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An Open Letter to People Who Want to Pay Artists in “Exposure”
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your interest in my husband’s art. We feel very happy that you enjoy his work and that you’ve reached out to us. That being said, after serious consideration, I’m afraid we’ll have to decline your proposal.
And do let me be clear, by serious consideration, I mean to say no consideration at all. Why? Because frankly, it’s the 7th offer of the same kind this week. Oh, yeah, also because it’s insulting.
My husband is an artist. Well, you know that. He’s been painting for the better part of 30 years. He’s spent tens of thousands of hours honing his craft, developing his style, studying the old masters and thousands more building up a reputation. He’s sold paintings all over the world. He’s exhibited in Toronto, Paris and Florence, among other cities. He has had, and currently has a piece on display at our Provincial Legislature. Painting is his life’s work. And it’s his career, as in it’s how he puts food on our table and a roof over that table.
Yet despite the years he’s put in, selling art is always tough. It’s a luxury item, I get it. It’s not like groceries or shoes. The fact is, it’s a tough business, probably one of the toughest. And offers like…
