Bit by bit putting it together...

I love the creative process.  

It's all that follows that makes me crazy.

When I was a beginning freelance writer I was told to always have the next story in my head, a couple in process on my desk and five "out in the field."

It was that "out in the field" that was the toughest thing for me.  

The writing is enjoyable.  Thinking about the next story inspiring.  It's the marketing of one's work that is the TRUE WORK.

Why is it easier to market or represent someone else's work?  I have a friend who is an artist and I extoll her work to all who will listen.  I've encouraged people to visit her website, talked about her process and proudly shown off the works I have have in our home.

But, when it comes to marketing and representing my own work, I get fluttery and flummoxed, tongue-tied and hesitant.  Before I make a "cold call," (and when you move to a new location it's ALL "cold calls") I remind myself that what I do is unique and wonderful.  My pep talk includes why I want others to see or read my work, why I believe in what I do and why it's important that I talk about it with all the passion I feel for it.  (That part about passion is REALLY IMPORTANT.)

I suppose it's a bit like public speaking, or glossophobia, which, I've read, is one of the biggies when it comes to fear inducing phobias--topping death, spiders and even heights. 

Fortunately for me, though, marketing myself (and even public speaking) becomes somewhat easier the more often I do it.  

As I have visited with gallery owners and exhibit directors about my flood stick art I have encountered unexpected kindnesses and interested and receptive responses to it.  

So that is my field work as I finish my current body of work with the final touches before my exhibit in a couple of weeks.  Suzette, the gallery owner, has sent out her press releases.  This week I'll begin personally dropping off my post cards with invitations to the exhibit (remember, I don't know that many people yet.)  Next week I'll begin to hang pieces in the gallery, which involves its own finishing touches.

www.boardwalkgallery.net/mastery-in-nature.html

www.tobybakerart.com

River Dragon

So, I've got sculpture ideas still swimming in my imagination, a body of work ready to hang and possible new places to exhibit and sell my work emerging.




It reminds me so much of that Barbara Streisand song written by Stephen Sondheim.




Here's one of my favorite parts:



Bit by bit, putting it together.
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art.
Every moment makes a contribution.
Every little detail plays a part.
Having just a vision's no solution.
Everything depends on execution.
Putting it together, that's what counts!