An art trail is an ideal way of being able to raise the profile of your artistic practice in your local area, as well as gain valuable experience in the process of creating work specifically designed for an exhibition, and the pressures of what that involves.
The creative process of 'ideas development' and making use a very separate component of my brain to what is required to project manage my practice from an flickering idea to a curated showcase. Often I work to a brief, which means that I present self with a deadline, and thus initiate a sense of urgency into the mix of inspiration, problem-solving and colourful realisation.
Blank Canvas
Always a sticking point!
I have found a cost-efficient method to my collection building madness in preparation for a show: I find that working on a series of paintings gives me drive, kick-starts a design pathway, keeps up momentum, uses time effectively when waiting for paint to dry, and challenges me to produce a narrative. Phew - this way I am not as overwhelmed as I used to be when contemplating a blank canvas with a culpa and a choccie biccie!
In action, my studio becomes a hive of messy activity - a literal display of throwing ideas onto canvas, but also taking time to manipulate these into a contemporary design.
I plan my exhibition before I begin paintings, so I can design the overall showcase and plan what sizes and shapes of canvas/support I might need. Once finished, I ensure I have completed a collection that allows for a range of price-points, so everyone can enjoy a piece for themselves if they so wish.
Branding
Commerciality has entered my practice and so undeniably, each show strengthens my approach to making/creating/selling. This has been key to people remembering me, following me on social media, sharing my new pieces, and thus building my identity.
For me, an art trail has given me time, and an affordable space, to explore how best to develop a collection for exhibition. It has widened my audiences, created my first sales as an emerging artist and introduced me to supportive communities I am grateful to continue to collaborate within.
Thanks guys!
