Sometimes the unexpected things really hit home. In fact, it’s often the least expected (you know the what-the-heck moments) that stick with us forever. Lessons are learned.
Let me give some context. When we-artists, that is-are marketing our work (I’m a very happy painty artist but a business owner of the kicking/screaming variety) I do listen when people who are great at what they do, speak. The advice we’re all given is to know our market; when I paint the hidden message, deep meaningful, positive and full of love and energy flowery numbers, my market tends to be women.
Especially women who have knowledge or interest in the things I love and practice - like understanding the symbolic meaning of things, following moon phases, reiki, runes, positive self-talk, self-improvement and a whole host of lovely witchy stuff. Yummy!
So. There I am at the preview evening/private view at The Sanctuary Gallery and a lovely couple (full disclosure I know them) walk in. Mr Lovely Couple stands a foot into the door, points and says to Mrs Lovely Couple “I love that”. Mrs Lovely Couple then replies “that’s a Gaynor”. Mr LC walks over to me, asks how he buys it. More full disclosure I panicked that it was out of loyalty and questioned his life choices. Out loud. To his face. But no, apparently it’s a genuine fall-in-love-with-a-piece moment and reader, he bought her. There and then. Hence my what-the-heck face.
THAT was the first ‘holy heck’ moment-the second was at the equivalent evening at Stockton Heath Gallery.
A room full of deliciously wonderful people (including my amazing bro and his fabbo daughter) and a different lovely couple arrive. For purposes of discretion I will call them Mr and Mrs Gorgeous. We’re chatting about how I work, they’re indulging me in my arty ways-how I start with certain Celtic runes beneath the surface- always for love, health and fortune… how I try to capture the feel of a flower rather than always a true representation of the little bundle of joy (a bloom not a child, obvs). Choosing the right frame… and on and on. Bless Mr & Mrs G. Their patience is a testament to their gorgeousness. THEN… Mr G says he LOVES a particular piece of mine. Loves it. Him. MR G. What-the-heck face again. In fact, what the holy heck. You, Sir, are apparently not my market… and yet, here we are.
My mind is blown. My understanding of everything is upended. Do I now rewrite my whole plan (erm, let’s face it, I haven’t actually written anything anyway) but my in-my-head plan.
A revelation.
You know what this means? Apparently my work is for everyone. Well, that’s confusing! What to do?!
As I very much believe in inclusivity, I didn’t know this was a possibility. Please feel free to fall in love with my flowers. Marketeers know nothing. Who knew?!
With love,
Gaynor x
