begin with clay sculptures. First let me tell you about the stages of clay sculpting. I prepare the armature which is often just a simple wood stick on a wood board covered with newspaper. I sculpt and if I make it to the end without destroying it and starting over I let it dry. At that point I know I want to give the finishing touches and put it on a base. Again, if I really like it the piece goes for sale, if not it will be at the studio until I shatter it into pieces and throw it way. The piece if selected for an exhibit if it fits the theme, or it goes to group shows.
When sculpting with modeling clay the process is slightly different. I can start over the piece as many times as I want, as it happens many times. Once I’m done with the model I can still make changes or start all over again or simply develop the idea in a different direction. I’ve had ‘finished’ pieces in the studio for a year or more before moving on into creating a mold and casting the piece. Anything can happen during that time. I try to create a mold and cast only those I really like that either be part of the solo exhibit, go for sale, or being bought before casting as it had happened several times before. It is very unlikely that I go through the casting process of a piece I don’t really like. If any of those is discarded it remains at home.
How to Prepare for Your Show
Close your eyes and imagine your show. Live the moment. It is like a party. Envision how your art is displayed, how people move around to see your art, what they are eating and drinking, the background music… Visualize every detail. Now, lets prepare to show our work.
I prefer to take care of most aspects of my shows myself instead of putting it in the hands of other people. I do surround myself with people I trust to help me shape the scene and to alleviate my burden. Seek their advice, listen to their opinion, but most importantly understand their support. Make sure is people who can take care of things without prompting. Otherwise you will add unnecessary stress to yourself.
How to prepare for your show? While there are many intricacies in presenting an art exhibit this checklist might help you get started. Before you decide you want to have an art exhibit you need to be ready with a few things.
Word of Advise: Make sure the amount of pieces fits the venue. You don’t want your show to look like a flea market.
I try to have this at least 3 months in advance. That time allows for you to prepare and promote properly.
There are plenty of examples and templates online in how to write a press release. If you have someone to do it for you is fine. Some people charge to write press releases. I prefer to write it myself then ask other people to edit whatever necessary.
Again, if you can’t do it yourself someone else can do it. I design my own printed material. It makes me feel closer to the show.
Use your printed material, mailing lists, online media, social media, word of mouth, tell your friends to bring friends… anything that can being people to your show.
Keep it simple to the extent possible unless someone else wants to pay for it. You can also ask for sponsors or wine tastings to be present. The possibilities are endless and it all depends on your budget and preferences.
Heads up! There will be a lot of stress on getting ready. Go over your plan and check every detail. Pretend you are a guest and go through all of it. Be flexible to changes that won’t change the overall look and feel of the show. There are things not deserving the stress.
Be ready to enjoy the people celebrating you and your work, make new connections, be ready to answer any questions that could be presented, and have fun. It is your party!