Artist as Brilliant Marketeer? A Contradiction?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by admin

**Like the dramatic painting below?  You can order one, at fraction of professional artists’ prices…I tell you how..below.

Ah… the quintessential marketeer…the person who knows how to sell his wares. These folks are tough to find in the artist market place. Why? Some artists are snobs who consider others who market themselves “déclassé.”

But I think savvy marketeers are just plain smart.better jonas girard look-alike

After all, if the idea is to get one’s art appreciated by the masses, why not market the daylights out of every medium? You’ll never get known if you keep all the secrets about your great style (whether it’s painting, writing, story-telling) to yourself and a select few.

At times, I’ve asked artist/painters “Do you have a business card or better yet–a website?” They demur and say, “Oh, no.”  They act like being a business person is a terrible thing, almost like prostitution.

But the folks who really know how to sell devise the best methods to hype themselves and their products.  And they go over—in a really big way.

Who’s my Asheville nomination for Best Marketeer?  None other than Jonas Gerard, for I’ve never quite seen anyone quite like him.

Case in point:  When husband and I went one spring day to downtown Asheville, Jonas Gerard was dazzling a crowd of onlookers, by painting a piece right in front of them….He was under a portable tent, one he’d brought, and he even had a gaggle of musicians for background music.

Then, he proceeded to mesmerize with a slap of the brush here… a dab there…a splash in the far corner (there are lots of these) and after a half hour, or so, he was done, offering the piece up for sale.

When someone in the crowd asked, “If your paintings take literally minutes to produce, why do they command such a hefty price tag? (of thousands).

Ever the quintessential marketeer, Gerard replied “Because buyers pay for the artistic skill I’ve developed over many years.” He suggests any fool can’t mimic the product.

For one who’s been in sales for almost a decade (me), I doff my cap, for I can only describe Gerard’s ready response as “Pure Sales Nirvana.” I thought:  “This guy should market his response, too (Sales 101,) for the crowd bought it (and he’s right.)

When an artist’s work looks easy, it’s deceptive because he truly did develop his craft over years. I know—The same formula applies to writers.

I can’t tell you the number of people who believe I sit at my computer, and the words just flow, in an easy stream, from some font of creativity.  They don’t realize I work at every piece, revising, honing, stripping away the non-essentials, in hopes of achieving the best product.

But my work doesn’t command thousands (a fact I hope to change.)

In addition, Jonas Gerard’s paintings are EVERYWHERE…at least in Asheville.

When my husband recovered in Care Partners facility on Sweeten Creek Rd (from the terrible accident he was in.), what did he see through blurry eyes, in the physical therapy room, each day?  A Jonas Gerard painting, strategically-placed, over the entryway.

I assume that painting was a charitable contribution or it was possibly “on loan.”

More JG’s were on the walls, at strategic locations.

That meant as I wheeled my husband down the corridors, we met JG everywhere. It’s safe to say:  My husband recovered via Gerard’s colorful palette.

His works of art could have created a subliminal connection, for when he got out, my husband asked: “Wanna buy a Jonas Gerard painting?”

When we dine in restaurants in town, who shares a repast of Coquilles St. Jacques with us? None other than the master, himself, whose works look down on us from those walls, too.

JG’s such a fabric of the community, friends recently sought to copy his style (I told you some think any fool can do this,)  giving one girlfriend a memorable birthday gift…a clone, if you will, without the talent, skill, pretense or price of the Master.

Their product’s at the top of this post…

So, artists:  Step out from the shadows…It’s a tough market out there.  You need to devise methods to stand apart from the crowd. Not having a website or blogsite or fantastically-interesting business cards just won’t do, anymore.

Get your Marketing Game On….If you don’t know how to do it, follow the lead of one who’s made a mission out of it, in life–Jonas Gerard…

But if you can’t afford, I’ve got a savvy group of friends who’ll do the work at serious discount…That’s their painting at top of this post (Click on it to enlarge and catch its nuances.)  Impressed?  They’re taking orders…E-mail me or leave comment…I’ll connect you.

P.S. Those are our children’s books for sale– top and to the right (Grandpa and the Truck.)  Following my own advice, we have our own website...our own business cards…colorful advertising. In other words, we hawk our product–loud and clear. Got to, today…There are simply too many other distractions in the marketplace.

 

Posted in Careers, Inspirational, Pop Culture, Specifically North Carolinan, Work Place | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

The Bells of Beaver Lake, North Asheville

Posted on May 13, 2013 by admin

What calms you or buoys your spirit, when you’re agitated or thoroughly ‘down’?

***If this post brings forth a smile, I’ll have accomplished my goal.  If you share something back, we’re both the richer.dog-at-beaver-lake-21-169x300

Across from Beaver Lake, in North Asheville, there’s a house that sits atop a hill that is covered by vines, and on an eave of that house hang fat steel tubes (wind chimes) that clang deep, resonant sounds.

Much smaller brass chimes hang nearby.  They tinkle softly…

Together, they deliver a cacophony of hope, and I admit:  I needed it on this dark day.

Ominous thoughts pervade and I can’t shake despondency, for I’m at a crossroads. Sometimes, life smacks me down and forces me to confront my own reality.  It’s happened to me before.

I tell my husband I’ll jog with him, but I don’t really feel like it. My legs are heavy, and I lack commitment. I want very much to wallow in my own misery…

But I don’t.

I get out of the car and proceed to walk. He stays with me. A cool wind whips about, and I curse it, at first.  Then I realize:  It lifts me and refuses the normal order of things which sees my energy sapped in such circumstances.  You see, I suffer from MS. 

With this breeze, however, I feel lighter.

Coming upon two others who walk their dogs along the lake, I say “Hello,” and then ask if they know why the lake water has a strange, brownish cast to it.  The man tells me that upstream waters feed down, from a construction site on a hill nearby, creating silt-laden waters.  Those waters wash towards the lake.

In addition, there’d been a big storm earlier in the week that kicked up the lake’s floorbed.

They know the personality of the lake; they’ve lived in Asheville many years.

Thereupon, we 4 enter into a lively conversation of some 15-20 minutes.  We laugh…we share…we enjoy one another’s company and I marvel:  If I hadn’t gotten out of the car…if I’d given in to my misery…if I couldn’t reach out to others, I’d be locked into my own negativity.

We part company, promising to continue a conversation, in future.  They’re inveterate Beaver Lake Walkers, as are we.

As I continue on the path, now alone (my husband jogs ahead,) I stop in my tracks when I hear the deep chimes…then the gentle ones, following, in that order.

I stand, quietly taking it all in.

It’s random moments such as these that I feel the Deepest Spiritual Connection.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence I discovered (in course of that earlier conversation,) he’s a minister of God, and she’s that minister’s wife…Now, just for the record, I’m not looking to be proselytized– I’m a Defrocked Catholic who’s now an Agnostic.

No matter–I secretly thank them for helping me break out of a dark place.  You see–I’ll take my golden moments… wherever I can get them.

Now, have you ever been pulled out of a deep hole of despair by a seemingly-irrelevant event, then thought later:  “If that hadn’t happened, I’d still be rooted in negativity?”

Agents of change are all about:  Interesting people…nature’s beauty…wind chimes on a house…Or a combination of these seemingly-disparate things…

Now, my question:  “Are they really random?”

What I’ve noted in my lifetime:  If I move (and look about me or engage with others,) I can get out of my misery; if I don’t, I stay rooted there.

I’m grateful for that recognition…

Grateful, too, to 4 friends who remembered me on Mother’s Day (and I’m not their mother), one even bringing back earrings for me, from Thailand. Thank you Cynthia, Sheila, Lynn, and of course, Paul who sent me flowers…..You all buoy my spirit. (Click on the pic to bring up one card’s rich luster)…Again, “Thank You, friends.”

mother's day cards...gifts

Posted in Health and Well-Being, Inspirational, Specifically North Carolinan, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Evolution of an Asheville Townhouse Community

Posted on May 10, 2013 by admin

 

couch-rug-n-c**Our townhome in a community outside Asheville is just what we want…and we searched for years…

Honeymoon Period….. for a While…(Just Like Any New Marriage…)

I recall the first days in our new community, outside of Asheville, North Carolina.  We’d selected one of the 5 styles the builder offered—a 2-story version of the grey stone cottages I so admired.

Originally, we put a bid in for the model, a Canterbury-style which saw the rooms flow out from the center, as spokes on a wheel. I admit to falling in love with that unit, probably due to its decor.  As a former realtor, I should have been wise to that.

To our credit, when the builder wouldn’t negotiate, we moved on.

A realtor knows:  “Never love the property too much.”

When another buyer defaulted on his purchase, subject to the sale of a home in Florida, we leapt to the fray. It was a break for us, since they’d already paid for upgrades of recessed lighting, maple cabinetry, granite counters, and a wall that closed off the 2nd. floor suite that had its own heating/cooling unit. I grew to love that upstairs suite where I write, while looking out on the mountains.

Thrilled, we settled in…enjoying group luncheons, hikes, and monthly socials in the clubhouse.

In those first days, I waved a neighbor over. While talking, she stood on our patio and surveyed the tiny splotch of land we could embellish since it fell into the realm of “owner’s domain.”

It was then she said:  “You know that (she pointed to the birdbath sitting on the fence) is illegal.” Adding insult to injury, she went on:  “Furthermore, it’s leaking (I’d put water in it.)” I’d left it momentarily on the fence, while I cleared a spot on the land.

I recall thinking:  “OK, I’m not inviting her over, again.” She taught me how seriously some take their roles (as Board member, she helped devise rules.)

Denouement: The Tyranny of Rules

Soon, the Board set up approval process whereby residents sought permission for things they wished to add to their outside space.

We all agreed, at first:  There’d be no Inflatable Santas…Or Bent-over Lawn Ladies with Exposed Bloomers…Or Pink Flamingos and Lawn Art Others Deemed Objectionable.

But “art” became a source of contention. Not everyone agreed as to what it was.

Following this, the “Tomato Wars” began.  If residents planted them, they got letters, directing them to uproot. They were considered ‘a lure’ for unwanted wild animal visits.

Mobiles were forbidden as needless chatter that set some residents’ teeth on edge.

Patio umbrellas needed to be earth colors.

The community fell into disarray, and factions formed. Grumbling turned into outright rage. Meetings got ugly. In the opinion of a few, the Grounds Committee had overnight morphed from Helpful Group of Community Members….to Enforcers…to Nazi/Jihad Autocracy.

The topic on everyone’s lips: Were the rules sensible or over-the-top? Might some issues have been handled differently?

A few residents who wanted less rigidity pulled up stake (and beloved outdoor plantings) and moved on to other communities.

Few sought leadership roles (one poor man had to forego his Presidency 24 hours after commencement, when he got 45 e-mails from residents, in the first 24 hours.)

What stage is our community now in?  “Adolescence”….We who raised families know what that means:  “Hang on….” Some rules might need revisiting, as residents test the waters.

But most know:  A townhome community is like a family.  If there are 86 units, there’ll be 86 different opinions as to how things should run.

One can’t avoid growing pains.  A new community will devise rules…Not everyone will like them…

Most of us realize the age-old mantra:  “Better the enemy you know….” If you’re in a community that’s gone through growing pains and come out the other side, that’s a far better situation than one with “NO rules,”  for that’s when Anarchy rules…

That’s when Upended Lawn Ladies-in-Bloomers appear everywhere.

P.S.  Author states husband and she find their community diverse and interesting, with incredible folks from all walks of life.  It was that community that supported them, following her husband’s terrible accident on that Weaverville road, 3 years ago….

But that’s a subject for another post…

….so “Stay Tuned.”

***PPS…Now, my question:  “Did your community go through similar Growing Pains?” Or “What’s your thoughts on communal living?” Feel free to share.  You can use anonymous name if you choose.  You’ll need to give your e-mail address, but it won’t be published.

IMG_6815mountain shot from condoThe view from upstairs window….Mountain range…lovely.

 

 

Posted in Family Life, Health and Well-Being, Inspirational | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments