What is it?!

[TheStyle]

I haven't begun selling my art yet.

One thing I have observed with many people
who look at abstract art is this:
If they look at it and ask the question, "What is it?"
you can be sure they are not your market. (in general)
I happen to do conceptual abstract, so I don't anticipate
the problem of potential customers having that reason
not to buy.

I offer this analogy: Suppose there were 2 aisles of
products on shelves. Aisle A and aisle B

A has on it's shelves readily identifiable products that are
self-explanitory.

B has a mixture of recognizable and unknown products
on its shelves.

The products on A aisle would move off the shelves
readily and all would sell eventually.

In B aisle, there would be curiosity, hesitaiton, confusion,
and the products would be on the shelves for a lot longer
time.

My point is that the buyer (s) don't necessarily have to identify
with the image, but I think it helps.


MichaelB

[AmyH]

it all depends on what market you are talking about. yes the buyer needs to identify somewhat. if your at the contemporary/concept market, the readily identifiable aisle would be in trouble.

amy

[TheStyle]

Hello Amy...

My analogy illustrated any market. The readily
identifiable aisle (products) are Never in trouble.

For years I have been asking people who don't know I'm
an artist about paintings that are "blotches of paint,"
or "just chaotic designs" and I get the same responses,
"I hate that..." or "I can't believe it's art."

So, I have concluded that the 10% (5%?) of artists,
collectors, and sophistos are not my target
market! 99% of people I have spoken with prefer
art that is associated with something they can identify
or realize.

One experiment I've done many times is to hand
someone an open mag article showing an abstract
art pc., along with a "deep" interpretation next to
it. The picture is maybe a red or yellow square...
If they don't know I'm an artist, their reaction usually
contains the word, "garbage."

Most of my observations in the art buying market (s)
has been done on the east coast...where abstract art
has its largest market.

MichaelB

[mame]

Survey statistics are not evidence nor proof of an hypothesis and mean squat re your "conclusion".

When you use the words "most", "usually" and "many times" and phrases like 99%(?) of "the people I have spoken to" (exactly how many?) Your conclusion becomes suspect.

Why do you conclude and whatt is your evidence that the east coast is the largest market for abstract work?

What criteria did you use to select your survey group?


Get your ducks in a row before making such sweeping statements.

[TheStyle]

Hello Mame, thanks for your excellent observations.

We gather info throughout our lives about many things
whether we know it or not. However, not everyone
processes info the same way.

I usually come to a conclusion when I get
the same answer "most" of the time. (as opposed to less)

Wouldn't it be suspect if someone used the
phrases "all" or "none," most of the time?

I became aware of abstract art in 1964 when I
started drawing. It's easy to bring up the subject
of art (& ask questions) with "The people I have
spoken to," especially when I'm in their house
& they have art on their walls.

So after all these yrs., I am not getting conclusions-
I'm getting "conformations" to support my
conclusions, about many things, not just art.

East coast-largest market for abstract art?
Survey says....Art Business News, July, 2001, page 25.

Always willing to help ...

MichaelB

[mame]

Good. Now I have something to go on re "Art Business News".
I'll check it out.

Agree "all" and "none" equally suspect.

Guessing "conformation" is a typo and you mean "confirmation?

The people I speak to and whose houses I have been in have abstract art on their walls - along with my work which is not abstract.

Go figure.