Comments on: Art, Business and Happiness – Helpful Links

By: Baker

Baker — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:04:01 +0000

Awesome links here. Also, your blog is fantastic!

By: Farouk

Farouk — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:46:06 +0000

thanks maria for those interesting links, i also like your blog

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:59:41 +0000

Barney, thanks for taking the time to write! I love the quote “there are no laws, just suggestions”

The post that I wrote sometime back was confrontational because I had a bad experience with a gallery and was feeling strongly negative at the time that I had written it. I almost regret it when I take such a harsh stance, especially when a professional that I respect greatly, like yourself, reads it!

I love where you and Lori are taking this conversation, and you’ve been a good influence on me in that you’ve helped me to look upon gallery representation in a different light.

You are doing a great service to all!

By: Name (required)

Name (required) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:04:05 +0000

Hi Maria,
Thanks for the link to the collaborative post series between Lori McNee and me. You are right, there is a difference in tone between your similar post and ours. I think your perspective is both hard won and spot on. It comes from real life experience and the confidence that only a certain amount of success and respect can generate.

I also think it is instructive for emerging artists to know it is possible to take a tough, realistic stance with galleries. While the attitude from Lori and me was a tad bit less confrontational, it also is valuable for emerging artists to realize they need to strive for a cordial mutually beneficial relationship with their galleries.

There is no one size fits all solution. Ultimately, each artist needs to develop his or her own style of how the negotiate with galleries. On my first sales trip to Boston many years ago, I commented to a client on the aggressive driving style of the locals. She replied, “Didn’t you know, there are no traffic laws in Boston, only suggestions.” That is what we have here. Take and use from what you find works best for you.
Cheers, Barney

By: Blake Himsl Hunter

Blake Himsl Hunter — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:52:56 +0000

Thanks for the licensing links!

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:43:51 +0000

Alex, thank you so much! I checked out your website – LOVE your marionette sculptures – and found a link to my blog – I’m flattered. And, I appreciate your thoughts on gratitude. I’m grateful!

By: Alex Mitchell

Alex Mitchell — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:27:40 +0000

I really liked your Happiness Is a Four Leaf Clover post. What stood out for me the most is when you say: Your happiness is equal to the amount of appreciation you feel for what you have. I practice feeling gratitude every day. It seems to me that the more I feel gratitude for what I have, the more I have to feel gratitude for. And what I’m working on now is feeling gratitude toward things that have gone “wrong,” because that forces me to give up my own ideas of what happened and trust that maybe there is a bigger picture that I’m not yet aware of. I relate to much of what you say, Maria. Your posts are great because they are extremely practical and also inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your vision.

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:40:43 +0000

Marie: Thanks – we were so stoked that Juxtapoz reviewed our book. It was an honor! Glad someone saw it…

Jay: Thanks Hope you don’t mind I snagged the photo of you being barraged by the Paparazzi! Love that pic!

By: Jay Alders

Jay Alders — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:55:59 +0000

You and Drew are masters at “giving back” and creating a world of creative happiness….Thank you for always keeping us company in this world of abundance
One love.

By: Marie Kazalia

Marie Kazalia — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:05:39 +0000

I happened upon a review of your “How to Draw….” book
in JUXTAPOZ magazine. Congrats!