Artist: Yes, I'm a professional artist.
Mostly acrylics.
DRB: Great. How you getting on? Selling much? Artist:Oh no, I'm not into sales.
DRB: So you don't really do it professionally
then. For arts sake or something? For
yourself? Artist: No, I am professional. But I pull pints for
a living.
DRB: Wouldn't you prefer to work as an artist for
your living? Artist: Not really. I see that as
prostitution.
DRB: Oh, so recognition's more important? Artist: Yeah. but I don't seem to able to
get into the right galleries.
DRB: Maybe they don't fully appreciate just how
good you are. How do you approach them? Artist: When they hear about me, they'll
come running.
DRB: Good on you. Two pints please!
This isn't a typical conversation of course, but it did
affect me - frustrate me. Most artists are serious
about their craft, but many are simply not aware of
the best way to achieve their goals.
Whether the incentive is for income, recognition or
simply for the exploration of art, a Clarity Of Purpose is
essential.
The drivers required to be a successful artist are
similar to those required to be a successful
plumber, accountant or whatever. It's merely a matter of
application, emphasis and language.
"a
Clarity Of Purpose"
The Arts
So what's the connection between gumption and the
arts? Very easy. It's a passion.
It's a passionate belief that a vibrant cultural
sector is essential to the regeneration of cities,
communities and their people. Business growth,
community development and the arts are intrinsically
linked and all skills sets are completely transferable.
Past arts activities
Creation of Alchemy Theatre Company with 3 national
tours to theatres, community venues & schools.
Creation of a youth theatre and many other community-orientated
projects.
Funders included Eastern Arts &
Lincolnshire County Council with BT as the main
corporate sponsors (ABSA award winners). However,
we proudly boast that most finance was self-generated.
Technical & production management of theatres and
national touring companies (including the West End).
Festival & entertainment management of numerous
projects, including 5 years at the Piece Hall,
Halifax promoting rock bands, fun days and teddy
bear picnics!
Producer of Eternally Free, a CD of Bronte poetry
set to orchestral music composed by Philip Henderson
(also composer of The Far Pavilions musical,
currently playing
in London's West End). Two orchestral concerts (20 & 40
piece) of Eternally Free have been held to date.
"I don't
do sales"
The Eternally Free CD
Bronte poetry set to orchestral music by Philip
Henderson. Click here to bring the words of England's most famous literary
family to life.
The motivation
Put simply, we believe that professional artists
need better business skills in order to free
themselves and be able to create better art.
A recent conversation went like this:
communities and their people. Business growth,
community development and the arts are intrinsically
linked and all skills sets are completely transferable.
