Running a Kool-Aid stand (a drink I never liked) in the Summer of about 1990. I thought I was so clever with my understanding of maths when I created an offer: 1 drink for 10 cents, or 2 for only 20 cents!
My story
During my formative years, I formed neighbourhood clubs, wrote and staged plays in my parents’ garage and published weekly newsletters. There was always a camera in tow, be it a 35mm analogue or a 5″ x 4″ beauty. Little did I know that later in life, I would have a profession a) far away in Europe, b) in the art world, c) in which I would set up adult versions of the neighbourhood clubs (to support art professionals), d) that would involve writing, in the form of a weekly article (plus others on top), and e) in which I would regularly perform as a public speaker. Thank goodness for those acting courses in teenage years!
In the image on this page, you see my first ‘team’ – otherwise known as my next-door neighbours. Forming and inspiring teams of fantastic individuals with differing strengths to mine has been essential for implementation from day one – from the Kool-Aid stand to my present-day HQ in Covent Garden, London.
What’s provided on this website?
This site is complimentary to my daily management of several arts organisations, as I am regularly invited to be a public speaker to art events, judge art awards and get involved in other various professional activities in the art world. These talks and events are being documented in the blog on this site, and will be of interest to individuals with an interest in the arts and entrepreneurship.
Recent events
In June 2013, I participated in an industry debate: Antiques Trade Gazette (ATG) Panel Debate, at the Olympia Art & Antiques Fair, London. In July of this year, I judged the ‘This is This’ Commission for a new graduate at Chelsea College of Art. And in November 2013, I will return to my alma mater, Hendrix College of Liberal Arts, to deliver a public talk that takes a journey through my own experiences of the international art world after leaving small town America.
Other writing available online
My weekly ‘Sunday reading’ blog with Be Smart About Art has become a big hit in the creative industries and beyond. You can see it here.
Encouragement to creatives who are just starting out – or are juggling art with ‘the day job’
I’m a passionate supporter of attaining a wealth of experience. Every job you have can be invaluable for future endeavours. Accordingly, I completed three internships in my own development and encourage early-stage art professionals to gain as much experience as possible to learn about the field, as well as build a network. Think of your long-term career and weigh up the ‘value’ of every experience.
And if you have been at the art thing for awhile and still have other income to be sustainable – don’t sweat it! I encourage you to not hide the other job, either – as I once did. You will benefit massively from your other experiences, as these will feed into your creative practice. You will be amazed at how effective you can be when you are focused and committed. Read a ‘Sunday reading’ blog on this very subject here.
