Nothing I make is
intended for sale at the time of creation and only becomes so in the fullness
of time.
Pricing is one of the hardest tasks for so many artists in
their creative process, numbers and money is a ‘right brained’ process after all, or is
it!
Pricing works is and always has been a bit of a breeze for
my works have a value related not only
to the emotional input during creation but also long afterwards, a sentimental
value if you like. I like to live with
my work after creation, either hung on the wall or placed around my studio and
home as if in a gallery setting, they bring me joy, happiness, contemplation,
consideration of attributes and let downs, it is only when I have tired of any
one piece that I consider it to have any monetary value, a value which is based
entirely on the length of time I have enjoyed it, moreso, how much I would accept to part with it; time
on construction, creation, size or complexity really plays no part at all in my
considerations.
As I come toward a show or a point of sale everything does
become very relaxing as I finalise my prices, some rise and some fall though
each with a value that is related, not only to the emotional value but also in
relation to other works of similarity; by the time I get to the point of
providing a price I know in my heart of hearts that it is realistic, honest and
true value for money with hope only that the buyer will gain as much from their
purchase as I lose in its loss.
You have to be realistic when it comes to pricing not only
of the intrinsic value of the work but also what you have given your art over
the span of your lifetime and career, what have you sacrificed to bring a piece
of work to the material world .
Commissions work is an entirely different concept and is
usually based upon so many different variables that it would be far too much to
consider in a single blog post, the subject matter, the materials, the work,
the time, the complexity and even the person is a consideration, only good
consultation with the client will bring a mutually acceptable agreement.
As a matter of experience abilities increase and tasks
become easier, works are produced more fluidly and maturity to a point where
the making of art does become easier, it is for this reason that you must
reflect upon what has gone before more than simply what effort has gone into a
single piece.
Happy Creating and enjoy your works.
