Monday, October 26, 2009

On the Work Table

So this is what I've been working on lately...Lots of commissions and a few other new items for the shop. Can you tell what holiday most people are ordering for?
What's on the Table

Now that most of the month's commissions are finished , I'm going to take a break and make at least one art doll...because it has simply been WAY too long. How does one balance commission work, which pays the bills and is certainly therefore very welcome, with the creative need to make something new and wonderful and in my case usually not as marketable.The bigger dolls just don't sell, particularly in this economy. This has really been a struggle for me lately and I'd love to hear how others manage the balance of art and commerce...not afraid to ask the big questions today am I!
Have a wonderful week!


  1. Oooo, Fairies' Nest....I love your blog! I love your gorgeous amazing dolls....I'll be back! Thank you for visiting acorn pies today! Beth

  2. Here's hoping you get to make a bigger art doll very soon. But these commissioned dolls are adorable!

  3. How to balance your vision against commisioned work? In the immortal words of an idiotic art history professor: "That's a good question. I don't know"
    I think what you're doing, taking on a certain amount of commision, then taking time to do your own thing, is probably how it's done. Until you're famous, and then they just have to buy what you make - see, that's my mindset already, which is why I'm not successful!

  4. I have the same problem - and perhaps everybody else, who try to sell art. If they have a NAME - probably they would sell enough, but I only know people like you... Working for selling - but the really lovely things take so much time for doing it, that nobody could pay for it?!
    Tinki - the mushroom of my blog grows in my garden - perhaps there live a fairy on it ?!

  5. I have the same issues Cynthia. I struggle with the feeling that just want to crate new exciting things but knowing I have to keep my nose to the grind stone. I guess what you are doing is the way to balance....making some commissions and then allowing yourself to create the piece your mind is thinking of.

    Of course, the great thing is when a commission collides with your creative your crow alter. I enjoyed every second making that one!

  6. I have been having this very struggle with myself lately. Selling your art is difficult, pricing also is so hard. I've been thinking a lot about "what gives something worth". Is it the idea, the time spent making it, the intangible "feeling" someone gets when they see it.