Karmoy Exhibition

So i just wanted to talk about the exhibition briefly and blog some of my thoughts about the process.

For me this exhibition marked a step up for me in terms of recognition in my local area because what sets this exhibition out from the others i have participated in was the fact that i was invited along with a few select local 'known' artists who have some reputation.

How did this all come about? Well you know those art fairs that i attend, well last year i sold this large painting below to a lady who happened to be on the panel for this arts organisation in my city.

No Judgement is the title of this work.

So she recommended me to the panel and thus they contacted me. So even though i whinge about not doing good at these art fairs in terms of sales, it has its advantages because my name is getting seen and displayed and at the end of the day that will lead to future sales. So for those of you who get dishearted at not selling much at art fairs, remember your work is still SEEN and that sits in peoples minds and the more you expose yourself the more your name comes up...thus you will slowly build a name for yourself.

Now personally i don't like the exhibition thing...i could actually careless for attending opening especially when my work is hanging just because i guess when it comes down to it i hate having to talk about my work (especially in norwegian).
It is important to make connections and take full advantage of every opportunity you can to mix with the 'right' people because i honestly believe that when it comes down to it, having the right connections will get you to the top quicker and I'm not ashamed to say that no matter how much talent you have, unless you can establish connections then you can and often do go unnoticed unless your extremely lucky or fortunate. So take advantage of openings.
I know a lot of artists like to dress to be noticed but i kinda like to keep low key but hey if it works and it often does (to stand out in a crowd) then go for it! I know when i have seen artists who dress flamboyantly i tend to think 'wow they look so interesting' (sometimes more interesting than their art cough cough).

So i took my work in 2 days before the opening and i happened to meet a very influential artist who was hanging the show. He was very nice, friendly and keen to talk to me about my work. He then proceeded afterward to take me down to his studio space which was situated in the same 'Culture house building'. And it was such a great studio, the smell of printing inks, baths of acid, the aroma of oil paint and paper.I was so envious because he had the perfect set up and was in a fantastic building surrounded by creative people (which makes a world of difference).

So the opening came and we turned up about 15 minutes early. I went around with the camera and took some video footage which you can see below.

At the opening i spoke to the lady who purchased the 'No judgement' painting last year and she was very keen to tell me how much she loved this painting below:

I told her this was my favourite painting and will be interesting to see if she purchases it. I am hoping not he he.The white series paintings are my babies and it will be hard to part with them unless they are in a show of their own. I think id like to have a solo exhibition in Oslo or another country with this series(as i feel it is my strongest work).

So at the opening a photographer from one of the local papers actually took a photo of me in front of my paintings (so i am hoping it ends up in the paper). So we came into the exhibition and walked around looking at all the works of art and i have to say there were some really nice pieces. I talked to this influential artist and he showed me a couple of paintings which he thought i needed to know about.
So he opened the exhibition and guess what? He was talking about the diversity of artists represented etc and he was handing out roses to artists who were in attendance and he introduced me first and he didn't have to look at his sheet of paper for my name. He said it with purpose and he actually pointed to the works (which were behind him) and i was like OMG i've made an impact. He had to look at his paper for several other artists which i thought was slightly degrading for them but then again i have an english name which is easy to remember lol.
So after he opened the show, we listened to some live music with a pianist and flute player which was beautiful and then we decided to leave approx. 30mins after that. I like to keep a low key approach and be seen but not hang around all night...there is something in mystery! I was approached by 2 people who were fascinated to know about the works, had i been to university, how long had i lived in norway etc. I did make a point of going up to the influential artist before leaving to say goodbye BUT also to invite him out to my studio ;) Which he accepted graciously...and in return he told me to visit him in his studio whenever i wanted. BINGO ;) And so when i go to collect the works in 2 weeks time i certainly will make a point to go and have a coffee with him and talk to him about his art, thoughts and about painting and his view on the art scene here. ;)

P.s Thanks Wendy Johnson for the fantastic t shirt i am wearing! I love it and several people commented on it when i went out on Saturday night ;)