News - September 2009
WELCOME!
As usual I've been terribly busy working away in the studio extending my current stock of paintings and original artworks. It's just as well with all this rain we've been having this summer!
Please note that I have added an extra date for my workshops for January 2010. Also please note Tim's have cancelled my September classes - my sincere apologies for this inconvenience. The rest of my classes are still running for the rest of the term, as advertised. Just click below on WORKSHOPS.
As much as I love you all, I'm about to launch into one of my rant and raves. As they say in "Dinnerladies", some people get my gander up!
I'm not ungrateful, don't get me wrong, I'm only airing my feelings about the art establishment.
Recently I have been offered many opportunities to exhibit my works at various galleries. Some of which have been quite established and well known. Now you'd think I'd be delighted by this golden opportunity, but I'm not.
It's the usual string of money-spinners for the art galleries. What we call in the trade "Vanity exhibitions". They are never true genuine offers to exhibit your work, just money spinners for the galleries. Why should I part with hard earned cash, only to be rejected by the gallery and it's selection committee anyway? Why should I hand over cash to a gallery, that will hang your work but decide not to bother opening it's doors or advertising it's exhibitions? Why should I pay out thousands of pounds for an art fair stand, insurance, transportation and staffing, only for the art fair not to advertise properly? Why should I pay thousands of pounds for an art stand which in other parts of Europe at similar events are in the hundreds? It seems a majority of these art galleries/art event organisers see us artists in the UK as some sort of charity or cash cow for their failing businesses.
This sort of money-spinning exercise is so common place now, I'm surprised any visual artists manage to get any work or stay in business. IT'S A PRACTICE THAT REALLY DOES ANNOY US PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND HAS TO STOP!
If an art gallery can offer a genuine and serious proposal, then I will listen. But unfortunately, this doesn't happen. That is why I'm currently selling on eBay.
SORRY FOLKS, IT HAD TO BE SAID!
Now I'm selling every week on eBay, as a regular slot and this is ongoing until the art market improves for the better. This way I can sell direct to the collectors without all the problems and overheads. At least this way everybody will know where I am and can buy without all the hassle.
If you are interested in purchasing an original acrylic painting from eBay, please take a look, just search "Gilli Austin" on eBay.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
To Be Advised.
If you would like to be on my mailing list, please email me with your name and address. This information will be kept confidential. You will be informed of classes and exhibitions first hand. Regular customers who are on my mailing list will receive free invitations to shows and exhibitions as well as free promotional gifts. What have you got to lose?
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