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This year will see some innovative changes to the way I work, as well as exciting new technological advances that I'm sure are going to delight future buyers and collectors of my artwork!
As part of my personal strategy for countering winter lockdown blues, I decided in December to purchase a van to convert into a mobile studio. This will allow me, not only to transport artwork around to galleries, etc., but also to roam the countryside with much larger canvases than before, in order to paint. (You can't fit much into the boot of my VW Eos, however much I love that car!) It even came complete with an awning and tent, so I won't even need to go home, if I get engrossed in a particular landscape! So please tell me your favourite spots in Cornwall or Devon, so I can have new places to paint.
The van conversion hasn't yet begun, but I think I'll just be organic about it - to see how best it might work. It's already carpeted from floor to ceiling in the back, which is a start. I'll keep you informed of further developments and photos. I’m planning also to have some of my own artwork on the sides, although I must say the Celtic cross is kind of cute. (Strange as the van came down from Derby?!)
Now to the technological advances . . .
A good friend of mine Marcus, who happens to be Robin's dad - Robin my studio PA - well Marcus is what you call a techie geek genius! He’s been developing software lately that we are now planning to merge with the artworld. In principle it should provide a complete online provenance for every piece of artwork we apply it to. In case you’re not familiar, the provenance of a work of art is the official record of its authenticity by the artist, as well as milestones in its history, where it gets exhibited, sold, etc. Only on rare occasions have I ever been asked to provide this kind of authentication. It tends to be when collectors are really serious about the value of their acquisitions.
But get this - the provenance we are developing will go way beyond anything ever done before - I mean it! This is how it's going to work:
Whenever I begin a new piece of work above a particular size/price threshold, a QR code will be generated and attached to the reverse of the canvas. (I think we all know about QR codes now, even if we didn't before Track’n’Trace!)
This code will link directly to a website where the whole history of the piece will be held - not from when the piece sold, but right from the blank canvas stage! By going to the provenance website, you will eventually be able to see photos and videos of where the painting began, the place that inspired it, various layers of paint applied, any anecdotal stories arising from the piece, perhaps me talking about it, or someone else, where it was exhibited, and finally the handover to whomever eventually buys it! (And even after that, there will be facility to add more, if the piece gets sold on.)
How cool is that? The whole history from conception to birth of your work of art, all encapsulated in time and certified online for anyone to view at any time, with easy access through the coded website. (Of course, it goes without saying you’ll need a smart phone or computer!)
So, there we have it in a nutshell. I’d love to hear what you think of the ideas, or any comments questions you have. Maybe share them in the Facebook comments below, so we can all read your thoughts, and I can reply as fitting. I’m calling 2021 my year of the lesser reset - and hopefully I might be allowed to keep the diesel van for a few years yet! Lol.
]]>When sensitive political/economical issues (such as Brexit) are in the balance, it's very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of information, confusion, misinformation, conflict and mud-slinging. The temptation is to jump in, take sides, get heated, (and get the blues) - and eventually lose sight of the things we value most in life. "This too will pass" is a great mindset to adopt - yet at times proves to be most difficult. I recently conducted a survey of what people valued in art, and the consensus was very interesting: art is here to remind us of what really matters. It's not about art itself - but rather the feelings invoked. That transcendent connectedness to something way beyond petty politics helps us get things in perspective. Here are some quotes of what people said:
"The quality of colour and light create feelings in me which relax my mind and take me into a lovely world which is the natural world, which to me is healing and quite wonderful. It goes beyond words and looks into our souls."
- Renata
"can't solve anyone else's problems, but immersing yourself in them will give you the space to reflect and gain perspective... similar to music."
- Patrick
". . . problems surround us most of the time one way or another. Its just a question of how serious they are. It so helps to have distraction from them and also to think of other things that bring pleasure. Art has a way of opening our thoughts to loveliness - the sea, sky, light, colour, weather . . anything that helps lead our head to think of moments that lift our heart."
- Marie
"All of the arts engage our minds, imagination and senses. They help us to either lose ourselves or focus, whichever we happen to need. They take us on a quite a journey which cannot be quantified in any tangible sense."
- Bethanie
"The greatest value of art is in enlarging our own perceptions of the world around us and encouraging us to reflect on it more creatively. The journey is initially inward but then results in actions that enhance society."
- Crispin
"We live in a materialistic culture; rational scientific attitude teaches there is nothing beyond the material. Your paintings, (and many others in this style) can help remind the viewer of the mystical dimension of life. I feel relief when I look at your paintings, someone who’s able to convey spirit in all of life, something beyond the material. "
- Mary-Jayne
"It makes you feel something. In a world that discourages feeling anything other than fear or hate. Images that help us escape the mind prison have to be worth more than artists are ever credited with. Or at least the affordable unknowns. I want art that either helps me escape or expresses something I’m struggling to express. That moment when art says: 'Me too, you aren’t alone' is a tender moment."
- Jackie
It seems apparent from those reflective comments that, in the greater scheme of things, any uncertainty over political issues needn't throw us off balance. Art is always here to remind us of those core values we all hold. Over the years my own work has become increasingly involved in that intangible connection to something greater than all of us - something ineffable. (Meaning: too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.) It might not be fully describable, but the process goes something like this:
A visual connection with the painting > connects us to a sense of place/space > connects us to a feeling of 'being there' > connects us to a deeper sense of being present > connects us to a sense of wholeness > connects us all together > strengthens our sense of oneness and feeling secure in ourselves.
To see some of the original paintings I currently have in my studio, (aside from those shown here on this website), I invite you to visit Original Paintings Currently Available. (Click thumb image for larger view). To find out about discounts, special deals and installment plans, if you're not already a member, please sign up to my Membership Club below. Together we can beat those Brexit Blues!
Steve
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Steve :)
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Steve tells us: I've faffed around for several years trying to hide the fact that I sell work online, in case I upset potential new (and prestigious) galleries. This has to stop now - as I'm already very successful at what I do, and any gallery owner with a problem can leave me out of it! All the galleries I currently use in Cornwall and elsewhere are aware of my online operation. I enjoy a great relationship with all the galleries exhibiting my work, and spend a considerable percentage of my advertising budget sending clients directly to galleries. There's no need for me to feel ashamed of doing my own sales as well. Many collectors prefer to deal with galleries, and some come to me direct. They all get some great deals, and I appreciate all of them the same.
For any serious contemporary Cornish artist, this must pose somewhat of a dilemma - as some galleries are known to be precious about the matter. Steve's website Landscape Expressionism is his answer - and he's sticking to it! In this site he brings together his main art website, another website he had built especially to send potential galleries to, and a third site selling only prints. The new Landscape-Expressionism is planned to host not only current work, but also a large proportion of his back catalogue, dating back over three decades.
]]>It's late September 2014, and the sun is still warm here in Cornwall. My studio has not yet needed heat. Even when the small group of artists arrive tomorrow for the monthly 'Find your Freedom in Paint' session with me, I'm sure we'll still be warm. We've had a great Summer here in Cornwall. I've allowed myself to be somewhat lazy - but still got plenty done. And people have been buying my paintings! This is the 35th year I've been in business - and, as they say - I don't do too bad these days . . . all things considered!
So - please enjoy the shop. We've tried to make it interesting, enthralling, satisfying, inspiring - and affordable. If you need to know anything that's not shown, please don't hesitate to email us.
Steve.
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