This time a year ago I was in such a FLAP…..I was totally stressed out about exhibiting for the first time at the NZ Art Show – on my very own ‘single artist wall.’  To give you some context this was my first shot at being a real ‘artist’ and I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders as I tried to live up to this desired title.

The build up was immense; I painted every night ’til very late and churned out paintings like they were on a production line.   I lost my way creatively and kept going back to what had worked before.  (Never a soul satisfying way to go I’ve discovered). 

Added to this pressure was the cost of the ‘event’ – art supplies and canvases !! (which I should have bought in bulk at the Gordon Harris 1/2 price canvas sale) and show costs and getting my hair done for the gala night and new shoes and babysitters and the list of expenses goes on…

Looking back I realise now that I lost my way in the process  – although I have also learnt that I will never make that same mistake again.

I stuffed up in right royal fashion at the 2010 event by over pricing my work.   I pretty much listened to some very bad advice from people who I thought knew what they were doing.  BIG mistake. 

Long story short…I am exhibiting again this year at the 2011 NZ Art Show.  I do not have an artists ‘wall’ (so am saving myself a fair bit of coin) but I am happy to announce that I am a general exhibitor and have submitted three paintings to be shown.  I have priced my work reasonably and if they don’t sell I will be thrilled to take them home and hang them on the walls in my home.

 If you live in Wellington I hope you will take the time to visit the NZ Art Show on this Friday – Sunday at the TSB Arena.

K