Tuesday, October 23, 2007

THEY SOLD!!!---Well, kinda....

I've been putting off sharing this with all of you cause I can't quite get my head around it and how I'm supposed to feel about it. As I mentioned in a previous post that I had 2 pieces up for sale at a local art gallery in town. About 2 weeks ago both of them sold!!! I was so over the top excited and I can't even put it into words, I thought "YES, I've made it!!!!" However, that feeling right there dissipated when I'd discovered that it was my parents that bought them. *sigh* When I approached my mom on this she said they had hoped I wouldn't have found out till I'd sold my next piece(s), but that they bought them because they LOVED them, and because my Dad wanted to own my first pieces of art. So, as a daughter, I'm flattered and think how sweet it was of them to want that. However, as an artist I'm crushed as I don't feel that "I've made it". That isn't going to come till some stranger, who doesn't know me, loves my art simply for what it is and spends the money to take it home with them. I thought about not posting the particulars about the sale of the art on my blog, but felt that I would be lying about my enthusiasm about the sale if I didn't. I also felt that it wasn't a subject I could avoid altogether because I've had questions from others about this. So there you have it, and maybe all of you can help me move past this as an artist and get back to being excited about the sale of my artwork.

7 comments:

Jodi said...

Well bless your folks' hearts, but I do understand your "disapppointment". Lisa, you are such a talented artist. Those pieces must've been destined for mom & dad. You've dipped your toes in the water - now on to WOW-ing total strangers! I know you can do it! Hugs...

Anonymous said...

Take heart. You know how much I love your artwork, and I have absolutely no doubt that other do, too. I am confident that you will be selling other pieces. Aren't parents curious creatures?!

Beth Norman-Roberts said...

Congratulations for selling your art. Just because it was your parent's that bought it, doesn't mean it isn't a rocking piece of art! Not all parents would do this, and it is obvious they are very proud of your talent. My mom has become proud of mine, as of late, and it is a good feeling. You aren't alone when you say that you need acknowledgement from the outside world of your talent. I, too, try out for all design team calls, contests, etc., and unless I am successful at my search, I feel like a loser. It looks like we are all in the same basket. Wonder why that is? The hits on our blogs should be enough acknowledgement, don't you agree? I love your blog and read it daily. Your work is amazing. We all love you!

Kathy said...

Hi Lisa,
I loved your post. I could hear the excitement in your words, and then when I heard it was you folks, I just thought, what a lucky girl! They love you and they love what you create, there is nothing wrong with that. There will be others that sell. Let it go girl, there will be other's. My very best to you~

Name: Roberta said...

Hey Lisa... congrats on the sale of the two pieces!! I understand your feelings though as to your mom and dad buying them. At least you have an "in" now with Mark and he'll probably more readily accept even more of your great work!!
Think of this when yer feeling down... you could have found yer stuff for resale at Good Will ...like I just did! Ha! ahh well, it was one of my "buck burnings" of a lab that I did about 27+ years ago.. but my name is on it...accck!! I'll be darned if I'll buy it back, I don't even like it... it was a commissioned piece anyway... sooo, hope someone buys it soon, or they get rid of the evidence of a former art attempt...ha... Keep creating, yours are wonderful!!

Nancy said...

Be happy and grateful...a sale is a sale. At least your parents like what you do enough to spend money on it. They could think "it's just a little something Lisa does to keep herself entertained, don't you know."

And really, I bet you might do the same for your child too...

(But I do understand about being validated by strangers buying your work. I was just as excited last week when I sold three things on my brand new Etsy shop, then found out it was to a friend! But I am still very grateful she like them well enough to buy them.)

SUZAN BUCKNER said...

Lisa--LOL...my grandfather did this on my first show...I went up there, and they said I had made more than anyone there...I was so excited ....until, I found out that he had bought them.***sigh...gotta love them parents!!