Summary: <p>In the last episode we talked about the importance of change in the creative<br> process, and in the one prior to that (about blocks and lack of motivation) we<br> mentioned that these are sometimes harbingers of change. Given how important<br> it is in the big picture, what are some reasons we may resist it? The outside world<br> of galleries and collectors can be a big reason we avoid change or worry about it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rebeccacrowell.com" rel="nofollow">www.rebeccacrowell.com</a><br> <a href="http://www.squeegeepress.com" rel="nofollow">www.squeegeepress.com</a><br> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast" rel="nofollow">www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast</a></p> <p>For artists that rely on sales this is a major concern. Known for something, making<br> sales… what kind of response will you get if you change directions?</p> <p>Legitimate concern---yet I don’t feel it is right to let that hold you back. Once<br> again allowing for risk-taking can lead to better results that you might imagine.</p> <p>We fear rejection yet if the work is better, we should proceed.<br> It can lead to a new audience, and being seen in a better light, perhaps more<br> developed, sophisticated, on a new level</p> <p>Hardest to navigate is the transitional phase when you have not yet hit stride with<br> new stuff. Be patient and open to continuing to show older work until the new<br> stuff has reached a similar level of accomplishment.</p> <p>General advice for navigating public showing of new direction:</p> <p>GALLERIES: may mean loss of a gallery—but galleries need to serve us as creative<br> people just as we serve them with our work. Part of that is giving new work a<br> chance.</p> <p>But even if the gallery goes along with it, it may not be right for their clientele. No<br> guarantees with change. Need to trust in the process.</p> <p>It may also be a welcome change, bringing in new collectors or reviving interest<br> from older ones.</p> <p>Shows your growth and seriousness you give your career, you are not just<br> producing</p> <p>IN FACT the change may not be as dramatic as you perceive it to be, or there is<br> still strong connection to older work so both may be shown together (Atlanta<br> show) Changer is internal as well as external and you may feel it more than others<br> see it.</p> <p>Big noticeable is a risk worth taking--such as moving from realistic landscapes to<br> non-referential abstract work –could be seen as positive, interesting move by<br> gallery OR flat out rejection.</p> <p>Be prepared for either. Put your work first. Know that it will find its audience.</p> <p>Make sure the new work is as well-developed as older stuff; don’t try to show it<br> too early in the transitional phase or you may impede its acceptance</p> <p>For already-scheduled show: do you need to focus on getting the new work to the<br> point of exhibition? It’s the usual urge--we tend to think our current work is the<br> best and want to show that.</p> <p>If at a commercial gallery get their input and realize it’s a business; they may<br> decide to hold off on the newer work or mix with older.</p> <p>Not good to pull a total switch if direction just before a show. Allow them time to<br> adjust to the change if they do not embrace it.<br> save out enough of the older work if necessary. Send images of the newer work to<br> get the response.</p> <p>At a self-curated show/noncommercial—much more leeway. Set your goals and<br> go for it.</p> <p>If you need to include older work and newer work in a show it can be presented<br> as two different series-- allows viewers to make connections between the two.</p> <p>Consider making separate sections on your website for the two bodies of work<br> but if not clearly related, let the older work drop off as soon as newer stuff is well<br> underway</p> <p>Know that you may be asked to go back to an older style by a collector or gallery.</p> <p>As in, “can you do some more of those realistic landscapes?” how will you<br> respond?</p> <p>Maybe fine if you’re not firmly settled into new approach,</p> <p>OR some people do work in more than one style, always.</p> <p>Individual decision.</p> <p>Conclusion: change is a necessary process and try to embrace it in positive ways<br> but be prepared for some obstacles in its marketing. They may or may not<br> happen—BUT if it’s truly a change for the better believe that good things will<br> follow.</p>
