miChelle M. Vara- 518-587-8706
6 Ballard Road Art Studio Wilton NY 12831
http://www.michellevara.com/
*Sculpture *Metal fabrication *Paint *Airbrush *Lettering *Vinyl and more.
How - What - Why of Art and pricing.
In this outline I the artist hope to offer you the reader, insight into the ever increased questions. I hope to build a community of meaningful connective relationships.
Art is powerful for both the artist who has dedicated their lives to it, and for the collectors whom are moved by it emotionally or visually. Art expresses, conveys or demonstrates deeply held feelings, ideas, insights, history, spiritual events, memories and beliefs as well as moral, ethical, and political sentiments, in socially expectable ways. Art opens forums for controversy, comfort and conversation. Art transforms areas of life (ie: corporate, work, home, medical, parks, state, towns) offering humans to be uplifted and stimulated in interactive spaces. Public art programs have statistically stimulated financial and social change. Taking a troubled, blighted or impoverished neighborhood and revitalizing it to one of pride and stability.
Bottom line - There is no right or wrong in the experiencing of art, just a personal perception and quality of execution.
The most common question posed to me as an artist is how do you price the work?
With that one must first realize some of the cost to produce, thoughts and ideas in dimension.
Labor- Pick up, collection, sorting, find, storage, dis-assemble, re-assemble, purchase of parts.
Overhead- Insurance, fuel, power, taxes, maintenance, helper, applications, gallery fees.
Equipment- Computers, office equipment, cameras, programs, fork trucks, cranes, welding machines, tractors, forges, tanks, leads, regulators, trucks, dollies, jigs, hoists, benders, rigging, scaffolding, ladders, generators, hand held power tools (drills, grinders, porta bands, cutters, nibblers, wrenches, gadgets) the cost of maintaining them.
Supplies- Paints (commercial, industrial, automotive, HOC, Lettering, oil, pigment system, spay, high heat, low temp, chemicals for each type), fixatives, primers, inks, vinyl’s, masks, glass, sand, tips, brushes, anti spatter, hardware, tapes, brushes, photography papers, welding wire, gases, nozzles, saws, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, masks, fans, air purifier, filters, leathers, oils, sanding equipment, grinding wheels, cutting (wheels, blades), canvases, wood many, concrete products and tools.
This list is just a sample of what it takes to start the process. Then there’s the Commitment of 24/7, to get a pieces into the finish stages. Actually applying a finish on the piece, framing, bases, pedestals, standing, shipping, travel, install, cleaning, photographing process, applications, web sites, books, research, continued education.
So as the hours, days weeks, months, pass, as an artist I do not charge for all the labor and material. Unlike the person with a regular job, benefits, time off, paid holidays, pensions, retirements and health insurance, yet still doing personal things on company time. Or the persons collecting social services. I am continually learning, honing my practice like a surgeon.
My compensation comes from the expression, execution and finish of the art piece.
Also by the people who have been moved by my art to purchase or commission pieces.
I deeply thank all my supporters, collectors and friends.
I hope new acquaintances are now more educated by this artists perspective.
Sincerely, miChelle M. Vara
