OT - Art World not in recession - no equality | Arthritis Information

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Interesting opinion piece -

 
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/opinion/11sun4.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
it would be interesting to see that year old piece revisited...is the art world still recession proof?I own an art gallery, obviously not on a level with Sotheby's, and I'm here to tell you that the art world is NOT recession proof. I've seen my sales cut in half last year, and the first three months of this year CUT IN HALF AGAIN. Maybe galleries where the millionaires visit are doing well, but the little guy that sells artwork to normal people is getting chopped out of the budget. [QUOTE=buckeye]it would be interesting to see that year old piece revisited...is the art world still recession proof?[/QUOTE]

I recently purchased two Christina Nichols mixed media artworks for less than half of what they were offered at in May of last year. Whether this is a sign that the art world is in recession or not is debatable, however I wonder at the worthiness of an article that is nearly a year old.
My jewelry sales did well in Mexico but has come to a standstill in the U.S.  Granted, it's not fine art but other artists and crafters that I know are having a hard time.  I think the market for serious fine art will always be stable, even in today's economic stagnation.  It's the artist and crafter who are depending on the internet or small gallery sales who's suffering at the present.  Lindy[QUOTE=Spelunker] [QUOTE=buckeye]it would be interesting to see that year old piece revisited...is the art world still recession proof?[/QUOTE]

I recently purchased two Christina Nichols mixed media artworks for less than half of what they were offered at in May of last year. Whether this is a sign that the art world is in recession or not is debatable, however I wonder at the worthiness of an article that is nearly a year old.
[/QUOTE]
 
ooooh. Shug they are nice!!  which ones did you buy?
[QUOTE=babs10]ooooh. Shug they are nice!!  which ones did you buy?[/QUOTE]

>>This one<< and this one >>this one<<.

We have what I think is a superb collect of African masks and these add to the effect.
wow.. when we were in Miami and walking along Coco's Walk IN Coconut Grove there was a shop w/ TONS of african masks and other relics and art.....  I knew if I went in there I would need another suitcase to go home with!  VERY cool.

I'm more interested in how much of the wealth is being concentrated in lesser and lesser hands.

Bluehour - yes, this article is over a year old - last I left off was in May of '08 in my online subscriptions.  I assumed the little galleries would be more hurt since this was before the mortgage meltdown was finished or the Wall Street meltdown commenced.  I'm sorry you've been hurt in the process...but the higher end galleries/people have more cushion from extreme market fluctuations than the 'littler guys'.

Hugs,

Pip

With any luck and good management of my funds, I can hold on till people feel they have discretionary funds again. It's ridiculous because there are plenty of people who are not in danger of losing their jobs and are financially comfortable, but they don't "feel like they should spend it." I have literally heard this directly from folks who are doing fine. Are they showing sympathy for the unemployed?? I don't know.

Another aspect of this situation is that I carry ONLY American and Canadian fine art and craft. Everything from ceramic to jewelry to scarves to paintings. This means my offerings are easily undercut by imports from countries where the work is mass-produced by people getting paid like ten cents an hour. It needs to mean something to my customers to support the USA artists in particular, because they can go into a giant department store and buy a bowl for . It won't be unique and beautiful and handmade by the artist who designed it...

Sorry to rant. I am fanatic about supporting American products and people. I would love to get others thinking about this too. Bluehour
 
I am so sorry your gallery is having to go through these hard times.  It is a problem both sides of the border.  I, personally prefer to shop in the little boutiques because, as you say, it is unique and handmade by locals.  I wish you well and hang on.  It will get better.
 
Pat

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