No artist is an island
Ah, the wistful cinematic vision of an artist's life: in a light, sun-filled studio overlooking the streets of Paris, or perhaps a funky New York loft, or nestled in a leafy garden, an artist toils in solitude, wrestling creative demons but eventually producing fine works of art that sell easily simply because they deeply touch the lives of others.
Scratch that.
Ok yes, Paris or New York or a leafy garden would be nice. And sure, we all seek personal satisfaction in what we do, we want our work to resonate with others, and perhaps to pay the bills. But while making art itself is often solitary, a successful art practice can't be achieved in isolation.
Relationships - positive, productive, mutually beneficial relationships - are not only essential for any artist if they want to produce, promote and sell their work, but can be ultimately rewarding in their own right.
Relationships close to home are the starting point. Partners, family, and friends are often artists' greatest supporters; tolerating weird discussions, making cups of tea, offering 'helpful' critiques, and soothing pre-exhibition nerves.
Beyond our personal circle, but still closely held, are suppliers. Cultivating warm and respectful relationships with suppliers works both ways - they appreciate the loyalty and repeat business, and you might get help finding an elusive product, enjoy a discount here and there, and benefit from a reliable supply of quality goods or services. Everybody wins.
But what about networking? That's great for corporate types, but surely artists don't need to network? Anyway, it's awkward and a waste of time, right? Yes, and no. Yes, it can be awkward initially, but no, it's definitely not a waste of time. My business partner-husband and I attend several business networking events per month, and mingle with small business owners, lawyers, financial advisors, brand designers, start-up entrepreneurs, and others. Things can start with a simple conversation, then serendipity sometimes takes over. A newly introduced acquaintance at a recent networking event took enough of an interest in our art business to introduce me to a well-connected art philanthropist, who in turn introduced me to a local art collective, a city property developer, and an art academic. Those introductions led to involvement in arts + culture projects at our end of town, and valuable connections with other artists and gallery owners. So yes, done right, networking works.
In themselves those connections with artists and gallerists are worth their weight in gold, and can lead to new knowledge, collaboration, inspiration, or other opportunities. You’ll also likely find out what's really going on in your own art scene. At the very least you’ll have some pretty cool conversations!
And of course, it's not just the planned interactions that matter. Chance encounters at the coffee shop, the gym, or the park, can be surprising and fruitful if we're open to them. Often just telling people I'm an artist sparks interest in others!
At the end of the day, as helpful as these relationships might be it's also worth reflecting and recognising that socialising and mixing with other human beings is good for us, and helps us live interesting, balanced lives, enables us to experience and participate in our communities, allows us to feel connected with others and our environment emotionally. All of which may make us better artists, and better human beings.