ricobenfico
Junior Member
Posts • 3,174
Likes • 364
May 2008
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by ricobenfico on May 27, 2011 22:46:53 GMT 1, "It’s now just 3 days and counting until ‘A’ opens at Blackall Studios. I thought I’d share some facts behind putting on an exhibition, as someone said to me today that my job must be so easy…
The fact of it is, it isn’t easy at all… To make a solid body of work, whilst still juggling childcare, school runs, other work and running a home and a family is actually quite a difficult task. Even when you do manage to steal a few hours to paint, it’s not always that easy to create anything of any substance… But we somehow manage and a lot of us artists actually manage to create a show’s worth of work in under a year, which is no easy task!
So once said artist has completed ‘his body of work’, he needs to find a gallery to put that show on… If like Steve More and myself you don’t have a nice swanky West End, white walled gallery repping you, the only other option is to hire a space… (Not cheap!) But once you’ve found that space and paid the deposit, you’re almost there!?
Nah… You still have to invite people… An empty gallery is a not even an option, so you facebook, twitter, email and promo until your hands bleed from typing… Then, you need to sort refreshments out for all those guests you’ve now got coming and since the guys who said ‘Yeah, no worries, we’ll sort that for you!’ blow you out like cheap, pound shop candles. You then have to start from scratch persuading some cool drinks brands to offer you a little help, whilst gently explaining that you’re not willing to parade around the private view of your major show wearing a sandwich board with their logo on it… Refreshments sorted and brands placated! Surely we’re done now?
Not even slightly… Press and promo still needs doing, so a very kindly pr company comes on board and makes life that little bit easier for you… Relax….
NO! Don’t relax!
Remember those ‘cool’ catalogues you spent endless nights designing!!?? Yes them… Well their not arriving apparently until the day before the exhibition ends. Cue many phone calls to printers in Germany via a sharply dressed print broker in the West End… And the realisation that somebody somewhere forgot that there’s 31 days in January, not 28! Major fuck up!!!
So as Sunday looms upon you and you know you have 24 hours to hang 30 pieces of work, fit a huge installation that spans the entire gallery space and find the money to pay for everything, sort the bar, security staff, sales staff, price lists, labels, guest list and… find an appropriately awesome outfit to wear for the opening night!
Please spare a thought for the poor, simple idiots who truly believe that being an artist is really fucking easy…Twats! "
From an artists blog for a show here in a Edinburgh a while back. Thought people (especially artists) on here might appreciate it!
"It’s now just 3 days and counting until ‘A’ opens at Blackall Studios. I thought I’d share some facts behind putting on an exhibition, as someone said to me today that my job must be so easy…
The fact of it is, it isn’t easy at all… To make a solid body of work, whilst still juggling childcare, school runs, other work and running a home and a family is actually quite a difficult task. Even when you do manage to steal a few hours to paint, it’s not always that easy to create anything of any substance… But we somehow manage and a lot of us artists actually manage to create a show’s worth of work in under a year, which is no easy task!
So once said artist has completed ‘his body of work’, he needs to find a gallery to put that show on… If like Steve More and myself you don’t have a nice swanky West End, white walled gallery repping you, the only other option is to hire a space… (Not cheap!) But once you’ve found that space and paid the deposit, you’re almost there!?
Nah… You still have to invite people… An empty gallery is a not even an option, so you facebook, twitter, email and promo until your hands bleed from typing… Then, you need to sort refreshments out for all those guests you’ve now got coming and since the guys who said ‘Yeah, no worries, we’ll sort that for you!’ blow you out like cheap, pound shop candles. You then have to start from scratch persuading some cool drinks brands to offer you a little help, whilst gently explaining that you’re not willing to parade around the private view of your major show wearing a sandwich board with their logo on it… Refreshments sorted and brands placated! Surely we’re done now?
Not even slightly… Press and promo still needs doing, so a very kindly pr company comes on board and makes life that little bit easier for you… Relax….
NO! Don’t relax!
Remember those ‘cool’ catalogues you spent endless nights designing!!?? Yes them… Well their not arriving apparently until the day before the exhibition ends. Cue many phone calls to printers in Germany via a sharply dressed print broker in the West End… And the realisation that somebody somewhere forgot that there’s 31 days in January, not 28! Major fuck up!!!
So as Sunday looms upon you and you know you have 24 hours to hang 30 pieces of work, fit a huge installation that spans the entire gallery space and find the money to pay for everything, sort the bar, security staff, sales staff, price lists, labels, guest list and… find an appropriately awesome outfit to wear for the opening night!
Please spare a thought for the poor, simple idiots who truly believe that being an artist is really fucking easy…Twats! "
From an artists blog for a show here in a Edinburgh a while back. Thought people (especially artists) on here might appreciate it!
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by maumau93 on May 27, 2011 23:16:17 GMT 1, can hardly say its a hard life...
can hardly say its a hard life...
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illu
Junior Member
Posts • 1,849
Likes • 366
December 2009
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by illu on May 28, 2011 0:20:20 GMT 1, very good read, enjoyed that!
very good read, enjoyed that!
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jonnyx
New Member
Posts • 694
Likes • 151
May 2007
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by jonnyx on May 28, 2011 15:55:54 GMT 1, yeah good read. what a moany f**cking dick.
sorry post modified. i was being v. uncharitable. had just been reading something about the war in the congo and the estimated 400,000 rapes committed and was projecting my feelings. everyone's got a right to moan (i suppose).
yeah good read. what a moany f**cking dick.
sorry post modified. i was being v. uncharitable. had just been reading something about the war in the congo and the estimated 400,000 rapes committed and was projecting my feelings. everyone's got a right to moan (i suppose).
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by des77 on May 28, 2011 16:11:56 GMT 1, Funny thing is, an artist will get through all the issues rico mentioned.. only for a customer to waste time on commissions or to place orders with no intention of following the deal through
Funny thing is, an artist will get through all the issues rico mentioned.. only for a customer to waste time on commissions or to place orders with no intention of following the deal through
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sashaz
New Member
Posts • 744
Likes • 11
January 2009
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by sashaz on May 28, 2011 16:26:20 GMT 1, Rough had spoken of these troubles. I would rather my normal job
Rough had spoken of these troubles. I would rather my normal job
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Warm Gun
Junior Member
Posts • 4,646
Likes • 1,130
August 2009
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by Warm Gun on May 28, 2011 21:17:18 GMT 1, I'd jack my job in a second to be an artist, don't know what all the fuss is about, try working in a boiler house and crawling around in a f***ing dirty loft for a living.
I'd jack my job in a second to be an artist, don't know what all the fuss is about, try working in a boiler house and crawling around in a f***ing dirty loft for a living.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by wizzy on May 28, 2011 22:14:31 GMT 1, Piece of piss, draw a bit and paint a few coloured splodges on it and flog it for a few grand, even better spray an edition of 500 from the same stencil (hand cut by a machine) taking about 1 minute on each and charge 500 a pop!.
Piece of piss, draw a bit and paint a few coloured splodges on it and flog it for a few grand, even better spray an edition of 500 from the same stencil (hand cut by a machine) taking about 1 minute on each and charge 500 a pop!.
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sashaz
New Member
Posts • 744
Likes • 11
January 2009
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by sashaz on May 28, 2011 22:32:36 GMT 1, If your a successful artist then it's easy but if your a struggling artist trying to break it then I don't think the financial reward is great.
If your a successful artist then it's easy but if your a struggling artist trying to break it then I don't think the financial reward is great.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by wizzy on May 28, 2011 22:36:55 GMT 1, Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?.
Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by boaty on May 28, 2011 22:49:15 GMT 1, Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?. that's easy Wiz...the artist is fortunate enough to be struggling to do what they love and want to do - not always the case otherwise...
BTW - I plan to be a struggling flippa in a few years...
Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?. that's easy Wiz...the artist is fortunate enough to be struggling to do what they love and want to do - not always the case otherwise... BTW - I plan to be a struggling flippa in a few years...
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by theleveller on May 28, 2011 22:53:23 GMT 1, Good point wiz! everyone is stuggling now a days....however would love to be a artist, just to busy trying to pay the mortgage by designing stuff for anyone that will pay me, no difference really.
Good point wiz! everyone is stuggling now a days....however would love to be a artist, just to busy trying to pay the mortgage by designing stuff for anyone that will pay me, no difference really.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by des77 on May 28, 2011 23:08:38 GMT 1, Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?.
those that can, do... and those that cant, teach
(think thats how it goes)
at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are
Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?. those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by theleveller on May 28, 2011 23:23:36 GMT 1, Most if not all artists are good at something else... most of the recent artists have a background in graphics ie shep, dface, eine and many others its not like they struggle, Neate has a first class degree as does Micaleff....whats the point of this thread? We all struggle its just gloyified being an "artist"?
Most if not all artists are good at something else... most of the recent artists have a background in graphics ie shep, dface, eine and many others its not like they struggle, Neate has a first class degree as does Micaleff....whats the point of this thread? We all struggle its just gloyified being an "artist"?
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by kcm84 on May 28, 2011 23:27:52 GMT 1, thats only 10% of it
thats only 10% of it
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by boaty on May 28, 2011 23:28:10 GMT 1, those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) ... also known as a causal loop...
those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) ... also known as a causal loop...
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by theleveller on May 28, 2011 23:52:22 GMT 1, 10 percent of what?
10 percent of what?
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by manty on May 29, 2011 0:05:19 GMT 1, Piece of piss, draw a bit and paint a few coloured splodges on it and flog it for a few grand, even better spray an edition of 500 from the same stencil (hand cut by a machine) taking about 1 minute on each and charge 500 a pop!.
I tried it using my pseudonym.
It was ok money wise, but took quite a lot of time packing the fuckers in tubes, putting labels on, replying to emails, trying to sound like i was interested in what i'd produced.
End result I got bored, So I moved on and clean wheelie bins now, proper satisfying
Piece of piss, draw a bit and paint a few coloured splodges on it and flog it for a few grand, even better spray an edition of 500 from the same stencil (hand cut by a machine) taking about 1 minute on each and charge 500 a pop!. I tried it using my pseudonym. It was ok money wise, but took quite a lot of time packing the fuckers in tubes, putting labels on, replying to emails, trying to sound like i was interested in what i'd produced. End result I got bored, So I moved on and clean wheelie bins now, proper satisfying
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sashaz
New Member
Posts • 744
Likes • 11
January 2009
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by sashaz on May 29, 2011 0:10:22 GMT 1, Struggling I thought as they don't have a regular wage they can rely on coming in to pay bills.
Struggling I thought as they don't have a regular wage they can rely on coming in to pay bills.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by wizzy on May 29, 2011 0:16:05 GMT 1, Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?. those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are
Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs!
Could you define what constitutes a struggling artist in the present day?, how would he or she be any different to say a struggling Teacher? or a struggling Farmer?. those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs!
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by des77 on May 29, 2011 0:21:28 GMT 1, those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs!
Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone.
those that can, do... and those that cant, teach (think thats how it goes) at least a teacher is guaranteed a wage each week, cant say many artists are Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs! Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone.
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by theleveller on May 29, 2011 0:25:51 GMT 1, Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs! Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone.
Lol what do you do?
Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs! Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. Lol what do you do?
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by des77 on May 29, 2011 0:29:02 GMT 1, Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. Lol what do you do?
Anything.. painting a decorating, general labor. Yes 9-5 stuff
Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. Lol what do you do? Anything.. painting a decorating, general labor. Yes 9-5 stuff
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by boaty on May 29, 2011 0:48:44 GMT 1, being the best you can be is never easy...for artists for anyone... all need to reach and stretch and struggle and such...
I gather this being an art forum and all, focusing on the difficulty/struggles of an artist makes good sense...but happy to see the balance in the discussion - as it's all people here...it's all good, then...no end! personally love the permutations and possibilities of it all
being the best you can be is never easy...for artists for anyone... all need to reach and stretch and struggle and such... I gather this being an art forum and all, focusing on the difficulty/struggles of an artist makes good sense...but happy to see the balance in the discussion - as it's all people here...it's all good, then...no end! personally love the permutations and possibilities of it all
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by wizzy on May 29, 2011 9:13:17 GMT 1, Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs! Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone.
I dont think i know anyone who has actually retired, even when past the alloted retirement age most i know still do something to earn extra dosh, either that or they are self employed so just carry on until cadaveritis hits them. What i mean is that being an artist is a choice not a calling, a person can still be an artist while at the same time having a part time job cant they? or is it a 24 / 7 thing?, if a roadsweeper cant make a living then he either gets a part time job as well of looks for summat else so why should an artist be different?, just saying.
Well they can either sign on and look for a real job or just continue struggling, the choice is theirs! Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. I dont think i know anyone who has actually retired, even when past the alloted retirement age most i know still do something to earn extra dosh, either that or they are self employed so just carry on until cadaveritis hits them. What i mean is that being an artist is a choice not a calling, a person can still be an artist while at the same time having a part time job cant they? or is it a 24 / 7 thing?, if a roadsweeper cant make a living then he either gets a part time job as well of looks for summat else so why should an artist be different?, just saying.
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curiousgeorge
Junior Member
Posts • 5,833
Likes • 1,091
March 2007
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by curiousgeorge on May 29, 2011 10:44:55 GMT 1, Earning a living from Art alone really is a luxury IMHO
Good luck to all those do, and more luck to those trying!!
Earning a living from Art alone really is a luxury IMHO
Good luck to all those do, and more luck to those trying!!
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ricobenfico
Junior Member
Posts • 3,174
Likes • 364
May 2008
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by ricobenfico on May 29, 2011 10:59:58 GMT 1, Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member?
Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member?
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by wizzy on May 29, 2011 12:39:43 GMT 1, Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member?
Pfffft no chance yet RB, lazy bleeders are prob still in bed.
Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member? Pfffft no chance yet RB, lazy bleeders are prob still in bed.
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ricobenfico
Junior Member
Posts • 3,174
Likes • 364
May 2008
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by ricobenfico on May 29, 2011 13:17:03 GMT 1, Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member? Pfffft no chance yet RB, lazy bleeders are prob still in bed. ;D Ha Ha! But Wiz, it's Sunday, the day of rest....
Glad to see this got a bit of discussion going, would like to hear thoughts from an 'red starred' member? Pfffft no chance yet RB, lazy bleeders are prob still in bed. ;D Ha Ha! But Wiz, it's Sunday, the day of rest....
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Being an Artist Must Be So Easy..., by des77 on May 29, 2011 14:42:28 GMT 1, Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. I dont think i know anyone who has actually retired, even when past the alloted retirement age most i know still do something to earn extra dosh, either that or they are self employed so just carry on until cadaveritis hits them. What i mean is that being an artist is a choice not a calling, a person can still be an artist while at the same time having a part time job cant they? or is it a 24 / 7 thing?, if a roadsweeper cant make a living then he either gets a part time job as well of looks for summat else so why should an artist be different?, just saying.
Im not trying to make a martyr out of artists, just agreed with rico that it probably aint as easy as people think. TBH If someone has a passion and at some stage they dont dedicate there life to it, id say thats a huge shame
Well, its kinda lucky for everyone here that artists decide to struggle on. Its easy to fit into the system and work 9-5 until you retire, after all that is whats expected of everyone. I dont think i know anyone who has actually retired, even when past the alloted retirement age most i know still do something to earn extra dosh, either that or they are self employed so just carry on until cadaveritis hits them. What i mean is that being an artist is a choice not a calling, a person can still be an artist while at the same time having a part time job cant they? or is it a 24 / 7 thing?, if a roadsweeper cant make a living then he either gets a part time job as well of looks for summat else so why should an artist be different?, just saying. Im not trying to make a martyr out of artists, just agreed with rico that it probably aint as easy as people think. TBH If someone has a passion and at some stage they dont dedicate there life to it, id say thats a huge shame
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