Tom Torluemke follow up interview

The Studio Visit Challenge for Artists

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing a studio visit with artist Paul Sierra. I have admired Paul as an artist for over a decade, and we met for the first time just then. Other artist friends of mine have suggested I meet with Paul over the past year or so and, I am very glad I did.

Visiting an artist's studio who you, not only respect, but admire, is one way of understanding the work, you as an artist, are doing. Paul and I talked about both the art world and the art industry, two completely different beasts according to Paul. We also talked about death, marketing, accounting, painting and all sorts of shop topics. Paul is wonderful artists and I would encourage everyone to check out his work.


Besides all that, I would like to advocate the studio visit real quickly. Yes, social media does a lot for us, especially in terms of being able to communicate with people in our selected fields around the world, as well as in our local area. This does not take the place of a studio visit, nor does gallery openings, or coffee shop meetings. During a studio visit you talk trade secrets, you get personal, you open your mind to new ideas, and this is essential if you want to succeed. Nobody can predict an artist's path, but other artists have walked in the abyss as you are and if the artist's studios you visit are more accomplished than yourself, odds are, you will walk away learning a thing or two.

I challenge every artists who reads this to plan, and successfully complete, a studio visit with a local artist they admire. After your visit post your experience in the comments below. Good luck and spread the word.

Coalition Gallery

The Chicago Artists' Coalition opened its new gallery location this past Friday August 7, 2009 with a group show. Typical of the CAC there was a significant lack of continuity and organization. Its no wonder they don't call themselves the Chicago Artists Organization, because there is obviously none of that going into this show.

With 22 artists showing one or two pieces, some on paper, some on canvas, prints, painting, photographs, and postcards littering every surface, it was hard to figure out where to look. Each piece was separated by six to eight inches which, I think, anyone would judge, is just not enough. It was obvious nobody took charge of this show, allowing everyone to be as flighty or demanding as they needed to be.

As an artist, and having worked with many, many artists and arts groups, I understand the dangers the CAC face on a daily basis. How do you critique people who are not asking to be critiqued, how do you leave out individuals not mature or responsible enough, and the list goes on. Question after question, but in the end, someone has to stand up and make decisions. One decision, which should have been made, was put more space in between the work, which translate to, less artists. Now that is going to piss off some people. Unfortunately, a lot of great art has pissed people off.

Now, I understand this was the inaugural opening, and the CAC want to get as many people through the door as possible so I forgive the helter skelter, for now. They are planning to do mainly 2-3 person shows in the future, and for the size of the space, I can see this working wonderfully for them.

Personally, I always wished that the CAC would forge new territory. Drawing people to areas where art is lacking, and utilize existing communities to effect the perception of art and art buying. I would want to see them inspiring young artists, collaborating with institutions and leading the way in new media. This move to the heart of Liquor Park is a bit disheartening, but predictable. It is a safe move, timid and unimaginative.

COALITION GALLERY - Cooperative Gallery of the CAC
2010 West Pierce Avenue, Unit 101
Chicago, IL 60622

Sell Your Art - No Risk - No, Really

In this crazy new world, where innovation and imagination are winning out over the old standard business models, the director of Galerie St. George, Gary Brant, recently announced 140 Hours of Fame. This is an online auction hosted by Galerie St. George where all bids will be submitted exclusively through Twitter. Using Twitter as an auction medium has a lot of benefits; one, all bids can be traced, so there can't be any backdoor shenanigans. Also Twitter's primary users are between the ages of 25 and 54 (what a great age range to start collecting art). I have been trying for ages to figure out how to encourage or create young collectors, this may very well be one way of introducing new people to collecting.

Currently, Gary is searching for artists worldwide who would like to participate in this inaugural event. For their part, artists will submit one piece of original artwork, agree to a 10% sales, and promote the event and especially their work. Artists are also responsible for packing and shipping sold artworks. Seeing as this opportunity is open and free to all artists there is seemingly little to loose.

The complete event rules and agreement may be downloaded here .

This auction will begin on 5 November 2009 at 12:01 p.m. EST and last 140 hours, through 11 November 2009 at 8:01 p.m. EST.