What causes someone to support you?

"Behind I Go"

This is something that I think about often, sadly.  I know that people buy art due to emotions, usually, but that is only a partial answer I think.  I was looking at some of the other projects on Kickstarter, where I have one at the moment.  I saw a couple other projects for people who have received an Artist in Residence program and they are asking for around $4,000, which is really closer to what I need to raise, but since I am doing my program whether or not I can get the funding via Kickstarter I decided to just do the smallest amount figuring anything will help. The two I looked at have raised thousands of dollars for their projects.  Maybe I should have gone for a larger amount? Maybe they are more known? Ah well, so far I have $215 of the $500 goal, though I really do hope I can get over $1,000 from it, but I'll take what I can get...

It's amusing, I've had a few people ask me "What possesses someone to take a volunteer position where you won't get a  paycheck for two months?" Well, there are a couple answers to this question. There is the fact that this is allowing me to pursue my dreams.  My dream of enjoying long times in nature.  My dream of photographing some of the most beautiful places in the country. My dream to learn more about me by putting myself into new situations.

There is also that this is a great opportunity.  I have been selected from I don't know how many applicants for this honor.  It wasn't a simple choice from what I've heard.  Lots of good artists and lots of great proposals, yet mine was selected.  It is an honor and it is one more step, a really good step, towards getting recognized as an artist.  With this honor, and getting accepted into my first national exhibition that I entered, it gives hope, yes.  It let's me think there may be a time I can demand more for my pieces than what I do now.

"Hold Me"

So yes, feeling a little on the stressed side today.  I have around $600 of the $4,000 that I need.  I get a lot of compliments about my work.  Odd Side Ales, a small brewery in Grand Haven, MI, has some of my works on display.  The day I was there hanging them up a piece sold and when I stopped by today the bar manager told me he gets a lot of compliments on my pieces. The Arts Council of White Lake has offered to hold a solo show for me to help raise some of the funds before I go and I've had a couple other businesses say they will be doing a sponsorship, but didn't know how much yet.

This is the fun, for me, of being an artist.  Well, part of the fun at least.  Yes, it is stressful, not I wouldn't wish it on just anyone, it takes unique people to live this life.  To be an artist and not independently wealthy isn't an easy life, but if no one did it, if no one tried to help make our planet more beautiful, life more beautiful for others, then life just would not be fun for anyone. We, the artists, have a responsibility to create works of beauty and you, just as much as any artist, has the responsibility to admire it openly and contribute to it however we can, even if it's just sharing it with other people.