One of the things I love the most when talking with older people, particularly older artists is that, they talk about life, a lot, and lessons you should know and learn as you grow. I recently visited them, kuya Ergo, ate Marge, kuya Art, and Francis. And we were talking about being an independent artist. They were sharing their insights, what they have experienced before and what they are experiencing now. Their observations as well as their encounters had led them to be where they are now.
I do not want to go into details about their point-of-views as it hits every dealer or gallery out there, and in the eyes of business, they are merely businessmen trying to do business. It is different for artists, you know. They see it as taking advantage of them and their soul’s work. And as for me, I think that we should take into consideration the personality and the feelings of the artist that we are representing or doing business with. They say their terms, you state yours, and if you both like it, you shake hands to it. But if not, then move on and accept that not all artists would be nodding to your terms and just say yes to whatever you are doing and saying.
Being an independent artist gives you freedom and control. Freedom with your mind–your imagination. Being unlimited in opportunities you want to open for your work. It would mean that there are no rules and no boundaries as to the quality and quantity of your works. Also, control, over however you want to present it to the world. There are no limits, no annoying complaints, no nagging as to what to include or whatnot.
Being an independent artist means that you can have it all, of course, not that you are being selfish, but it means that you want to protect yourself from manipulative entanglements, shady dealings, and unfortunate events. Having it all means that you have control over the crowd, the clients, the space, the quantity, the quality. Do not of course, forget the coffee and the food, which some if not most would be expecting from your shows.
Being an independent artist gives you the window to human quality interaction. You get to meet the people who wants to buy your work, not just receive electronic messages that your work has already been bought. You get to know them, what makes them tick, what makes them want your works. You get to connect with your clients in a deeper level. Now, ain’t that fulfilling enough to make you want to become an independent artist?
Starting as an independent artist is hard. Too many risks and there is nobody to share it with, just one or two close artist friends who would listen to your banters of struggles. But, it is only the beginning of a journey to something you are not sure of but the certainty of arriving where you want to arrive is 99%. It could be hard when you have been with groups, and it is even harder when you think it is hard. So why not dive in and see how it goes, eventually you will be embracing the life of an independent artist.
Somewhere between those lines were their thoughts and my thoughts combined. Well, being an independent artist, for me, would mean giving voice to the work at hand, and letting the sun in through the windows, letting things happen and setting your soul free and wild as it draws you a picture on a canvas that would sip through a watcher’s soul.
