A New Collaboration

In the run up to my first solo exhibition I began a collaboration with David Hogarth, at Allendale Forge Studios. He makes lamps, glass coasters and stained glass panels. His lamps that got me thinking - he creates lamps from photographs and illustrations. With such a wealth of talent at The Forge I thought his lamps and coasters would lend themselves well to artist's images so I asked him to make 3 lamps (above) and a selection of glass coasters using my floral monotypes to test the idea. Both ideas proved to an absolutely rip roaring success.

Orders came flowing in for bespoke lamps based on the framed prints I was exhibiting and the coasters flew out the door.


In January I was exhibiting at Bianco Nero Gallery in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. David made a selection of new lamp designs and this time, rather than selling coasters individually I supplied them in boxed gift sets of six. 


The coasters sold out rapidly and most of the lamps. I'm now resupplying the gallery with more of both to compliment the next exhibition. Customers are placing additional orders for lamps using their favourite floral monotype images and I'm lining up additional outlets.


In these recessionary times many people think twice about investing in an original piece of art. But people still want something a little different for their homes. The lamps are functional and yet decorative - a way of having that original print that might be a little more justifiable. 


The coasters are a way of taking home multiple prints, decorative, functional conversation pieces. It is great to find ways of diversifying and making ones creative efforts pay when money is tight. 


You can see the extensive range of images available to choose from here. Email me if you're interested in placing an order. Lamps cost £60 each and boxed sets of 6 coasters cost £36. Prices do not include postage and packaging. 


Is this dumming down from a purist perspective? Maybe? Does it help pay the bills? Looks like it!

What makes a Good Gallery Update

Back in December 2010 I wrote a post on my thoughts on what makes a good gallery. Since then much water has passed under the bridge. I now find myself working part time as Marketing Manager and Art Project Coordinator for Allendale Forge Studios in a little village called Allendale on the edge of the North Pennines. 

I am responsible for planning and running a rolling programme of exhibitions and workshops. I'm involved with selecting artists/craftspeople who are interested in selling their work from The Forge. I must state here a disclaimer that all views here-to-fore are my own but this new job has given me some idea of what it is like from a gallery perspective when dealing with artists. I am rapidly learning how to bring about best practice for gallery and artists alike.

To give you some background ... Allendale Forge Studios began life at an artists cooperative in a small gallery/cafe whose home was a converted village butcher's shop. Within 2 years it outgrew its premises and the main mover behind the gallery and cafe, who, it has to be said is a bit of a dynamo, had a vision to turn a derelict garage on the edge of the market square into what it has become, a million pound building, with affordable studio space, sound recording studio, video conferencing facilities, gallery, gift shop and cafe. Phew!

My previous post referred to an interesting one from Gail Brodholt on the subject to which I added my two pennies worth. We both agreed that:

• A good gallery pays promptly. 
• A clear written contract should be a pre-requisite. 
• It should state clearly the rate of commission.
• Whether sales are subject to VAT. 
• When one can expect to be paid.

My post also highlighted the importance of developing a good relationship between gallery and artist and on this subject I have some new things to add but this might require several posts so here is PART 1.

I asked how one would know when a gallery has sold an artist's work.

Well, I can tell you how it works now at Allendale Forge Studios but I do think it is unusual. Perhaps other artists out there can confirm or deny this. The way it works at The Forge is that once it is agreed to take in the artist's work, their bank details are collected as part of their contract with The Forge. At the end of each month the artist receives a statement of sales, if any. No statement means no sales.  

In my experience, so far, I find few artists ask if there have been any interest in their work even if there hasn't been any immediate sales. Whether or not an artist has sold anything it's a good idea to ask for that all important feedback. If the work isn't selling isn't it worth finding out if the gallery has any thoughts on why not? It is important to offer a gallery alternative work because any gallery worth their salt DO want keep their displays fresh. They DON'T want to be used as a store room if it can be avoided. And, as an artist said to me the other day who IS on the ball, if you're investing a significant amount of money and time in framing and creating the work what's the point in having it languishing in a store room where no one gets to see it if you can have it back and circulating to other galleries. Good point!

Watch this space for further thoughts on framing and developing that relationship with galleries. 

I know I've been very quiet for far too long. Life, the new job and everything has got in the way but here I am again on the eve of my first solo exhibition based on my floral monotypes and collagraphs. 

I've been collaborating with two members of Allendale Forge Studios for this exhibition. David Hogarth, maker of stained glass angels and lamps also makes a range of other popular lamps - not stained glass - based on illustrations and photographs. He has made a small new range of 'artist' lamps using 4 of my images. These can be made to order using any one of my many floral images if there is one you particularly like. 

Norma and Allan Foster of The Drawing Room (formally of Norma James in Corbridge) are providing two or three of their pieces of furniture to 'dress' the gallery and compliment my work on the walls so visitors to Allendale Forge can sit with their coffee in the comfort in the gallery, not just in the cafe. 

And Studio 11 is now also fitted out so I can begin once again making new work during this month in preparation for my up and coming exhibition at Bianco Nero in January and The Biscuit Factory Spring Exhibition in 2012. If you are in the vicinity come and see me at work most Thursdays and Fridays during the month of November.

August 29th

Pink beauties

Shape and texture

August 28th

Herterton Gardens

August 27

August is almost at an end but I've thoroughly enjoyed the process of photographing my way through the month. Not always on a daily basis but I'm not sure how much that matters. The point is the whole exercise made me stop and appreciate what is around me all the time. It has inspired me and given me a wealth of material I will struggle to use in a month of Sundays but I'll have great fun trying.

August 26

Newcastle Station © Liam Moss