The Business of Art

In the generations that passed since cave walls were smoothed and savage etchings transformed to hieroglyphs, creative expression transcended still image and took on the vibrancy of word, sound and movement as Art created music, poetry, literature, drama, and, much later, motion pictures. Paul Gardner once said, “A painting is never finished – it simply stops in interesting places.” And so the definition of Art will never shun a new advancement, but will forever embrace new mediums into its wide-stretched arms. For Art is not meant to be still like a simple painting, but will continually grow and morph like the Artist’s style.

Many of the terms used in the Art world are directly mirrored in each field of Art, such as agent, buyer, client, critic, and historian. However, should you be a musician, writer, actor, or filmmaker, do not, in the reading of this book, be dismayed at the use of such terms utilized frequently by the visual artists like dealer, gallery, or auction houses. Instead, drawing upon your unique ability to think outside the box, realize that that these terms are also mirrored in your selected field, yet the mirror simply offers a little sideshow distortion. Dealers can be construed as publishers and distributors. Galleries and auction houses are movie theatres, stages, and concert halls. Even in the terminology we use in Art, the definitions are not finite, but only symbolic of the entities. Art has universal flavor, just as the modes of business.

For it is our intention, as we move forward into this new Renaissance, as we herald the rise of the Creative Class, to offer those who would create such Art, to the culmination of generations who have created Art for Art’s sake, to realize that Art is indeed a commodity, and it has the power to create life and lifestyles. It is our intention to not only support and encourage you in your endeavor to listen to the voice of inspiration and act upon its call, but to also realize that utilizing time-tested strategies, the action of art can be morphed into the world of business. In short, you can make a viable career out of your art. However, like any career, there are steps which must be adhered to and rules which must be followed.

Tags: art, Art for art's sake, artist, business, CARDS, creative class, film, gale fulton ross, Painting, Renaissance, Visual arts