Art Sales, Atomic Fever and Guinness on Tap
I must have been blinded by the (atomic bomb's bright) light because I neglected to share with you in this blog that during my solo show three pieces sold. "Showtime" was purchased by my friend before the show opened! He'd helped me design the room's immersive quality and since he's in the entertainment business the drive-in movie theme really resonated with him.
"Radio Panic", a piece about the World of the Worlds broadcast and its aftermath, also sold. These two entertainment-related pieces were popular at my show and if I were a money-motivated artist I'd take note of that. (Note: 99% of artists are money-motivated!)
Both "Mommy" and "Radio Panic" sold to a new collector on the day the gallery scheduled an artist "Q&A". I didn't think "Mommy" (an homage to my mom) would sell so I priced it a little lower than the others. I was surprised by my reaction of regret when I saw the red sticker being placed next to it. It wasn't regret that I'd underpriced it, but rather that I'd put it up for sale at all and was letting that piece of my mom go live with someone else. That's also the moment when I realized I have no idea what would sell...and why.
After the show's closing, we'd scheduled a trip to Ireland to take in a few Britpop reunion concerts (Pulp, Blur and Kasabian) with a side trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Ireland was a refreshing travel experience on so many levels. The Irish people, Guinness on tap and the landscape, devoid of advertising, are balms for the soul. (Did you know that there's a specific way to pour Guinness...and it matters?!) What was surprising was how little art was on display in Dublin. I'm happy to say we were able to visit James Turrell's SkyGarden on the gorgeous grounds of the Liss Ard Estate in Skibbereen. Years ago I'd experience his mind-blowing Perceptual Cell at LACMA and I've been a fan ever since. For those local to Los Angeles, you can visit his SkySpace in Pomona. (Note: viewers lay on the slab and look up, not sit!)
Edinburgh, Scotland is gorgeous on so many levels. Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, the 1700s architecture is just delicious and their numerous (free) museums are worth your time.
These vintage TVs in the National Museum of Scotland shuddered when I passed by. Edinburgh comes alive during the August Fringe Festival but, alas, we were a few months too early for that.
Since being back home I exhibited at a fun pop-up artist salon in DTLA. Also, "Know Your Place" and "No Smoking" will be at the Korean Cultural Center on Museum Row in Los Angeles starting July 24th. The show is in partnership with Launch LA and is titled "Contemplating Boundaries." Turns out I have several pieces that address the topic of boundaries! "Fly Me" will be part of Studio Channel Islands "The Next Big Thing" 2023 exhibition. This competition had nearly 1000 submissions and only 70 pieces were chosen by juror and celebrated art critic Shana Nys Dambrot. I'm super jazzed about this one! It opens August 5th and you're welcome to come!
Finally, did you see "Asteroid City" or "Oppenheimer" yet? What did you think? Hollywood has atomic fever and I can't wait to see these two films.
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Hope you're enjoying your summer!