An Artist's Personality

[marcusslo]

Don't think there is a thread on this yet... really lazy today and not going to bother confirming either

n e ways...

How much of a role do you think an artist's personality plays. Personally, if an artist is a total ass... it's a huge turn off. The opposite is also true. For some collectors, I would imagine the artwork is all that matters. Just curious how others felt.

[highbrow]

Two artists I have dealt with personally. one a great family friend LEBO, I have never seen an artist care about the people who buys his stuff. He really goes above and beyond and is so humbled when someone loves his work enough to care. Second would be Blaine Fontana I can not get into the specfics as it was my little cousin who made the purchase and Blaine went well above the call of duty. Really shows he cares about the people who may not collect his work but love it and want to start collecting it.

Great topic

[thecreep]

This is a very good topic.

There have a been a few occasions that I have met some artists that just had horrible attitudes, and it ruined their art for me. Then there are those whose attitudes were so great that it made their work better in my eyes. I guess I kind of project what I know about the artist onto the work.

Art is such an unstable profession, one day your in the next out etc, it amazes me that some of the have such a conceited, ridiculous way of dealing with the fans. The fans are extremely important. Ive seen artists get destroyed before by making the fans pissed at the way they were being treated, it was back when I worked in the music field but I know it works quite the same in art.

[virtu]

Many lowbrow artist I started with back in the 90's always said they would never fall into the uppity high brow gallery attitude that comes with wealth & fame but many did.

One of the sweetest young ladies in the world worked at my gallery for years and talked to most of our artist weekly.
She never wanted anything from the artist, never bothered them or asked for favors just enjoyed their work.
After knowing these artist for years that started from nothing & then to watch them become stars made her very happy but now most blow her off at shows and won't even say hello without a sneer.

It's all about A-List Collectors and A-List Galleries now as we have been told by many.
Lowbrow has become the ultimate Highbrow.

Won't name names but the Top Dog Artist of Lowbrow was at a New York show not long ago and my friend had the nerve to say hello (nothing more, no smoozing) and he looked at her, sneered then walked a few feet away and turned his back to her. (never said a word to her)

Many of our collectors who loved certain artist have since met many of them & been insulted by them thus selling off all of say artist from their collections.

Artist becoming Ass's seems to be a male trait since most of the female artist we work with seem to stay grounded and not sell out like their male counterparts.

Be kind to those on your way up because they will be waiting for you on your way back down.

[masao626]

Jul 5, 2008 7:34:27 GMT -8 virtu said:

Be kind to those on your way up because they will be waiting for you on your way back down.

beautifully put.

[thecreep]

Jul 5, 2008 7:34:27 GMT -8 virtu said:

Many lowbrow artist I started with back in the 90's always said they would never fall into the uppity high brow gallery attitude that comes with wealth & fame but many did.

One of the sweetest young ladies in the world worked at my gallery for years and talked to most of our artist weekly.
She never wanted anything from the artist, never bothered them or asked for favors just enjoyed their work.
After knowing these artist for years that started from nothing & then to watch them become stars made her very happy but now most blow her off at shows and won't even say hello without a sneer.

It's all about A-List Collectors and A-List Galleries now as we have been told by many.
Lowbrow has become the ultimate Highbrow.

Won't name names but the Top Dog Artist of Lowbrow was at a New York show not long ago and my friend had the nerve to say hello (nothing more, no smoozing) and he looked at her, sneered then walked a few feet away and turned his back to her. (never said a word to her)

Many of our collectors who loved certain artist have since met many of them & been insulted by them thus selling off all of say artist from their collections.

Artist becoming Ass's seems to be a male trait since most of the female artist we work with seem to stay grounded and not sell out like their male counterparts.

Be kind to those on your way up because they will be waiting for you on your way back down.

I agree. I haven't been running my site for very long, but I have already been sneered at a few times by some artists I helped at one point.

I would offer to help out, introduce them to some galleries and then after that they wouldn't talk to me anymore or return e-mails. Not like they got super big either, just got shown at a gallery or two.

[sleepboy]

This shouldn't affect how you view the art but it does for me. If I find that an artist is rude or not a good person it turns me off and I lose interest...

Sad how people change when they become famous.

[dangler]

... this is a really interesting thread for an artist to read. I think it is pointed out that it is a pretty subjective topic... but clearly, all of us don't like to be treated poorly or to not be accepted by an artist or anyone for that matter. Some of the most brilliant art was created by loner artists that felt disconnected from the outside world though... a lot of their anguish and despair fueled their creations, but consequently kept them sheltered from the outside world, becoming rude recluses. I think for artists of today they need to treat themselves as a business... and any successful business knows how to treat their clients. I for one can't really figure out how to keep everyone happy in social gatherings in particularly, when I'm too freaked about a number of things on the inside... and I fear that could throw off the wrong impression - when in reality like most other artists and people, I want people to like me - especially the people that support our work. I can't really get across how much it meant to me when Marcus hung out with me at my recent show, when their wasn't a huge turnout... that kind of support is something a lot of artists hope to express themselves but may have a little trouble doing so, being that a lot of artists are a weird, neurotic, eccentric, shy kind of person. So, if you are at an opening... and an artist isn't speaking to anyone... hell maybe it is because they are overwhelmed. With that being said... if an artist is clearly rude, doesn't return emails... expresses too much arrogance etc. Yeah I've seen it too... and yeah I hardly bother checking their work out after that. Although I will say, ironically, if Odd Nerdrum or HR Giger were jerks I think I would like their work even more! HA... touche.

[sleepboy]

Jul 17, 2008 10:21:12 GMT -8 dangler said:

... this is a really interesting thread for an artist to read. I think it is pointed out that it is a pretty subjective topic... but clearly, all of us don't like to be treated poorly or to not be accepted by an artist or anyone for that matter. Some of the most brilliant art was created by loner artists that felt disconnected from the outside world though... a lot of their anguish and despair fueled their creations, but consequently kept them sheltered from the outside world, becoming rude recluses. I think for artists of today they need to treat themselves as a business... and any successful business knows how to treat their clients. I for one can't really figure out how to keep everyone happy in social gatherings in particularly, when I'm too freaked about a number of things on the inside... and I fear that could throw off the wrong impression - when in reality like most other artists and people, I want people to like me - especially the people that support our work. I can't really get across how much it meant to me when Marcus hung out with me at my recent show, when their wasn't a huge turnout... that kind of support is something a lot of artists hope to express themselves but may have a little trouble doing so, being that a lot of artists are a weird, neurotic, eccentric, shy kind of person. So, if you are at an opening... and an artist isn't speaking to anyone... hell maybe it is because they are overwhelmed. With that being said... if an artist is clearly rude, doesn't return emails... expresses too much arrogance etc. Yeah I've seen it too... and yeah I hardly bother checking their work out after that. Although I will say, ironically, if Odd Nerdrum or HR Giger were jerks I think I would like their work even more! HA... touche.

wow that is an excellent point. i have excused some artists' behavior before in my mind by thinking "oh, artists are just weird like that" ( no offense matt ;D ). perhaps the reason for their behavior is the some of the reason they are good artists. however, that is usually that is just for artists who are awkward or shy. i don't forgive the ones that are rude, arrogant, or just plain changed after they became more "famous."

[nick210214]

I think it all boils down to whether you only bother collecting the works or actually bother to interact with the artists.

It's almost similar to liking a politicians and/or their policies.

[irsk]

It doesn't necessarily affect how I view art, but it does affect how I buy

[dangler]

Jul 17, 2008 10:44:28 GMT -8 sleepboy said:

Jul 17, 2008 10:21:12 GMT -8 dangler said:

... this is a really interesting thread for an artist to read. I think it is pointed out that it is a pretty subjective topic... but clearly, all of us don't like to be treated poorly or to not be accepted by an artist or anyone for that matter. Some of the most brilliant art was created by loner artists that felt disconnected from the outside world though... a lot of their anguish and despair fueled their creations, but consequently kept them sheltered from the outside world, becoming rude recluses. I think for artists of today they need to treat themselves as a business... and any successful business knows how to treat their clients. I for one can't really figure out how to keep everyone happy in social gatherings in particularly, when I'm too freaked about a number of things on the inside... and I fear that could throw off the wrong impression - when in reality like most other artists and people, I want people to like me - especially the people that support our work. I can't really get across how much it meant to me when Marcus hung out with me at my recent show, when their wasn't a huge turnout... that kind of support is something a lot of artists hope to express themselves but may have a little trouble doing so, being that a lot of artists are a weird, neurotic, eccentric, shy kind of person. So, if you are at an opening... and an artist isn't speaking to anyone... hell maybe it is because they are overwhelmed. With that being said... if an artist is clearly rude, doesn't return emails... expresses too much arrogance etc. Yeah I've seen it too... and yeah I hardly bother checking their work out after that. Although I will say, ironically, if Odd Nerdrum or HR Giger were jerks I think I would like their work even more! HA... touche.

wow that is an excellent point. i have excused some artists' behavior before in my mind by thinking "oh, artists are just weird like that" ( no offense matt ;D ). perhaps the reason for their behavior is the some of the reason they are good artists. however, that is usually that is just for artists who are awkward or shy. i don't forgive the ones that are rude, arrogant, or just plain changed after they became more "famous."

haha... hey right on. I totally agree... I tell you what, I will only change for the better... so that is one small step for man, and one giant leap for artistkind. *bows* ;D

[highbrow]

Speaking of this, I agree you collect an artists work not his personality, but sometimes you get bad service somewhere and you find somewhere else to shop. I personally have only met a handful of artists and with the exceptions of those who i do not know personally from my previous career I guess I have been lucky. Even artists I thought would give me a bad vibe have been good ( Skot Olsen invited me to his home to pick up my small piece to show me some of his other stuff ). Finally I guess I am at a cross roads as if an artist has a bad attitude towards me or whatever I may be turned off by there works.

[doktor]

Good topic.
I have to say I am terrified about meeting collectors of my work.
I am worried they wont like me and that will put them off.
I also dont deal well with show situations as I am not a gregarious person by nature and prefer being on my own.
I get a little freaked if there are lots of people in a room And very freaked if they know me but I dont know them... I dont post pictures of me around the net to try and limit this effect..
I try and be friendly but may come across as detached...

I have never met an artist who has been an outright ass to me though. Some have been on the cold side and its been a bit uncomfortable, but then its hard to know what to say to some people... "I love your stuff' just doesnt really cut it..

If an artist was an ass to me I think it would taint how I viewed their work, in a similar way to what would happen if I discovered they had ripped off another artists work.

[nick210214]

Hey Dok

Good to see you here. Don't worry too much, just be natural and hopefully fans will understand it and not be overwhelming. At least I think you cope well with UK fans. Maybe cause we are less... hm.. 'engaging'. It's just like talking over a pint.

From personal experience, I don't see any reason to not like the good Doktor A.
And a show size such as the previous one at Richard Goodall seemed comfortable for you.
Munny Shot ast year seemed too much.

[doktor]

Hello Nick.

Yeah Munny Shot was quite terrifying..
I dont like crowded rooms like that as a punter let alone someone on the billing..

[marcusslo]

Jul 17, 2008 10:21:12 GMT -8 dangler said:

... this is a really interesting thread for an artist to read. I think it is pointed out that it is a pretty subjective topic... but clearly, all of us don't like to be treated poorly or to not be accepted by an artist or anyone for that matter. Some of the most brilliant art was created by loner artists that felt disconnected from the outside world though... a lot of their anguish and despair fueled their creations, but consequently kept them sheltered from the outside world, becoming rude recluses. I think for artists of today they need to treat themselves as a business... and any successful business knows how to treat their clients. I for one can't really figure out how to keep everyone happy in social gatherings in particularly, when I'm too freaked about a number of things on the inside... and I fear that could throw off the wrong impression - when in reality like most other artists and people, I want people to like me - especially the people that support our work. I can't really get across how much it meant to me when Marcus hung out with me at my recent show, when their wasn't a huge turnout... that kind of support is something a lot of artists hope to express themselves but may have a little trouble doing so, being that a lot of artists are a weird, neurotic, eccentric, shy kind of person. So, if you are at an opening... and an artist isn't speaking to anyone... hell maybe it is because they are overwhelmed. With that being said... if an artist is clearly rude, doesn't return emails... expresses too much arrogance etc. Yeah I've seen it too... and yeah I hardly bother checking their work out after that. Although I will say, ironically, if Odd Nerdrum or HR Giger were jerks I think I would like their work even more! HA... touche.

thought you handled the show well Matt. if you were nervous, i couldn't really tell that much...the turn out was surprising though... considering you just about sold all your pieces. maybe it was just one of those days... or not enough publicity

[travislouie]

I read a post on the old Juxtapoz site, . . .about my show at The Shooting Gallery last year.
The fella (who wrote anonymously of course), said "his work is good but he could have been nicer", . . .and then he went further saying "I guess when you're that good you don't have to have a personality", . . . can you imagine how pissed off I was?
You try to be polite, spend enough time with each person asking questions, etc, . . . but it goes to show you, . . . you can't please everyone.
I do seem to remember that evening pretty well, . . . there was one fellow who seemed to want to occupy a bit more of my time, . . .maybe it was him, . . .who knows?

[kidrobotct]

Great thread and many great points. I personally am a big believer in supporting the artists you like but are also great people. Mainly because I don't like to see my hard earned money benefiting others who I don't like or aren't deserving of it. This goes for not only the artist but gallery owners as well for me. Some of the art I have at first I was on the fence but after meeting the artists I liked their stuff more and more. Kenji for example is one who I didn't fully appreciate the difficulty and complexity of his stenciling. I was fortunate enough to meet him through a mutual friend and ended up getting a small piece from Kenji.


In response to matt's post (subsequently Dok's too) - very well put! I think Dok was in line with what you were saying about the nature of many of the artists. In order to even be in touch with such emotions to fuel one's work, many times that person may just be a more introverted/disconnected type. For the masses, they may not be in touch with these emotions or themes but have experienced them in the past and it is why relate to the work on such a deeper level. Very rarely have I ever purchased art that didn't give me some type of emotional reaction. If I were to buy everything that I thought was cool or pretty I'd be in serious debt or living in a house built out of art.

I do think however the nature of the artist and their want for their work to be seen poses a conflicting situation. While you want your work to be seen and admired, that alone requires large gallery shows and openings. Knowing this I agree that artists need to look at it as a business, to an extent. If people are at your gallery opening it is probably because they are intrigued by your work or a supporter of yours/gallery.

I can't speak for everyone but I know that I don't expect much from an artist. For me it's very intimidating to even approach the artist because as a fan of their work you tend to look up to them. Especially if they've started to make a name for themselves. When I do talk to the artists its usually just a quick hello and let them know I've really enjoyed their work and thank them for coming out. Where the conversation goes from there is usually up to the artist. All I really expect from the artist is to be able to look me in the eye and say thank you. It's when artists turn their back to you, speak to you condescendingly/rudely or go above and beyond to avoid speaking to anyone that really turns me off of their work. I love Murakami's work and had the opportunity to see him but watching the way he treated many people who weren't A-listers there turned me off to the point of not even wanting to approach him. While I understand that it may have been the event and other circumstances seeing him act repeatedly to "nobodys" and then warm embraces and cheerful conversations with "somebodys" was a major turnoff. Most artists become somebody because "nobodys" like and support their work through those beginning years.

Dok - I can totally relate to what you are saying. I am a bit of a paradox however. By nature I am an introvert, being in large crowds of people who I may/may not have to talk to causes me large anxiety and terrifies me. However, I'm very good at talking to people and most would never guess this. I actually had a career in sales because of this but each day I would be so emotionally and physcially drained from it that I would go home and not talk to anyone for hours or be so drained I would just sleep. In days of big trade shows or events I always made sure I knew a place in the facility where I could just get away for a little while to recharge and calm myself down. It is also very nerve racking when everyone in the room knows who you are and yet you have no clue who they are so I give artists a lot of credit for putting themselves in these positions. I think all around it can be nerve racking on both sides and threads like this help artists and fans alike understand other viewpoints

[dangler]

Just came across the replies since my last input here - I just wanted to say thank you Marcus- in reply to your input: I mean yeah I was nervous... I was a little disappointed by the turnout at first especially, sure. But as pointed out by Kidrobot, it was the small conversations I engaged in with the small crowd that showed that were incredibly fulfilling. To think that the people that did show up were loyal fans, marked the show on their calendars, dressed nice... and actually expressed to me how much they liked my work eye to eye was an experience I will never forget, and quite possibly one of the most fulfilling moments of my life so far. So I am thankful, and grateful... I would rather share some genuine words with a new friend that comes out to a show, then have a million people stuffed in a gallery that just want to be part of something - not that there is anything wrong with that either, I am just expressing what I would prefer.

- Excellent points were shared in this thread and I really appreciate people taking the time to share their thoughts on the matter. Reading through makes me realize I'm not alone with the large crowd anxiety and there are plenty of other introverted heads out there walking around. It makes me look forward to meeting some new people at my next show @ M Modern -

[mokaneshu]

Jul 29, 2008 21:13:11 GMT -8 dangler said:

Just came across the replies since my last input here - I just wanted to say thank you Marcus- in reply to your input: I mean yeah I was nervous... I was a little disappointed by the turnout at first especially, sure. But as pointed out by Kidrobot, it was the small conversations I engaged in with the small crowd that showed that were incredibly fulfilling. To think that the people that did show up were loyal fans, marked the show on their calendars, dressed nice... and actually expressed to me how much they liked my work eye to eye was an experience I will never forget, and quite possibly one of the most fulfilling moments of my life so far. So I am thankful, and grateful... I would rather share some genuine words with a new friend that comes out to a show, then have a million people stuffed in a gallery that just want to be part of something - not that there is anything wrong with that either, I am just expressing what I would prefer.

I would have been there at the show if it was a bit more local than a 6 hour drive, heh. But I dig your work and bought something from the show even though I couldn't be there to view it in person. You'll have to post about the next time you come up to the bay area though. I would have loved to ask you questions in person rather than through the email I sent asking you about the piece I bought. Your explanation of it made me love it even more.

Recently the artists who I've met and talked to have been very nice and genuine people who after talking to, make me appreciate their work more. But as a fan/collector of their work, I get intimidated myself, to just talk to them. Personally, I feel like if I were in there place I would be uncomfortable thinking that these people know exactly who I am and stuff about me, and I have no clue who they are.

I guess I would be the stereotypical hermit artist who doesn't like to socialize outside my comfort zone. haha. But I'm sure if people actually came out to see something I did I would be more than happy to socialize, but I do understand how the situation may seem awkward.

[virtu]

This personality thing goes for gallery owners as well as artist.
What's the old saying "Love Gatherings, Hate Crowds"?

I tend to be very introverted/shy at shows when people want to meet me or I am being made to take someone to the artist for an introduction. (very awkward)
I get allot of anxiety at shows and try to stay in the background listening..
That's why we have pretty, energetic girls working the floor.
Normal days in the gallery I tend to be more outgoing when it's one on one & I go out of my way to be helpful and informative.

Allot of artist (80%) I have worked with have been very shy but super nice when you get to know them.
Don't mistake Shy for an Ass.

[roqlarue]

I would agree- with the hundreds of artists I have met or worked with, only about 2 stand out as being really obnoxious people. Most are very cool and overwhelmed or nervous about their work being judged in a crowded gallery setting.

[travislouie]

Most of the artists I've met, have been very kind and affable, . . .only a couple of bad eggs in this little world of ours.

[sleepboy]

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