The most valuable aspect of spending 62 days as an exhibitor at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts was the direct contact with people. There are over 200,000 visitors every summer and I'm sure I spoke with at least several thousand. Finding out what they liked, why they liked it and how my art spoke to them, has reinvigorated my commitment and reshaped my future plans.
Knowing how to talk about myself and my work was of absolute importance. It's always a good idea to greet all the visitors while approaching only the ones lingering over the artwork. In place of putting them on the spot and asking if they had any questions, I would say something specific about the piece they were looking at, such as: "This was inspired by the Snake River in Wyoming," "This is my latest artwork" or "This poppy is floating below the surface in a bowl full of water." I would also talk about my inspiration, that nature is my muse and water my canvas, that I use water as a filter to study natural objects.
My technique really spiked the visitors' interest and curiosity. It's best to choose non-technical terms when explaining the art process. Using words that people can relate to makes for a comfortable conversation. For example, I would say something like this: "Do you remember melting crayons as a child? Well, in a nutshell, that is my process" and then I would fill in the gaps.
I've learned not to get too personal, not to talk about religion or politics, and to gently stir the conversation toward my work. Showing my best professional self in a positive and upbeat manner and expressing my enthusiasm have always led to productive interactions and sometimes to a sale.
Most people buy art because they feel an emotional connection to the artwork and the artist. My biggest discovery was finding out that my art, indeed, spoke to the viewers. Now I feel that I have a place within the art world and that my art speaks not only to me but to many others as well.
8 comments
Barbara Dahlstedt
September 23, 2012
I am so grateful for the time you spent talking to me and my husband when we came to see you at the festival. You were so open about sharing your technique. I appreciate your honesty, integrity, and encouragement so much.
Ester Roi
September 23, 2012
The pleasure was all mine, Barbara! You certainly don’t need much encouragement - your artwork is amazing! Just keep doing what you’re doing. :)
Lorinda Hull
September 23, 2012
Ester, though I could not physically be at the festival to see your exhibit I reviewed every post you sent about it. As an emerging artist myself, I found everything from the setup of the exhibit, pictures of the exhibit, the days with the visitors, to all the helpful information of your trials and tribulations most inspiring. It gives me hope and inspires me with goals to reach that I would have if not by you. I am so thankful to have come across you. Though I color with many mediums, I find myself painting with colored pencils more since I met you. Thank you Ester for your posts and your personal insites.
Ester Roi
September 23, 2012
Lorinda, it’s so rewarding to know that sharing my experiences and struggles as an artist is helpful to someone out there. I wouldn’t be where I am were it not for the help and encouragement I receive from other artists. Thank you for your wonderful and much appreciated feedback. Best of luck in your career.
Lynn Rank
September 23, 2012
Ester,
I am still here and drawing and watching your posts. Great to see your beautiful exhibit!
Lynn
Ester Roi
September 23, 2012
Thank you, Lynn, and nice to hear from you!
Jill
October 14, 2012
I am very grateful of the time you spend emailing me, thank you!
Ester Roi
October 15, 2012
It’s my pleasure, Jill!