After our ‘Finding gallery representation’ episode we had a bunch of interesting questions from you lovely folks that we definitely wanted to dig into deeper and answer, but we also weren’t sure we were the best people to answer them which is where the idea for this episode came from! We wanted to interview a curator and ask her your questions. We feel we were incredibly lucky that Amber said yes as she was so generous and helpful with the information she gave, we felt we learnt a lot, and we hope you do too!
Amber Creswell Bell is an art curator, an author of books on the arts, a lifestyle writer, a speaker, and an enthusiastic creative hustler. With a passion for art, Amber is recognised for championing and educating emerging and unrepresented artists. She is currently the Director of Emerging Art for Michael Reid galleries, curating both the emerging art and ceramics programs. In 2021 Amber established the National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP) in collaboration with Michael Reid.
Clay
A Painted Landscape
Ken Done ‘Art. Design. Life’
‘Still Life’
‘Australian Abstract’
& She has 2 more books in production!
What we asked her & a summary of what was discussed
(We definitely went into more detail then below int he episode so if possible we’d recommend listening!!)
What is the best way & time for an artist to approach a gallery?
Treat it like a job, and not a creative hobby
Check the galleries submission process on their website- follow the process listed there. If appropriate send the gallery an email with a cover letter, artist statement, bio & 3-5 samples of your work.
Make sure your work aesthetically suits the gallery
If you have it- send the gallery a complete & resolved collection of work (10-15 pieces) , as sometimes a gallery will have an artist who has had to cancel - if you’re in the right place at the right time this can work out quite well!
Be visible- go to the gallery, subscribe to their mailing list, follow them on socials
Get to know the staff (but don’t harass them) - be familiar & show interest.
Is there an accepted process for following up after a submission if you haven’t been accepted/heard back?
Be patient & give the gallery time, they’re busy, usually give them at least 6 moths
It would be ok to apply again in 12 months time.
How do you know if you’re emerging?
At definition for the NEAP was that you are considered emerging unless you have exclusive representation with a gallery. It doesn’t have anything to do with age or experience
Gallery representation vs showing with a gallery is different. An exclusive contractual relationship with a gallery is representation, occasionally or even regularly showing with a gallery but on a casual basis wouldn’t be considered representation
Is there a certain amount of work you should/ or experience you should have before applying to a gallery?
No, not necessarily, it’s not based on tenure & experience
Amber is often looking for an artist who is sure of their style and visual language who is making consistent, resolved work.
Most common mistakes that artists make?
Contacting gallerists or curators via instagram
Walking in off the street and approaching gallerists without a plan while they are busy
Not researching the gallery & curators beforehand
Tagging curators and galleries without reason
Trying to approach gallerists/ curators to talk about your work at other peoples shows
Any advice for artists wanting to pursue gallery representation?
Think about why you want representation
Spend time finding the right gallery that will support you and help you grow your career
And more!!!
Find & listen to this episode on your fav app here
Mentioned in the show:
Willy Russo’s interview with Amber on ‘Interview with an Artist’
Art W**k’s interview wtih Amber
Find Julie here: www.juliebattisti.com , @juliebattisti & Julie’s newsletter
Find Phoebe here: www.phoebegander.com , @phoebeganderart & Phoebe’s newsletter:
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Keep Failing!
Julie & Phoebe xx
Thanks for reading Fail Like an Artist!