I've decided to change the "format" of this blog to reflect what it actually is: My Art and Creativity Journal.
The days of "pretending" that it is purely a showcase and outlet are done. This is as much about my state of mind and the ongoing process, as anything.
It's a Gosh Darn Miracle!
Well, a small miracle happened: After repeated submissions of the required paperwork and multiple phone calls to various helpdesks, Amazon Handmade finally "approved" my Seller Verification, and I can go back to nurturing and building the fledgling account I have actually had there since 2016.
Of course, now I really hope that all the hassles turn out to be worth it.
As a general sideline commentary, I will say that "selling online" is typically much more difficult than the myriad articles and seminars and guidebooks will have you believe.
But I suppose there wouldn't exactly be a line out the door, waiting to buy "The Nearly Impossible Task of Selling Art Online."
Anyway, at the very least it's a nagging detail that no longer occupies a small piece of my awareness — without paying rent — and I can just get on with things.
Thinking Forward...
Now I get to set my sights on our next outside event, the Port Gamble Ghost Conference in early November.
Yes, I take Alchemy Stones to a lot of "specialty" market, many of them in some way connected to the supernatural, paranormal, mysterious, metaphysical and such. They tend to be far more welcoming and curious audiences than your typical "arts and crafts fair" type visitor.
I suppose it's our own fault in some ways by bringing the whole "sacred geometry" and connection to healing into the picture.
That aspect is really more in my wife's wheelhouse, but I'm going along with it, in large part thanks to the feedback we get from people who really like Alchemy Stones.
But it seems like a viable approach because the straight "art" market is so saturated with everything that it invariably ends up feeling like you're competing with 300 people for the next dollar.
The other thing — I hate to say — about the art industry is this unhealthy subtext that artists "should be delighted to simply create art for the sake of creative expression" which is basically a fancy way of saying that the "supporters" of the industry tend to be cheapskates.
Unless, of course, you happen to be the "hot property of the moment," in which case they are flocking to your art — TA-DA — in hopes of gaining status and profit from buying your work.
Ironic, much?
Art Supplies and Inflation
I have previously touched on the effect of inflation on art supplies... and it continues to not be a pretty picture.
I like the fall because a lot of the suppliers tend to run sales and offer coupons at this time of the year, but even with those discounts, everything still seems more costly than ever.
But I do need to place some orders... and I am faced with the sad reality that the only way I can afford that is to use a credit card, because this is the slowest time of the year in terms of sales...
Oh well, at least I will get a few airline miles, right?
Thankfully, not all my supplies are costly... the primary one being no further than the nearest beach away, and that's basically a 5-minute walk.
And a good Beach Combing session is definitely on the agenda for the very near future. Which is also a nice diversion that has the capacity to blow the creative cobwebs out of my brainspace!
I appreciate you coming to visit and please do leave a comment if you feel so inclined!
Thank You!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!
My Alchemy Stones Patreon appeal
Alchemy Stones web site and blog
Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!
Thank you for supporting independent art & creativity!
2024.09.28 AS-TXT-279/249