The Economy [Archive] - Sculpture Community

evaldart

10-10-2008, 05:52 AM

I'm coming off my best show of the year (this month). While I'll admit that the year as whole has been lighter than 07 (August and Sept were a bust) I can only see this, as it relates to me, as nothing more than the usual fluctuations from one year to the next. We are probably not selling to the people who suffer most by harder times.

It has always kept me busy to never depend on one venue/method of selling. Do the paperwork, fill out the appliocations, proposals, beat the street and get in that loaded truck and drive. So many times the things that seemed like they would be a big waste turned into paydays. I learned this long ago. Also, I never depend upon one body of work. Got to make it all, everything that tantalizes; from functional to the finest of the fine. There will be "jobs" and there will be unsellable indulgences...got to make it ALL.

Humans CANNOT resist Art, it wakes up something deep within them and they recognize it as vital...Dow Jones ticker-tapes wont be able to squash this. Folks'll do without other things. A hardworking and prolific Artist needn't worry about "getting by" but he should always worry about whether certain bodies of work are providing the RIGHT self-determinations - and these particular, more important bodies of work might never give you a damned dollar; but they'll inform lesser works and keep you vigorously confident and "in-the-know" (and if you're executing them properly you'll stay strong, as well).

I'm loading over to another show on Saturday as the market plunges, followed shortly by an open-studio event at my place, followed by the dragging of some major abstractions up to a sculpture park - some stuff pays-off, some doesn't... but its what we do. ALL of it.

Blacksun

10-10-2008, 06:39 AM

Well said Evaldart!

iowasculptor

10-10-2008, 07:25 AM

Bring it on! My commissions are way up, and my wife's sales of her art was up from 07. I look forward to the correction in the economy, home prices falling, might now be able to purchase a home in stead of rent one, a surplus of cars, sounds like there will be some good deals. Can't get credit, perhaps people should start to live within their means? People out of work, sounds like university student numbers will be up. While I feel some concern for those who are near retirement, for the rest of us it actually could be a good thing. Go to a pay as you go and end this stock market, oil speculation, home speculation farce. Our government and our business sectors are to blame for passing deregulation opening up the market to really stupid money making strategies.
Matt

StevenW

10-10-2008, 07:28 AM

Price goes down, demand goes up. Price goes up, demand goes down. Fortunes are made in recessions and as stock prices fall commodities become more affordable. I scored a $2000.00 Pella front door with custom stained glass for 200 bucks at Lowes last month from a returned order because the pre-hung frame had some minor dents in it. Whoopdee-do.. The door itself and glass are mint, 36x80.. Also scored some Millgard windows for 40 bucks each, easily 2k in windows..

There's some sweet deals going on out there and if you want a car or house or whatever than now's the time to do it. If the whole thing goes down the toilet we'll all be in the same boat anyway so what difference does it make.

outsider

10-10-2008, 09:51 AM

jOe~

10-10-2008, 10:15 AM

Anyone else fear the government dictating artists' output?No. Not at all. Why would they. There would be no money to be made that way. They only want to control money and the means of production, or annoyances to what it considers proper or normal and thus the safe and the acceptable. So you see, they won't try to dictate. but do have a very serious interest in the control, i.e., content. But that's been enforced for a long time. So the best safe guard is to resist all the fucking censorship that has crept into not only government but the culture as a whole. This is a carry over from a few exchanges between Zazie, Sculptor and myself on an another thread.

evaldart

10-10-2008, 11:02 AM

Maybe some "artists" will allow their output to be dictated by the government. Not me...ever. Even when I do "jobs"...its just a less invigorating and more "functioning" version of ME.

jOe~

10-10-2008, 11:09 AM

Not me...ever. Even when I do "jobs"...its just a less invigorating and more "functioning" version of ME. You know what to protect. Spread the word.

Merlion

10-11-2008, 03:44 AM

...Personally I think the art world will be one of the hardest hit as non essential spending is reduced ...
Well, it all depends. Are you aspiring to be in the same league as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Lucian Freud. It is not necessarily so in the high end art market, see below.

Rush to buy art and side-step the global banking meltdown (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1070971/Rush-buy-art-step-global-banking-meltdown.html)

8 Oct 2008 Super-rich investors are pouring their money into art and antiques to protect it from the global banking meltdown.

A report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said the top end of the market, where items sell for £50,000 or more, is 'booming'.

A spokesman said: 'Investors are now becoming more selective in their purchases and this is likely to carry on as the super-rich continue to use the industry as an alternative investment vehicle.' ....

iron ant

10-11-2008, 09:09 AM

Ev,has the right take on the situation.Diversivication,get your hands in many pies,and there will be a slice to eat.IA

Giotto

10-11-2008, 01:29 PM

Ev, I like your spirit....and I will give you that high end art is selling as an investment...but if you understand how the financial system works then you know money just isn't circulating. As a result most of those near or at retirement age have simply hunkered down....which compounds the physiology of the situation. In all of my life I have never seen a global credit freeze and in this way things are different. I have no doubt we are in a recession but this time I think it could go on for several years. Here in oregon I noticed one of our largest galleries has just gone up for sale....

I guess the point of all of this is that this December I was thinking of seeking gallery representation...I may put that off and focus on other things until the economy looks better.

Here is a article on what's happening with consumer spending that makes my point

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/105938/The-New-Age-of-Frugality;_ylt=AuJRifNH1CLEw03L1xAzpo9O7sMF

G

cooljamesx1

10-11-2008, 02:27 PM

Price goes down, demand goes up. Price goes up, demand goes down.

you've got it backwards. demand goes up, prices go up, demand goes down, prices go down. it is an important distinction that demand regulates prices and not the other way around.

sculptor

10-11-2008, 04:10 PM

you've got it backwards. demand goes up, prices go up, demand goes down, prices go down. it is an important distinction that demand regulates prices and not the other way around.

'cepting, i think for the deregulation which led to virtually free money which had too much money chasing the housing stock which caused the bubble
so under that impetus
prices go up, (perceived "easy money") demand goes up
as speculation( greater fool method of investing?---"buy high, sell higher")?

query
did central banks start selling gold friday to get cash for their bail-outs?

Giotto

10-11-2008, 05:03 PM

Here is one way to make money...
G

CroftonGraphics

10-11-2008, 07:19 PM

I may be wrong but I think I recall a radio 4 documentary with Alvin Hall,
he is american, did you banish him to the UK or something? Hes harmless anyway.

It was about how the high art economy was booming even in this economy.
One person mentioned that the art market often is a year or two behind the rest of the economy.

On the other side of the coin, in an economic slump where people can no longer get the mortgage for some home beyond their means, perhaps they may want to buy artworks for the homes they cannot move from.

Apart from that, if the global money system collapses, anyone know a good book on cave painting techniques? lol.

tonofelephant

10-12-2008, 04:31 AM

Crofton,

Nay, instead of cave painting - I'm thinking interior stone sculpture (in caves). Hard for me to believe though, as someone always behind the curve - am I really in the forefront (stone sculpting) for the first time in my life????

Carl

Merlion

10-12-2008, 09:45 AM

That'll be nice, one of you doing cave paintings and the other cave sculptures.

outsider

10-12-2008, 03:55 PM

2008 Econ Crisis.
With all the corporate mergers such as GM Ford and Crysler becoming 1, and this crisis is global, any guesses when or if countries will start merging?

sculptor

10-12-2008, 04:40 PM

... if countries will start merging?

do you mean, as in europe?
The prior "clash in corporate cultures" there has reverberated around the world.

evaldart

10-12-2008, 08:19 PM

My guess is the opposite, I am imagining accruing indifference and a gathering dispertion.

jOe~

10-12-2008, 08:38 PM

My guess is name calling and fist fights.

cooljamesx1

10-12-2008, 11:40 PM

'cepting, i think for the deregulation which led to virtually free money which had too much money chasing the housing stock which caused the bubble
so under that impetus
prices go up, (perceived "easy money") demand goes up

demand didn't go up, prices fell (in the short term, people are dumb) causing SALES to go up. very important difference.

Ries

10-13-2008, 11:18 PM

Actually prices didnt fall at all.
The housing bubble caused real estate prices to go up.
The real costs of the loans, which were mostly variable interest rates, were almost all higher than fixed rate loans would be. So the cost of money went up too.
What went down was the entry cost- an artifically low down payment (or no down payment) allowed a lot of people to think they could afford houses they could not.

Sales did indeed go up, because initially at least, it seemed as if they were giving em away.

As Tom Waits so eloquently put it- "the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away".

cooljamesx1

10-14-2008, 12:31 AM

that's what I meant when I said they fell "in the short term".

desertrock

10-14-2008, 10:47 AM

I'm doing more public exhibitions now and have started selling directly this way.
The galleries that carry my work have been batting zero.
I've lowered my prices of "on hand" works to below 50% of gallery, and am considering pulling everything from the galleries and continuing this more direct marketing approach.
I'm seeking out as many local venues as are available to avoid the "on the road" gig.
We'll see.
Good thread....

Mark

tonofelephant

10-16-2008, 01:19 PM

This economy thing is hurting me. Just had a customer who had bought 3 sculptures through a gallery over the last 2 years decline to carry through on a sale. Her portfolio had dropped 35% and she had a bad case of the willies about it. Nothing I could say in subsequent emails could mollify her. Buying the sculpture was a drop in the bucket for her. She was just fearful of the unknown.

My wife's and my galleries don't seem to have a bad downturn in business but they certainly seem to be holding off selling our work. Quite depressing. One gallery told me that they had a series of bad months culminating in July being their best month ever in 15 years. Still havent heard of any sales from him in July.

I realize that it is several things not just one. First, there is always anxiety when presidential elections crop up every 4 years. It seems that everyone thinks that the world is coming to an end with the election. Call it Fear of the Unknown. About a month after the election, things begin to return to normal. Then everyone is resigned that their Bozo for President did not get in and they wil have to put up with the new Bozo for 4 years.

Another cause is the economy. Few of your clients are really affected directly by the financial panic we are currently enjoying. Yes their portfolio has dropped, maybe even the equity in their house. But, they are still at their jobs pulling down great salaries every 2 weeks/month etc. They are not down at the Union Mission looking for a cot tonight.

Finally, there is the fear that is pandered by the media. Their motto "When it bleeds it leads" really sells the paper for them. Listen not at the words but the intonation used, the tone of a story - all of it leads back to "be afraid", "things could be worse", etc. The media does not seem to handle stories of a positive or inspirational nature well. I guess if you like positive news you are an idiot.

Basically FDR said it best. "All we have to fear is fear itself" Fear is a terrible thing. Fear resides in the lizard part of your brain. It will inspire you to either become immoblized or run like hell. Fear has no rational basis usually. It is a dread of something that you don't know, which usually equates to needless worry, stress and fear. Now try and communicate that to a potential client that wants to put off buying your work "until the economy is better". You will probaly find that fear has also turned off their hearing and comprehension. Hard for the client to hear you when they are doing their ostrich impersonation of fear.

Carl

Duck

10-20-2008, 09:14 AM

out front of the Hunter Museum a couple weeks ago:D

jOe~

10-20-2008, 12:40 PM

The auction world ain't pretty: www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24522827-36375,00.html

bottegin

01-27-2009, 08:09 AM

This is my third year since I opened my studio. I have had a 30%increase over the first year and I am pleased. I am hoping that when the economy picks up again I will be able to make even larger profits.

CroftonGraphics

01-27-2009, 08:05 PM

I think the world economy is in serious trouble, here in the UK we risk becoming another Iceland due to what our 'great leader' is doing.

So not to worry all you guys in the USA etc, when the pound devalues a lot, you can come and buy some sculpture workshop really cheap over here.

By that time if you cannot afford food, in the wilds here we have food in abundance for free and fish in our seas! Last autumn I went for a walk and found some chanterelles, didnt dare to eat them though!

evaldart

01-27-2009, 08:23 PM

I have only EVER earned a dollar against formidable odds...nothing new going on for Evaldart.

Dustin Faddis

01-28-2009, 03:22 AM

As a visionary, I believe in multiple world theory. I see a few of the possible worlds in the future. I sincerely hope for us all, that we do not take the paths that take us to, and we become, one of those bad ones I see.

USA USSR USSA ?
United Socialist States of America?
Feds buying mortgages (private land)...banks...
Take over of health care... what's next?

Anyone else fear the government dictating artists' output?

We are in the midst of a world war! This is World War III. It's being fought with paper...so far!

probably the most mild of comments I've heard from you Outsider. But, to be fair, it is said in its own context. Given that, I perceive it as being rather "extreme". I guess exaguration is your language of choice.

Nonetheless, to answer your question, no I don't fear gov't dictating artists' output. Dictating is left for those who tolerate dictation. I don't tolerate dictation so I don't fear it. I perceive that what is implied in this question is the issue of control and the variables regarding what one is capable or incappable of doing(output). These sort of variables are always present in the realm of creating.

Victor Frankl, who was a German-concentration camp survivor in WWII, mentions in his book titled, Man's Search for Meaning, his experience of art during that time of dictatorship and suppression. This story provides evidence for the survival of "art" even in the midst of such variables that one might suggest being fearful of.

Although each man chooses to fear their own factors, I believe in the God given opportunity to create...the desire to create, the imagination, the will, and also the meaning that is applied to such a process no matter what the materials no matter what the situation, no matter what the context. Art stands the test of time.

Will certain variables influence those artistic "outcomes"?, well of course. How one choose to project the possible outcomes by way of communicating with the use of vocabulary that evokes thoughts of fear and suppression is interesting to me and has stimulated me to respond. I am refering to your comment. Your use of language has provided some interesting thought processing, so thank you for that.

Has this use of language and the meanings implied within that construct, achieved the outcome you have intended or accomplised the hope that it would provoke in people great perceptions of art and the environment in which it is produced? Or, were you just talking about politics. I'll let you be the judge.

I like to consider the power of creating art and it's affect on the people who love to create. Thanks for your question :-)

cheers,
Dustin Faddis

Dustin Faddis

01-28-2009, 03:25 AM

I just noticed Joe's quote by David Smith at the bottom of his post. I dig it. Alot.

thanks Joe for sharing!

Duck

01-28-2009, 07:36 AM

With the Stock market falling 40% coupled with the freeze in the credit markets, the effects on the broader economy is now being felt, as the recession takes hold. For example, car sales are 30% down...

Personally I think the art world will be one of the hardest hit as non essential spending is reduced...

What do you all think about this ?

G

I’m trying to figure out a way to short my neighbors real-estate :D

CroftonGraphics

01-28-2009, 08:25 AM

And with the printing of money at the moment 'quantitive easing'
will the 'deflation' soon turn to inflation?

What will that mean for the art market, will prices inflate perhaps with inflation or lose real term values along with savings?

evaldart

01-28-2009, 09:23 AM

Your creativity musnt end when you put down the torches. A creatve approach will need to be advantaged in areas of your life that had not previously required such. "Opportunities" will be exploited and avenues will get trodden that a year ago might not have caught your attention. But then, this is all just "work" and feeding and warming. An "able" human, regardless of vocation, will sustain through this economic charade.

And, if you can channel some rage into artistic intensity, just look at your "culture", blame them, get fired-up, and make an aberrant collossal, a gargantuan spit-in-the-face, a grizzled mercenary in your personal war against their expectations. Make something that you can ride-on solo, out into the desolation of the desert, your back to them as you bee-line for the vanishing point...your middle finger held high as the new sun bakes-in your new wrinkles.

iron ant

01-29-2009, 12:25 PM

I have only EVER earned a dollar against formidable odds...nothing new going on for Evaldart.

you crack me up as I totally can relate.My take is everybody in the "other" world is getting a taste of life as a "starving Artist",maybe it will humble the masses.I do hope evrything picks up ,but I plan on still standing tall/small when things come around....IA

craigktx

01-29-2009, 08:54 PM

i will just keep making sellable art.:D

Glacierspirits

03-05-2009, 03:40 PM

Now it is getting seriously serious! GM going down, Citibank, belly up too. Most states face deficits, many going bankrupt. We live in interesting times. I don't know a single person who is not getting hammered by the current economic conditions. Four of my neighbors lost their jobs this week. Very sad. This is going to impact art sales sooner or later. There is no way around it.

zazie

03-05-2009, 04:15 PM

T

Basically FDR said it best. "All we have to fear is fear itself" Fear is a terrible thing. Fear resides in the lizard part of your brain. It will inspire you to either become immoblized or run like hell. Fear has no rational basis usually. It is a dread of something that you don't know, which usually equates to needless worry, stress and fear. Now try and communicate that to a potential client that wants to put off buying your work "until the economy is better". You will probaly find that fear has also turned off their hearing and comprehension. Hard for the client to hear you when they are doing their ostrich impersonation of fear.

Carl

This is an excellent time to (re)read "On fear" by Jiddu Krishnamurti. The slim book is organized in very short chapters that lead you on a soothing, thoughtful, meditative journey from which one emerges stronger.

evaldart

03-05-2009, 05:07 PM

If you manage to make something that is absolutely vital to your own life, a crumb of that vitality might find its way into the appetite of someone else...moneyed or no, they will HAVE to have it; its that simple. You have already been rewarded by bringing it about, and your clan gets fed too. No losers in this scenario.
So make those things.

outsider

03-05-2009, 08:56 PM

I think it's going to turn around soon. Quit listening to doomsday media.

Glacierspirits

03-05-2009, 09:06 PM

I think it's going to turn around soon. Quit listening to doomsday media.

Well, I for one hope you're right, but I don't see how that can be. I will say this, if the economy does turn around this year, in the US, you just go ahead and appoint Obama King now. He is all in, all chips on the table, cards in hand with the spending bills. I'm hoping his wins this bet for sure! So, time will tell. I personally am planing for some tough times, but this is nothign new for me. I've been in the poor house most all my life. :D

Landseer

03-05-2009, 11:06 PM

Now it is getting seriously serious! GM going down, Citibank, belly up too.

GM was going down a decade ago nothing new there, they gre way too big way too fast, all dependent upon continued brainwashing of the sheeple who buy news cars that they must replace these $25,000 4 wheel seats about every 5 years to keep up with the latest STYLES. They have 1,200 DESIGNERS on payroll, people who do nothing but design new BODY STYLES every year, only... people aint buying any more, and even fewer would risk buying an expensive machine from a company I said months ago WILL go bankrupt without question.

Who would be foolish enough to buy a car from a company going bankrupt, whose employees are probably pissed off about it all and in a sabotage frame of mind, and expect a warantee to be honored, or even PARTS available??

[quote]
Most states face deficits, many going bankrupt.

I dont even remember a time when these damn states could actually keep within their BUDGETS, not one! they have ALL screamed about the red ink and kept borrowing and spending, borrowing more and spending it like drunk sailors, maybe its time they DO go bankrupt and dump the top heavy Govt bureaucrats and overpaid shills in the city county and state agencies so they can learn to live within their existing tax base!

You have states like California who want to do insane things that wont work like tax veterinary medical services now to raise funds for their $40 billion red ink! It wont even dent the red ink, it WILL cause people to forego veterinary care on their animals because of the extra cost, the same animals may wind up dumped on county animal control, but they don't think of THAT.

I don't know a single person who is not getting hammered by the current economic conditions. Four of my neighbors lost their jobs this week.

Well, my sales suddenly picked up in the last 2 weeks for no particular reason, and while I dont ship out of the US, one client in the UK pleaded to buy my large Art Deco panel and she she would arrange the pickup/shipping so I agreed.
It cost her over $300 for the shipping alone, obviously some people are NOT being affected by the economy.
I have 3 client's orders right now to fill and shipping another tomorrow that is ready.

Glacierspirits

03-06-2009, 12:27 AM

[quote=Glacierspirits;73953]Now it is getting seriously serious! GM going down, Citibank, belly up too.

GM was going down a decade ago nothing new there, they gre way too big way too fast, all dependent upon continued brainwashing of the sheeple who buy news cars that they must replace these $25,000 4 wheel seats about every 5 years to keep up with the latest STYLES. They have 1,200 DESIGNERS on payroll, people who do nothing but design new BODY STYLES every year, only... people aint buying any more, and even fewer would risk buying an expensive machine from a company I said months ago WILL go bankrupt without question.

Who would be foolish enough to buy a car from a company going bankrupt, whose employees are probably pissed off about it all and in a sabotage frame of mind, and expect a warantee to be honored, or even PARTS available??

I dont even remember a time when these damn states could actually keep within their BUDGETS, not one! they have ALL screamed about the red ink and kept borrowing and spending, borrowing more and spending it like drunk sailors, maybe its time they DO go bankrupt and dump the top heavy Govt bureaucrats and overpaid shills in the city county and state agencies so they can learn to live within their existing tax base!

You have states like California who want to do insane things that wont work like tax veterinary medical services now to raise funds for their $40 billion red ink! It wont even dent the red ink, it WILL cause people to forego veterinary care on their animals because of the extra cost, the same animals may wind up dumped on county animal control, but they don't think of THAT.

Well, my sales suddenly picked up in the last 2 weeks for no particular reason, and while I dont ship out of the US, one client in the UK pleaded to buy my large Art Deco panel and she she would arrange the pickup/shipping so I agreed.
It cost her over $300 for the shipping alone, obviously some people are NOT being affected by the economy.
I have 3 client's orders right now to fill and shipping another tomorrow that is ready.

I agree with everything you said except one thing. your art sales are doing well because you're one hell of an artist! I just viewed your site and your work is outstanding! This might have something to do with it? As another stated, here, if you make work that captures people's interest, souls and desires, they are going to have to have it, period.

When I was simply a collector, it was not uncommon for me to spend money on art I could not afford. And , I'm still slighly overweight and alive.

StevenW

03-06-2009, 08:41 AM

Who would be foolish enough to buy a car from a company going bankrupt,...
The libs, except they didn't just buy the car, they bought the company and hat's off to TCI bank and Ford, saying thanks but no thanks to the evil cap and trade federation in Washington trying to bait and switch them with their bribes. The evil commie Chavez in Venezuela, after having erased term limits (something desperately needed here for our own senators) and effectively declaring himself king in the wake of artificially inflated crisis pretty much controls everything now including who gets rice and who doesn't...

And these nutters are doing the same thing here and we allow it and bow down to it... Soon enough, going to the doctor will be just like a visit to the DMV, take a number you sheeple! :)

grommet

03-06-2009, 09:13 AM

stevenW
Perhaps having your head full is not a good thing. Muck out the stalls already, some fresh straw will do wonders.;)

StevenW

03-06-2009, 10:58 AM

.. some fresh straw will do wonders.;)

I'm no vegetarian quadruped.. :)

Landseer

03-07-2009, 10:40 AM

[quote=Landseer;73979]

I agree with everything you said except one thing. your art sales are doing well because you're one hell of an artist! I just viewed your site and your work is outstanding! This might have something to do with it? As another stated, here, if you make work that captures people's interest, souls and desires, they are going to have to have it, period.

When I was simply a collector, it was not uncommon for me to spend money on art I could not afford. And , I'm still slighly overweight and alive.

Thanks for that Glacierspirits, I'm not that spectacular a sculptor, and I still wrestle with a few things, but I get by.
I know all about the collector bug and buying things yoiu cant afford at the time cause you HAD to have it. That copper cornice I just bought ran $2,500 but had to have it :)

Zophia

03-10-2009, 04:58 PM

The economy is going down but i am getting alot more commissions. So, I am doing a bit better. I have been published in some magizines this past year, won some awards and last month was featured in the newspaper with a picture on the front page. All the free publicity has helped get my name out there and people are wanting art.

I had a great show last weekend. My horseshoing business is a bit slower but that is ok because it is replaced by paid time in my studio. More people are getting things fixed so i have been getting some regular repair work in. They are usually small jobs that put cash right in my pocket. Especially aluminum work, which no one else in the area seem to be able to do. I kind of live out in the boon-docks.

I heard on NPR a while back that during the last recession there was a resurgance of art. Obama is giving money for the arts also so maybe there will be more public art projects to get into. And yes, i have been finding good deals on equipment and materials.

evaldart

03-12-2009, 03:12 PM

Just got a notification from a show in Boston that it was cancelled. Of course, right before we were supposed to receive our stipends. At least I was able to claim some material (reclamation theme)...will get a few free sculptures out of the deal. I suspect the economy is behind this as the park/venue was backed by a luxury loft development group. Oh, well, so I spent half of last night throwing together another proposal to get it in under the wire. I wouldnt want to disappoint the F-350.

craigktx

03-12-2009, 05:23 PM

sportsartart

04-16-2009, 09:32 AM

I'm new here but have put a lot of thought into this. As of this point things have slowed a bit for me but in anticipation of possibly getting worse I'm adjusting my product line. Besides Originals and prints in the 2d world I'm trying some new things in bronze (usable art) like high relief pieces for use in furniture and a line of inexpensive pewter pieces. I'm not sure where the economy is headed but it doesn't look good. Survival as an artist is tough in a good econmy. I have been doing this for over 30 years and have learned the artist has to adapt because the outside world really doesn't.
Jeff