21/22/23 August we were in Armagh. We had a cracking show. Plenty of bargainers there. One farmer in particular who bought Robert Harcus, “Cows in Winter”, a beautiful painting. There was some very good local talent, Jacky Connolly, Frances Mc Kenna and of course we were very pleased to have located a Brian Vallely before the show. Brian’s brother, Dara also exhibited some very original work and Brian’s son Lorcan also had a piece which sold quickly. We were very impressed with new talent, Paul Digby. He painted very original figurative paintings, where feeling and emotion were represented by strong colour and exagerrated expression. There was a sense of rawness about them which was very appealing yet they still maintained a subtleness and deftness of touch. Lets see more Paul!
Now I am in Waterford on day three of the Fair. A bit slow at present but there is a strong interest in some Maderson’s which I hope will find new homes before the day is out. Next up is Manchester. A little trepidation as we haven’t done it before. Anyway, a learning curve which will dictate which shows we do next year.
A fine room here in The Granville Hotel Waterford. There is natural light coming in from 6 large skylight windows. We had two special needs groups visit the exhibition. Art is a universal language. One boy with a speech impediment communicated to me how much he enjoys art and how much it means to him.
There are many artists and art clubs. It is good if they are all deriving enjoyment. Problem is when they expect to sell. Then a whole new dynamic occurs. Artists then have there eye looking over their shoulder looking to see who is looking on. A kind of measuring goes on which effects the art.
On the other hand, professional artists talk of the satisfaction they get when their work is sold. It encourages them and this is natural. They have done the work . It is them. Now they are offering it to others. There is a difference from the former amateur I was referring to who is painting with delusions of grandeur in their head. Many artists I have spoken to have explained how although it is a wonderful life, it can be very solitary at times. The price that is paid to pursue their profession or dream. As in everything, nothing is easy and anyone who is contemplating art as a profession because of tax issues, would soon be found out. And now even the high returns for art as a profession is being challenged by the current economic climate. In recent years, artists couldn’t paint quickly enough and many jumped on the bandwagon producing inferior paintings for high money. Those days are over. Worse still is that potentially good artists cannot get a foothold on the art ladder and either they give up entirely or they try to string their art along as a part-time occupation which inevitably effects the quality of their work or the speed at which they develop their style.
Just had a sculptor in there. Would be hard to transport sculpture as well. Maybe another day. Best wishes, Martin
