M. Pia De Girolamo

Kohala Beach   Acrylic on Canvas   11 x 14

Evaluating my art-making and art-showing experiences over the past few years prompted me to write down a few highlights. Truthfully, there is nothing earth-shattering here or anything that can’t be found in other places on the internet but these are things that have worked for me.

It goes without saying perhaps, but the first “rule” is to make the best art you can make in your own unique way and this is achieved of course by study and practice. Look at other artists’ work and learn from it.  Be diligent with the sketchbook. Be an explorer-of media, of a subject, of a color.  Don’t give up on a piece that’s giving you a great deal of trouble; give it a “time out”, work on something else and come back to it later (sometimes years later!).  On the other hand don’t undervalue the little piece that comes serendipitously. Be thankful that it has come to you like a gift. Don’t be afraid to “ruin” a painting when the voice inside dares you “what would happen if …”.   This was very hard for me to do. And still is to some degree but I’m much better at it.

For creative ruts or trouble getting into the studio, switching media can be very helpful. Do collage, sumi-e, use magic marker, crayon etc.  Take a walk, take lots of walks, bring a camera, photograph small things, weird things, beautiful things, ugly things. Go through your photos and create albums organized by color, shape, or subject.  When you go back to your main medium you will often find that you consciously or unconsciously picked up something new that finds its way into your work.

Choose a mentor or two-someone you trust to evaluate your work honestly but sensitively.  Often this is an artist-teacher but can be a more experienced artist as well.  A  “non-artist” family member or good friend can also be invaluable. They are your audience.

When you reach that point where you feel you have a reasonable body of work that largely relates and that you are proud of, it’s time to show it.  You can’t wait for some imagined unchanging apex of perfection before you do this because your work will continue to evolve over time; at least I think it should evolve, just as you continue to learn and grow as a human being over your lifetime.

Don’t try to force yourself into painting in a way that doesn’t feel like it’s coming from you.  I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try to paint like your favorite artist-that can be a valuable way of learning-but ultimately your voice  (and you will hear it) will clamor to come out. Isn’t the whole point of making art to interpret life from your personal stance? Your art may not be “trendy” but it will be true.

Network, network, network.  Fortunately, I find this fun overall. First of all make connections with other artists. Produce a group show with like-minded peers. There are empty storefronts, co-op galleries with open slots, libraries, etc. where you can organize such a show.  Take advantage of opportunities made available by arts organizations and municipalities such as open studio tours; this Oct. 1 and 2, my friend Mo Gerngross and I will be sharing an assigned studio space (because our studios are located outside Philadelphia) for POST (Philadelphia Open Studio Tours). Find out from other artists where they have shown and share information about your past exhibition venues.

Introduce yourself to the businesses in your area. Interior designers and home furnishing stores are often very interested in working with artists.  Galleries that offer framing and interior design  can be very invested in promoting artists’ work, bringing the pieces into a client’s home to see if it fits and then hanging it for them.

Don’t get discouraged if you are turned down by a gallery or juried show, or rather, let yourself be miserable for maybe 24 hours, and then kick yourself in the butt and go at it again!  

Feel free to comment and add your own “voice of experience”.

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