Alyson Stanfield, Author at Art Biz Success

Installation of paintings by Sonya Kelliher-Combs at the Denver Art Museum | on Art Biz Success

Curating the Art on Your Artist Website

It’s difficult to curate a show of your own work—to separate your complex feelings following the creative process. It might be helpful when necessary to think about your art like a museum thinks about its collections.

Museums have permanent collections that they own, but they don’t keep the work in one place. They present fresh viewpoints, mixing up the pieces to give new perspectives. They also approach curating as an additive process. You start with the best and add only what will strengthen the curatorial thesis.

A museum would never try to cram as much as possible into one show.

Curating the Art on Your Artist Website Read

“Freshly Squeezed” exhibit at Pirate: Contemporary Art. Work by Matthew Doubek and Samuel Mobley.

How to Write an Art Review

Writing an art review doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by gathering as much information as possible about the exhibit you’ll see before visiting. Plan on spending a lot of time in the space, making lots of notes, and taking plenty of photos to help you remember and perhaps illustrate your article. There will be people at the venue happy to help for the free publicity.

How to Write an Art Review Read

acrylic painting frozen desserts artist Vasu Tolia | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 115: How to Get Better Feedback When You Want to Improve

I see versions of this repeated across artists’ social media accounts: What do you think?

If, at some point, you have typed that fateful phrase, I suspect that asking people who follow you what they think is for one of three reasons.

1. Because you think you care what people think.

The Art Biz ep. 115: How to Get Better Feedback When You Want to Improve Read

2-page spread of notebook | on Art Biz Success

A Proven De-stressing Technique to Eliminate Overwhelm

Working on the business means evaluating your busy-ness—taking time to look critically at your next steps, if only briefly. There is a deep sense of satisfaction when working on your business.

You aren’t checking boxes and crossing items off of a list, but you are feeling more in control. You begin to see possibilities that weren’t previously evident.

When you are overwhelmed, I suggest starting the process by moving some energy around and then doing a brain dump.

A Proven De-stressing Technique to Eliminate Overwhelm Read

Memory project art installation artist Christine Aaron strips of printed paper hanging from ceiling | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 114: Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron

You’re going to make mistakes. You will absolutely make the “wrong” decisions from time to time. And you’re going to be rejected from shows and opportunities. Count on them. Prepare for them. You’ll survive.

You may be a bit black and blue. But you’ll use courage muscles you never had before.

You’ll become more and more resilient every time you take a risk that doesn’t work out as you had intended. You’ll bounce back. And you’ll be stronger for it in the long run. Promise. Listen to how this plays out for Christine Aaron.

The Art Biz ep. 114: Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Christine Aaron Read

fiber art Shimoda Emanuel colorful circle stitches | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 113: Self-Care for Caregiving Artists with Shimoda Donna Emanuel

How do you take care of yourself when so many others are demanding your attention? Whether it’s kids or older adults, you feel a sense of obligation. And you truly want to help. But you’re no good for others if you aren’t in good shape for yourself.

In this episode of The Art Biz I talk with Shimoda Donna Emmanuel. Shimoda has been the caregiver in her family, primarily for her mother Izola who recently passed after living with Alzheimer’s, but also for an ailing sister. Her book, Sacred Stitches: The Art of Care Giving, has tips for stitching yourself together when caring for someone else. We discuss her routine, how she keeps her home to maintain a high vibration, tools she uses to de-stress and to stay calm, and how gratitudes and “the rage dance” fit into all of this.

The Art Biz ep. 113: Self-Care for Caregiving Artists with Shimoda Donna Emanuel Read

Street mural rooftop romance artist Rich Simmons | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 112: Leaning Into Creativity in Times of Pain with Rich Simmons

We need art. Some of us need it more than others. For some of us, it’s as necessary as the air we breathe. Rich Simmons insists that art saved his life. Rich has struggled with depression and was eventually diagnosed with Aspergers. The realization that making art could make him feel better was life changing, and he wanted other people to know about this. In 2008 he started Art Is The Cure to inspire people to turn to creativity in times of pain.

The Art Biz ep. 112: Leaning Into Creativity in Times of Pain with Rich Simmons Read

Watercolor painting guillemot eggs artist Maria Coryell Martin | on Art Biz Success

The Art Biz ep. 111: Focusing on Self-Care to Increase Productivity with Maria Coryell Martin

You can’t focus on your work if you are unwell or not taking care of yourself. In this interview I talk with Maria Coryell-Martin, a busy mom with a thriving art career and companion business that supports her family. With all she has going on, Maria makes time for activities that help her maintain her energy.

The Art Biz ep. 111: Focusing on Self-Care to Increase Productivity with Maria Coryell Martin Read

My Famous Eggnog Recipe

This recipe has been keeping my family warm on Christmas morning for decades—even though it’s very cold.

Loaded with bourbon (and a tiny bit of rum) and everything not good for you, it’s a once-a-year treat. A lot of work goes into it, but I promise your efforts will be rewarded.

If you like the stuff in the carton, you need read no further. This is nothing like that.

My Famous Eggnog Recipe Read

Virginia Folkestad Exhibition at Sandra Phillips Gallery in Denver | on Art Biz Success

Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries

The way we promote, sell, and buy art is rapidly changing, but there are still many good reasons to consider gallery representation.

Here’s a list to remind you of the upside of working with a gallery. . . .

A gallerist acts as your agent. A good gallery will be your advocate and business partner. They will work to manage your career and help you raise your status and prices.

Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries Read

Alyson Stanfield