Friday, March 7, 2014

Artist and/or shopkeeper?

Fiona and I periodically talk about the various roles that an artist plays. We all like the creator role - hammering away and making stuff. But if you don't want your house-studio to be totally overcome with your creations it is necessary to gift them on or sell them. Fulfilling commissions and keeping up the supply to sale outlets means  production, packaging and posting - a bit like a shopkeeper - but it is just part of being an artist.

Over the week I turned the dining room table into a collection point.

©2014 Barry Smith - Pieces on the dining table read for dispatch
And then selected the best 10 Leaf Letter Openers to be sent as the next batch to my commissioning client.

©2014 Barry Smith Smith - Quality control - choosing the best 10
Of course they needed to be boxed and posted.

©2014 Barry Smith - 10 boxed and ready for posting
Fiona really helps me out with the swing tags for my Ladles and Leaf Spoons that I supply to Maleny Additions. I believe without the swing tags these items would not attract the attention they do.

©2014 Barry Smith - Leaf Spoons with calligraphic swing tags
So whilst one of my roles as an artist is that of shopkeeper the sales do allow me to spend time in my studio recycling metal band forming metal in my own way to the sound of ACDC, Wolfmother, The Angels etc - so what is not to like about that.

2 comments:

  1. lol… it has been a standing joke in the caravan whether i'm in the 'packing department', 'the office' or 'the studio'.
    The boxes & tags (nice job F) make such a difference don't they! You've hit on a nice little product there B x

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  2. oh yes the ole' production line, I know it well! The more practice the better we become, superb packaging with class - together the FaB make a wonderful team.

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.