While I've been trying to figure out and get a better handle on this thing called ”selling art online,” I’ve had a few conversations with ostensible ”supporters” of Alchemy Stones.
These are mostly people who have lots of encouraging words and even say such things as ”Alchemy Stones are the coolest thing, ever!” and yet have never actually purchased one — an interesting quirk I have been trying to get to the bottom of.
”Well, they are very beautiful, and I love them, but I don't really NEED a painted rock. And while they are amazing I don't think any of my friends would UNDERSTAND them.”
Before the finish is applied
These are words I've heard a lot, in my years of creating art. Often enough to ascertain that —evidently — most people have ”stupid” friends... because there really isn't anything to ”understand” about art or Alchemy Stones.
Sure, they come with a bit of a story, but so do most things.
But it's the first part of the argument I tend to struggle with, and it was also a line of thinking I struggled with considerably at a time in my past when I actually was proprietor of an art gallery.
"Needs" vs "Wants"
As a general rule, art isn't something you ”need...” at least not in the same sense that you may need a cup of coffee or some bottled water when you're thirsty or to get some sleep after an exhausting day. Art is something you either relate to or you don't. Viewing art through the lens of perception of needs more or less misses the entire point, at least from where I'm sitting.
Thinking about this type of thinking also reminds me of something else I heard quite frequently at my art gallery: ”what DO you do with it?”
Again, it's an argument I feel like misses the point entirely. Art isn't created to perform a function, like a lawnmower, or a blender, or a hair dryer, or a paper clip. So you don't really do anything with it, aside from put it somewhere and enjoy looking at it.
Which leads me to one of the deeper considerations in this whole equation: Why do I feel like am I surrounded by people who seem to look at everything in life through a lens of perception that only involves function and practicality?
Maybe I'm unusual in the sense that I started collecting art that appealed to me already when I was in college. I definitely didn't need art; more likely, I needed a pair of new running shoes, but I was more likely to spend my $30 at a local street arts fair than a sporting goods store. As such, I have never been able to grok this paradigm of assigning function art!
And I can only imagine that it will get even trickier for artists and creatives as digital art continues to grow... and all you "own" is a bunch of pixels you can't even hang on the wall or put on your coffee table!
But enough of this, for now! Just having a moment of needing to vent a bit about the quirks of the artistic world.
Thanks for stopping by! Do leave me a comment if you feel so inspired — interaction and engagement are always welcome!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
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2022.03.07 AS-TXT-089/055