“What’s your goal with your art?” My husband mentioned my Etsy page looks commercial. It was a good question that one anyone should ask periodically. The answer came easily- I want to make art and sell it. I want to paint because it feels good and helps me work through feelings. I want to sell art because everyone should have some art, we only have so much wall space at home, and sales fund my costly materials. Let’s be honest, sales (and shows) also make me feel legitimate. It’s the world we live in. I make a painting and I feel good- or don’t feel good and rework it. But then you buy it, and I really feel good. That’s called external validation.
This weekend I decided to focus on two sizes. Large is for big ideas to share in galleries. Small is to open access to affordable art. This is where Etsy comes in. If a small piece is more approachable because of the subject, size or price, that’s ok with me. I have no shame in the thrill of the idea that my art might be the first you ever buy, the beginning of a collection. Remember the goal? Everyone should have some art.