finding meaning in the work...

The past few years I've been producing my best work ever. But, it's not selling. Before this period I regularly sold work in the $600 to 4800 range, depending on size. Then suddenly sales stopped, with the exception of a few commissions, and sales outside my gallery. I've thought about lowering my prices, but can't bring myself to do it; I don't feel it would be fair to my patrons that have paid these prices in the past. And, I would feel like I'm going backwards; it has taken me years to achieve the level of distinction and worth I find in my work, as have others.

So, this dilemma has heightened my awareness of why I do the work and what it means. I've always thought I had to please myself FIRST before any consideration of selling the work, and I still hold to that agreement with myself. I think that is why it is so hard for me to take on commissions, although I have been fortunate that usually the patron has given me the freedom to do so.

I can only keep doing the best I can to grow towards attaining work that goes beyond what I've done before. I keep pushing myself to learn more about the techniques and materials. It's a journey of discovery of myself as well; as I define what I'm trying to do, the work defines me.

So, my house and studio become more full of unsold work that I find lyrical, compelling, well founded, and the best I have done.