Alan Bamberger
Art consultant, advisor, and appraiser; shares practical guidance for artists and collectors, with regular reflections on studio practice and the art market.
Consistency Matters, but Stay True to Your Art
Rate and consistency of production are indicators many galleries and seasoned collectors consider when deciding what art to show or buy. Galleries prefer solid supply chains in case their clienteles respond favorably to a show. Both galleries and collectors prefer artists who are in it for the long haul. This does not mean you have to make more art or be more consistent. It's just a fact. You do what you do and make what you make. Worrying about what motivates others is a complete waste of time.
Art Exclusivity Scars Buyer Memory, Regardless of Market
Art market slowdowns always offer opportunities to reflect on how things got to where they did. Being overly exclusive about who gets to own what works of art is often part of it. For example, "qualifying" people to buy art...
Separate Sold Pieces to Keep Inventory Appealing
Mixing sold with available art on a website or storefront is not a good idea. Why? Imagine walking into a store, seeing something you want to buy, taking it up to the counter and being told, "Sorry, it's sold. You'll...
Artists Must Honestly Assess Their Work to Secure Galleries
Sometimes artists need to be honest with themselves about their art, and the challenges they may be facing in finding galleries to show it. To take a critical look at what about their work or the ways they are presenting...
Create Relentlessly; Convince Others Through Unwavering Artistic Conviction
Your art is your argument. You make that argument to yourself as well as to others. To yourself, you know what you want, make what you want, create on your terms. As for everyone else, some may need convincing. How?...
Buy Art After Silent Home Trial, No Distractions
There's so much noise around how art is presented these days both online and in person. Soundtracks, celebs, influencers, reveals, opulent interiors, extravagant blather, etc. But here's the deal: You can't take any of that home with you. It'll be...
Galleries Want Profit, Professionalism, Not Just Liked Art
Let's say a gallery likes your art. That doesn't necessarily mean you get a show. Things they also consider? Whether your prices leave enough room for them to make a profit while staying within ranges that their buyers are willing...