Stories Behind The Art

One of the challenging parts of being an artist’s wife is letting go of Jay’s treasured works.  As the artist’s wife, I have to like all of his works, but admittedly, I like some better than others. Truly, I am proud of the endeavor that goes into each art work and the craftsmanship that creates an outcome that few of us could accomplish.

Part of me has a compassionate, emotional investment in our art business. For the most part, I have been on site where these animals were seen and the story started, long before the art emerges. Often these are magnificent outdoor scenes, tough hikes, or concerted efforts to locate wildlife. In short, the art subjects include a personal story that is also mine.

But, another part of me has to maintain a business focus. A professional artist sells his art with the goal of making money from it, a profit in other words. It is not just a hobby and it is not just something Jay does to fill time or because he has an “artist’s calling” as some uninformed folks have suggested.

In the end, the art is a business just like any other small business.  A product is produced and tremendous effort is invested to find the right people to buy that product.

Thus, when we find the “right” buyer, it is a bitter-sweet event to sell art. We are pleased as punch that some customers connect with Jay’s art and decide to purchase it. Especially in a world of economic challenges, the sale of original art is no small deal.

At the same time, we have been looking at that same art as it emerged from the drawing board, got scanned, then framed, then hung at home, and then displayed at exhibitions or fairs. Our art is like our children. We love each drawing and live with it, day in and out.

So, when the right karma comes along and the just right person wants to buy the art, the ultimate convergence of sharing and selling occurs. We are grateful that our buyers love the art just like we do. Then we, buyers and sellers, all feel the ultimate joy,  that the animals have moved on to a “good home.”