Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Lost My Way.

I thought I would take a leaf out of Elena's book and 'spill my guts'. I tend to hide away when I have some issues to work through but in reality it would be better just to talk about them right here. After all I have so many supportive virtual friends. Most of you know my story to date. I started experimenting with painting/collage in 2005 and went ahead in leaps and bounds after going on The Artist's Way Journey with a group of like minded artists. Now I have come to a point where I don't know where to turn. My path isn't clear any more. Its all dark and foggy. Of course one thing is clear, I need to continue to paint. I just don't know where I'm going. The Artist's Way helped me to work out that I don't want to do the selling part of my art. It gave me the courage to approach a commercial gallery and I found one who was willing to represent an artist without 'a name'. Exhibitions prevailed and sales were quite good. This was the right path for me I thought and I started looking further afield for other galleries who might represent me in other states. Time went on ..... no payment from gallery. More time went by ..... nothing. Am I not entitled to fair pay for my work??? Its now been 7 months since the first exhibition ended and over 3 months since the second exhibition closed and still no money. Plus the gallery has a whole body of unsold work of mine. I have emailed, I have phoned and I have sent an invoice but am not getting anywhere. I went with a commercial gallery so I wouldn't have to deal with things like this. I am owed quite a few thousand dollars and am disillusioned with the whole thing. I am now too scared to approach other galleries further afield in case the same thing occurs. There is this dark cloud hanging over me and an awful gnawing feeling in my stomach. I'm an artist, not a fighter and just want to crawl under a dark rock. On a positive note I have learnt a lot from this experience. Some wonderful people have given me advice and in hindsight I should have sort some advice before signing on the dotted line. A kind friend has advised that I should always have my own contract for the galleries to sign and has even given me examples of contracts to alter for my needs. My art comes from deep inside me. Its part of my soul, part of who I am that I put onto canvas to share. That someone can take that and not respect me has really hurt my inner artist child. Yes I know I'm sounding dramatic but I'm really a sensitive soul on the inside and these things wound me deeply. Anyway all this has clouded my path and I'm not sure where I am headed. My goals seem to be unclear now. Its hard to move forward one step at a time when you don't know which way is forward. There I've said it!

7 comments:

Robin said...

I am so sorry that are being treated this way!! Have you approached the gallery/people in person?? I wish I had some wonderful advice but I have absolutely NO experience in this area. Maybe you should talk to a lawyer? However it all turns out, I sure hope that you won't let it keep you from doing your artwork!! You are so talented, people obviously want to buy your work, and as you said, it's part of who you are! You can't just hide under a rock!! I certainly understand how you feel and am sorry that you have been wounded by these people! Sending you hugs around the world and praying for it all to work out!!

Suz said...

fight!!!!!!!
seek the advice of an attorney
at least to get back your work that hasn't been sold
fight Uta fight
jump

i luves ya

Laura said...

Well its about time...Was wondering when you were going to surface and spill those beans to the Universe....You watch now baby things will happens..
your right we need each other be it through internet or close lunch dates we need each other support. I sorry for sounding a bit harsh... I know your hurting this was some great big steps in the world of art and where's the F...ing guidelines for the gallery owners...well now the bearness comes out..and the hormones...let me at them... There you go... gets some Permenapausal women together and let them have at!! I'm coming over, look out!.. hahahha. it will work out have hope there baby it will work out...
Find out if he/she is with a gallery listing and see what the other gallery places are doing some gallery are with a group and you can start spreading the word and heck got to the newspapers and find out what you do about the galleries that don't pay up... word will get out and things will happen...the Mother Universe knows now and no telling what she'll be doing..

and Uta...I've missed ya deeply glad you got the courage to speak out and let us all know we are there for you.

Doris said...

So glad you opened up! Long overdue. And OUCH! Jerks probably paid the rent with your sales. I hear of these things and am forewarned. And we all have been discouraged by much less than that, but don't let the jerks win! Financially or emotionally! More big hugs coming your way!

Uta said...

Thanks ladies. I tend to lay on the bottom for awhile licking my wounds and gaining strength but now the lion is getting ready to pounce. It won't be pretty. I can only get pushed so far, then I let out an almighty roar. There will be no stopping me once I get started. Now picture this: an angry lion, an irate mother bear and disdain from a Blue Heron together with a bunch of angry women on a mission. Be afraid, be very afraid hehehe

Laura said...

Never unestimate the power of a woman and you tribe....!

april said...

I am shocked, Uta. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. Yes, this would make me very angry. Yes, Pounce!