Beating the Odds

This weekend, I went to a professional development session with Matt Roberts at his gallery in Vyner Street. Most artists at the early or mid-career stage of their career are looking at ways of moving on to the next level, but it's always useful to have some input whatever stage you're at.

Matt started by asking what my goals were. Easy enough to answer. He looked at some of my paintings and my cv. Apparently, I'm not exhibiting enough to gain exposure for my work. Artists who are successful in promoting their careers often show their work perhaps 8-10 times a year. Me, I am usually happy with one show minimum, and three shows per year would count as a good year. I shall try to aim higher in the future.

I heard that only about 500 artists in London are making a living by their work alone, although there are thousands of artists here, and more art schools and galleries than in any other capital city. With odds like that, it's no wonder that so many artists struggle to survive.

Simon Morley gallery talk

I am delighted to announce that Simon Morley, who wrote the catalogue essay for my exhibition 'Cosmos or Chaos', will be at studio1.1 on Wednesday 20th January at 3pm to give a talk about the work. The gallery talk will last about 40 minutes, after which there will be an opportunity for questions and informal discussion. I hope you will be able to join us.

Simon is the author of 'Writing on the Wall', and has written for Art Monthly and The Independent on Sunday. He is a painter who has shown his work in London, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Korea, and is represented by Art First. He is a lecturer at Winchester School of Art.

For further information about this event please contact the gallery:

studio1.1
57a Redchurch Street
London E2 7DJ

Website: http://www.studio1-1.co.uk/

Nearest tube: Liverpool Street