Hello, my friends. Thank you all for your thoughts, concerns and for checking in on my well-being since I announced the official closing of the Mark Groaning Gallery on East Ave. This is a happy event, not sad at all...not one bit.
Let me assure you that I am better than OK now that I do not have the pressure of having the responsibility that owning a gallery entails. I see my many friends who have their own businesses and I applaud them. Bravo to you one and all! You are an inspiration to many. I've owned a couple of brick and mortar shops over these years and especially since this most recent experience I've learned a valuable lesson and it is...Let your friends carry and represent my art...leaving me to the fun of creating it.
I have often heard many of my artist friends who begrudge the commission rate of a distributor, Gallery or whomsoever might be representing their work..."Its too much", they say. "I'm not letting them take half of my sale", They Cry. Puh-leeze.
I gladly and gleefully pay the 35% to 50% commission for the Angels that represent my work. That percentage helps them continue to stay open. It helps with their operating expenses. If you think that percentage rate is too much, by all means do us all a favor and open up your own shop. Know that even on days when nobody comes in, that you still have to be there, you still have to pay the rent and keep the lights on and pay the utilities, the business insurance, as well as all of the marketing fees. You have to staff it, you have to stock it, you have to stay positive and friendly for the customers that do you happen to walk in. If you're a sole proprietor, like myself, all that responsibility falls squarely and heavily upon your shoulders...from the day you open to the day you close. For me...that weight, anxiety and responsibility are gone and I'm free to find new sources of income on the adventures that are already taking shape. No more gallery means I've been set free from the anchor that kept me from roaming and meeting new contacts...that's the way I got started in this business. Showing my work in my friends businesses and making connections on my road trips.
Thank you again for your thoughts, concerns and for checking in on me.
I'm doing great!
Peace
This sculpture entitled Life of Paramecia, is on display and for sale at Whitman Works Company, 1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY.