Lure Your Artist Out Of The Studio And Into The Public Eye

Most artists would rather be in the studio than almost anywhere else. At the same time, they fully realize that life exists outside of their studios. They know they have to get out in order to share their art with the world. You, as the friend or family member of the artist, can play a key role in the artist’s career. You can become a modern-day Medici (a famous family of patrons from the Italian Renaissance). You don’t have to expend a lot of energy or money like the Medicis did. All you have to do is lure your artists out of the studio. It’s your responsibility to make sure as many people as possible see your artist and his or her art. Here are some suggestions to help lure them out of the studio and into the public eye.nn*Mention the 75% off sale at the art supply store. It doesn’t matter what supplies are on sale. It’s a sale and it’s art supplies. They’ll leave the studio to buy them!nn*Guarantee you’ll write a brilliant artist statement for her if she’d only get out of the studio. Trust me. Your artist will do almost anything to avoid having to write a single word for public consumption.nn*Leave a trail of Reese’s Pieces from the front door. Hey, it worked for ET!nn*If your artist has committed to giving a gallery talk, offer to give the talk in his place in exchange for his attendance in the audience. This is effective because artists are no different from anyone else in their fear of public speaking. In 1967, Allen Midgette pretended to be Andy Warhol on a four-campus college tour. When asked why Midgette was sent in his place, Warhol said, “because I don't really have much to say, he was better tha
I am . . .”nn*Remind your artist that the Abstract Expressionists met outside of their studios often—at The Cedar Tave
in New York. (Perhaps your artist would appreciate stimulating conversation and a cocktail.) And the Impressionists were all about being outside of their studios and capturing a rapidly changing modern life. Imagine what more these artists of the past could have accomplished if they had been loaded with caffeine from the Starbucks on every corner?nn*Promise food. Any kind of food will do, but comfort food is the best. I suggest macaroni and cheese, French fries, and chocolate. Aren’t those the basic food groups?nn*Blast loud, obnoxious music outside the windows of your artist’s studio. The definition of “obnoxious,” of course, depends on the artist in question. When U.S. troops invaded Panama in 1989, they blasted rock music show for days hoping to offend the ears of Manuel Noriega enough to force him from his compound. Your artist might be more offended by Barry Manilow, Britney Spears, or The Chipmunks.nn*Imagine you’re back in the dorms and pull the fire alarm. (Not one I’m recommending.)

Your attempts to lure your artist out of the studio may be met with resistance at first. Later, I promise, you’ll receive nothing but gratitude from your artist. Congratulate yourself for a job well done!

Copyright 2008 Alyson Stanfield, All rights reserved.