Navigating the Paradoxes of Artistic Identity and Selling Art

Sharing one's art with the world can be a daunting experience, especially when faced with the challenge of reaching an audience that resonates with your unique style and vision. As an artist, I often find myself grappling with the complexities of presenting my work to others, knowing that my creations may not appeal to everyone's tastes.

In my journey as an artist, I've come to embrace two distinct styles: one that showcases my technical prowess and another that serves as a form of personal therapy, reflecting the depths of my subconscious. While both styles have garnered attention and found their respective audiences over the years, there remains a certain uncertainty surrounding the reception of my art.

Handing out business cards becomes an exercise in vulnerability, as I navigate the varied responses to my work. Some viewers express admiration for my portraits, acknowledging the skill and dedication evident in each piece. Others offer polite words of encouragement, acknowledging the value of pursuing one's artistic dreams even if my art isn't their preferred style. And then there are those who simply don't connect with my art, expressing outright dislike or indifference.

It's natural to feel a sense of apology for one's art in the face of such diverse reactions. However, I've come to realize that the beauty of art lies in its subjective nature – what resonates with one person may not necessarily resonate with another. There is no predetermined criterion for who will appreciate my art; the only way to discover its audience is to share it with the world.

Yet, amidst the flurry of ideas and the demands of a side hustle, progress often feels agonizingly slow. As I strive to balance my creative output with the practicalities of life, doubts can creep in, casting a shadow over my artistic endeavors.

In my quest to connect with the local community and foster meaningful relationships, I've shifted my focus from selling art to engaging in genuine conversations about art. Through designing flyers and participating in community events, I aim to spark dialogue and forge connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity.

However, financial constraints and the pressures of daily life sometimes cloud my belief in the power of my art to make a difference. As someone who rarely indulges in purchasing art myself, I grapple with the notion of whether others will see value in my work.

In moments of doubt, I find solace in the artists whose work I admire – individuals who inspire me to push the boundaries of my own creativity. Molly Northcote's playful sketches, between the lines comments on life, Rafi textures and colours, and the artist journey story,Toni Cogdells precise portraits but with the messy scribble backgrounds fragmenting the portraits, to Aramis Hamer's vibrant color palette, each artist offers a glimpse into the endless possibilities of artistic expression and reminds me of what sort of artist and human I wish to be (see photos).

Yet, amidst the longing to support fellow artists and acquire pieces that speak to me, a self-referential paradox emerges. How can I prove the viability of my own art when the act of purchasing others work shows that sort of art sells, but only because I bought it. Maybe I need to stop proving art sells and accept it does, some unlikely art I don’t think much of, is doing really well in some galleries. there is an audience for all art, with 8 billion people on the planet and a good portion enjoying and buying art, someone out there will like mine and yours.

Despite these uncertainties, I remain committed to my craft, driven by an innate passion to create. While financial independence is undoubtedly important, my ultimate goal as an artist is to forge meaningful connections and evoke emotions through my work and have this become a natural byproduct, and not a hard sell forcing people into buying via psychological tactics (gross).

In the end, I take comfort in the belief that art has the power to transcend barriers and touch the lives of others in profound ways. Whether it's a small sticker adorning a laptop or a cherished painting barely visible due to its small size on a wall, each piece holds the potential to inspire, uplift, and transform and improve one’s mental health – a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression.