Gearing up for the Holidays!

Hello to all,

I have just finished a world wind tour of art shows with two more Halloween shows to go! And yes, they were fabulous. All posted designs have been sold! A hearty THANKS goes out to all my patrons.

I am frantically creating, carving, sculpting and painting for the last of the Halloween shows. Do not fear, I have a few tricks up my sleeve for bloggers only. They will be posted in October and then it is on for the holidays with charming Santa's, snowmen and snow fairies. They are due to arrive in Nov.

Again is there is anything you might be interested that I have posted in the past, I would gladly create one special for you. Just drop me an e-mail.

Artfully Yours,

Carolyn

Bone Head Studios: Before and After

Bone Head Studios: Before and After

I just wanted to share one of my all time FAVORITE artists. Her work is incredible and she is a great inspiration to me.

Enjoy!

Thornville Backwoods Fest, Sept. 18-20

Join me at the Backwoods Fest this week-end, Sept. 18-20.

Arts - Crafts - Food -Music

Fri 10-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5

Adult Admission $7.00, FREE Parking!

Held Rain or Shine!

over 250 Artisians

Visit me at booth #122 in the woods on the right hand side of the festival.

I will be reveiling my 2009 Halloween Collection.

Come early...they will go fast......

http://www.thornvillebackwoodsfest.com/

Halloween Blog Hop Oct. 17

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2009/08/a-hauntingly-magical-celebration-revealed.html

For a trip fantastic...be prepared to be treated! Halloween Hop hosted by A Fanciful Twist.

When subject matter trumphs your values

“What motivates people to buy art?” Part 2

Have you ever fallen into the trap of producing something based upon the subject matter to get a sale, when the subject matter trumps your values? Here in Buckeye country, anything scarlet and grey, regardless of quality, sells. I have produced my share of OSU themed artwork from wooden cutouts to flags to anything someone can stick in the ground to paintings. On average about 50% of my past fall product line was based on this nutty character, and I have made good money. It is a tough line to walk but one that I have proudly done for the past couple of years. I said “NO” to the old college town favorite and concentrated on my Halloween offerings.

So if you are ever out at any of the shows where I am attending, buyer beware there will be no nutty characters in my booth except those with a toothy grin. Instead be prepared to be treated, Halloween just come once a year!

“What motivates people to buy art?”

I am totally politically incorrect and prone to sharing my opinions with any and all - and I thoroughly enjoy a lively conversation with many. I am interested talking about the current economy’s effect on art sales. I believe there are very few people who buy art based on quality, rather than whether the piece depicts their favorite subject matter.

If you have ever attended a local or national art, arts/craft show or on-line; you will know what I mean. Personally I have exhibited at more shows than I can count. I have to say I have honestly been blessed with success over the past several years. But…I am always amazed at the things people purchase. So I am posing this question to you “What motivates people to buy art?” Have you every stopped a customer and asked? I have, I’m curious, and it does wonders for the ego.

Going with the Field of Dreams theme, “If you build it, they will come”, and in the arts & crafts world we joke that “If you put it on a stick, people will buy it!” Seriously, I’ve seen it happen. It has fondly been referred to SOS. SH- - on a stick. And I am not ashamed to admit that I have fallen to the wayside and produced more than my share of SOS. An artist has to bills to pay, right?