What is my art worth?
I’ve asked myself this question so many times especially when I see the huge price differences in strikingly similar quality works locally vs urban. Rural artists are absolutely, undeniably worthy of the world’s canvas and the quality of the art is just as good as their city counterparts so why is it that I see artists undervaluing their art so steeply? I see the starving artist myth even within the local authorities that are here to help the arts sharply underselling the value of the artists works?
Rural does not mean inferior.
Art is not a masterpiece because of its geographical birthplace. My personal belief is that it doesn’t become more valuable just because it was created amidst the city lights (or by a man. ARGH!!! I fume at that idea that a woman’s art is simply a hobby while a man’s is a career. But that’s for another blog post.) Maybe I’m wrong and I just don’t get the art scene and I’d be happy to hear your opinions in the comments.
In my journey as an artist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of rural creativity. I’ve met incredible artists and collectors living in the countryside who have proven that the value of art isn’t tied to its origin but to the passion, dedication, and raw talent behind it. And it’s time we recognize and celebrate that by showing the world what we got.
But it’s no secret that when it comes to art, rural areas often don’t get the recognition and opportunities that urban centers do. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and missed chances. So, what can we do about it? Well, it’s up to us to create the life we want and take bold action.
Creating Your Own Art Opportunities
In rural areas, galleries and art schools might not be as abundant as in the city. But let me tell you, this is where the adventure begins. Think of it this way: you’ve got a blank canvas to create your own opportunities. Host local exhibitions, organize workshops, and build a vibrant artistic community right in your rural haven. Well, that’s the plan.
In 2024, I plan on opening up the Gallery to fellow artists, creating art events and banding together with local artists who are ready to embrace their artistic worth.
Going Bold and Putting Yourself Out There: The Internet’s Role
Building an art career is a gutsy endeavor, whether you’re in the city or countryside. But here’s the exciting part: the internet has leveled the playing field. It’s a 24/7 global gallery waiting for your art to shine. The world is your stage, and the internet is your spotlight. It’s time to put yourself out there and it’s something you can do for free.
My SHOP is hosted on SQUARE… at no cost. You can choose to use that free site or do what I did. I built out my website using WordPress for free and linked my shop. Eventually I purchased a domain name that cost me under $50 for the entire year.
The internet has changed the game for us, breaking the myth of the starving artist. PLUS IT”S FUN TO SHARE A DAY IN THE LIFE WITH CHICKENS! Omg, painting outside is so much fun with chickens.
What Is My Art Worth?
I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of art and how it can empower us to create the lives we want, especially for those of us living in rural areas. We might not have the same opportunities as our city counterparts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build a vibrant and fulfilling art career.
I have sold works ranging from $50 to well over $1000. it is possible.
Supporting Each Other and Building a Rural Art Community
Rural areas are known for their tight-knit communities. Let’s use this to our advantage. Collaborate with fellow artists, share your knowledge, and support each other’s dreams. There’s strength in unity, and together, we can amplify our voices and make a real impact.
Together, we’ll light up the world with our art. 🎨🌿✨
The Rural Artist’s Journey
Building an art career outside of the city might have its unique challenges, but it’s also filled with opportunities for growth and self-expression. Don’t hold back, and let your creativity shine brighter than the city lights. Remember, it’s your journey, and you are worthy of success.
Celebrate who you are and where your from. The world is waiting for your unique voice and your extraordinary art. 🎨🌿✨
Your passion really shines in this post Sara and I think you are correct, it’s wise to look around at where you are and decide to see the possibilities and not focus so much on the drawbacks. Who knows, the small hometown art scene artists create may become the next cool place to be. I really appreciate you sharing exactly how you built your website and store, that is something I have spent a lot of time reading about, but have always felt too intimidated to actually do. I know it’s important for artists to control their space on-line too and not be at the mercy of social media algorithms or online galleries, great post!
Thank you for reading and for sharing your views. I found that in the end, very few people ACTUALLY see you website so it’s a great opportunity to just n=build it out and get your friends and family to look it over for you. It offers the chance to try new things and not really worry about it. Initially I started with a FREE SQUARE SITE. Not Squarespace but SQUARE because I used their payment processor.
I still use it for my shop
It may not be the best but it was fairly simple to use (drag & drop) and since I already utilize the payment system it just made sense to keep it all in one place. I didn’t know how to do any of this so I Googled everything and went at my own pace. Only going LIVE with my site when it was ready enough to navigate. Updating as I went.
The key is to GO LIVE regardless. Fix as you go. What have you got to lose?
Thanks Again.
Thank you for leaving a comment and reading my post. We artists need to work together and raise each other up.