The Question: Today’s question comes from the beautiful Lisa on MySpace. It’s about non-profits and auctions. She would like to know if it’s good idea to donate for exposure and split the sales price or what?? She also says she misses The Wave (my former gallery). So sweet..

 The Answer: Aw shucks, Girl! You can’t know how much that means to me! I miss The Wave too, but the new gallery’s gonna be a zillion times cooler! I’m dying to tell you all about it, but I think I better wait ’till we get a few things squared away. More on that soon, though! As for your question (it’s one of my favorites, by the way), it’s interesting that you ask about ’splitting’ profits. In that case, I would say it’s definitely a ‘go’, assuming it’s for a cause you support. You’d have to split 50/50 if you were in a gallery, too. So, this way you get to do something for the greater good - Awesome! I do hope they set a minimum bid, though. The ones that I don’t recommend artists get involved with are the ones that ask you to give freely of your art. This is your commodity and you deserve compensation for your efforts. They often say that it’ll be great ‘exposure’ for you or that you’ll be able to use it as a tax write-off. Those things are not true, at least for most. The only way you can use donated art as a tax deduction is 1) if you make enough money to pay taxes & 2) if it’s been proffessionally appraised. Otherwise, the only ‘value’ percieved by the IRS is the cost of the materials - Ouch! You know who does get a tax write off? The buyer at that auction does. Doesn’t that seem a smidge backward?

As for ‘exposure’ - Is having your name listed what you’re looking for? Is it worth giving up a client forever? I look at it like this: I figure that there are only so many people in the world who care about art, fewer who happen to love your work and fewer still who can find it and pay for it. It’s a slim market and not only that, but people tend to fill a space on the wall for ‘forever’, especially if it’s a sentimental reminder of what a beautiful evenening they had at that charity function. Now that they’ve been able to pick up your creative genius for nothing at an auction…. Well, Sweeties, you’ve lost an opportunity (at least to fill that space) for forever.

Don’t missunderstand. I know these things are run by lovely, kind people who are trying to help, but let’s face it- Artists are the most traditionally impoverished group of people since single moms. So, why in the heck is everybody expecting THEM to give? I think giving is extremely important & I do it often. I suggest giving gifts that don’t hurt you to help others. For example, you might consider giving the organization the right to reproduce your copyrighted design for a limited time. You could help them promote this by way of a press release and some good public relations, maybe even an event, then split the money from that. That actually would give you some excellent exposure. See what I mean, Jellybean?

There was an excellent book written by a wonderful man, sometime back, called “Making Money While Making a Difference”. I really believe we can (and should) all do that.

Whew! That was a big response for a little question! Nice to hear from you, Hon. Thanks for the question & I look forward to meeting you at my new gallery. Stay tuned! Barb

 The Question: Let me introduce my self. I use the name otto didacticus because my real name is already taken by some one else’s email account. You may call me OTTO. My real name is Nathanial. Your name is Barb?
If that is it then I shall call you Barbara or Barb or Barbie?…I will just call you Barb? Were you once a palm reader or some other false Side show Barker. So strange is your advice that it is almost campy and Kitsch–but I do not think that is your true intent. You speak as though you are an art advisor (one of those professionals in the art world who aid mid career artist out of stagnation) or (a professional who guides collectors and institutions in building collections) So what is it that you are doing? Do you think you are really helping any one. Do you believe that advise on how to market ones art is what art is about?
I am in the arts. But I think we are in very different worlds; one of pernicious dross and one of “relational aesthetics” or ??? I am wandering if Charlantry has become an actual dialogue…perhaps you have made an aesthetic out of the “Ruse”? Why Not. I would be curious to here back from you.

Otto or Nathanial

  Aight, people! I guess this should be addressed… Every once in a blue moon, we find someone who just doesn’t ‘get’ the ArtSlut magic, Boooo! You know what they say, ‘If you don’t get it, you don’t get none!” Anyhooch, I don’t usually bother with it, because more often than not, they’re either frustrated artists who have sadly, bought into the whole idea that ’suffering makes you a ’real’ artist, someone who stands to gain by keeping art for the elite, or somebody who desperately needs to get laid, but whose panties are too far up their bumms to let it happen. In this case, I’m making an exception, because the condescending tone, just annoyed the crap out of me… So, here goes, dang it.

The Answer: Okay, Otto-Dick-Tater-To-Us - Firstly, don’t ever call me ‘Barbie’ again, Ya Nitwit. Second, stop being such a hater and grow a sense of humor! Of course, it’s supposed to be campy and kitsch. It’s also TRUE! If you’d read the site, you wouldn’t have to ask what it was about and you wouldn’t be spouting off so rudely on assumptions. Didn’t your mother ever teach you that if you don’t have anything nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all? Is there a chance that English is not your first language and the un-subtle nuance of the humor here are lost on you because of it? Or, maybe you’re angry because you are a frustrated, starving artist or because you hate happy, funny people (& sweet, of course)? Who knows?

 To answer your question: Yes. I do think I’m helping artists by sharing the business and marketing tips I’ve learned over my many years in this field and I’ve received many ’thank you’ letters that seem to support that theory. ArtSlut is intended to help artists by giving them some information, inspiration and a laugh that I really wished someone would have shared with me when I needed it. Have you spent your time and money trying to do good for others lately? Or, do you just sit in judgement of other people’s efforts? I would never be such a pompus jack-ass as to presume to tell anyone what ‘art is about’ (duh!) & I certainly never said it was about marketing (What??)! I will tell you though, that if you want to make a living in the arts (or any other business… Yes, art is a business if you’re trying to make a living at it) in this country, marketing is essential - whether you like it or not.

You say you work in the arts. Let me guess… you don’t have to depend on the sale of your art in order to make a living, right? Well, good for you! Now, have some compassion for those who do. If you want to hate me, ArtSlut, or artists who are trying to keep a light heart while making a decent living - knock yourself out, but don’t bother us with it. We are busy trying to make art and a friggin’ living and still be good people… Jeeze!

If you had helpful suggestions, rather than just attacks, I would have responded much differently, but in the end, you just sound like a big fat meanie that’s trying to mask his own insecurities by being judgemental and condescending. Try making a positive difference in the world.

All kidding aside, I do genuinely apologize that my efforts were lost on you. It was never my intention to harm or offend anyone. I hope you can see that even if you don’t like what we’re doing, the effort comes from the right place. Meanwhile, no more nastygrams from you, Bucco!

If you really want to know what I stand for, buy my book. After you read it, you’ll know for sure…

Have a beautiful day (& I mean that), Barb

 The Question: Hey– I always knew I was an art slut, but it is kinda like AA I didn’t know there were so many of us !

Best or worst art slut stuff I’ve done over the years: write some one else’s master of fine art thesis (I think he got the mfa, but he is dead now), carry fifty television sets up and down two flights of stairs for a television/video project at the fab mab in SF (famous punk club), steal steel sculpture and pay for it with pot….later got marriage proposal from victim….we have lunch often, he is 80, I’m 48….

My quandary: Have left evil misogynist husband after 15 years, two
kids, he has house, started MFA program, but will need three years. He is trying to take away my spousal support and school– how to prove
to court I am worthy ? — Need jobs that require MFA that make over
$50,000. they don’t have to be real jobs, they just have to sound
good– (oh, I haven’t worked in 12 years and he makes three hundred
thousand a year)(in good years)(when he wants to). Have completed first 6 units, two classes, got B - minuses (they were tough courses, esp with two kids and divorce) only 56 units to go ! !

Advice ? (besides get remarried, right away….) ? Go to more AA
meetings, work out and buy cute pink slutty shirt to wear with with
really short white shorts….

 The Answer: Hey, Short Shorts! I would probably never say, ‘get married, right away’, unless you were really in love- of course! Congratulations on getting away from the bad man. I am sorry that life took that detour, but I’m certain that you gained from it a lot, even if it’s not easy to see right now. Have you considered using it for fodder for new work? Maybe, it’s as simple as painting a series about what you want your life to be like.

Yes, without question - DO, get the adorable little pink tee, but don’t wear short shorts around the kids. It freaks them out to see mom looking too sexy! As for financial advice, you didn’t give me a lot to go on. So, all I can really say, is stick to your guns on the spousal support. It’s great that he was able to go make that kind of dough & he couldn’t have done so, if you weren’t willing to take care of those chillens for him - cocksucker!

Anyhooch, about this MFA & the J.O.B. you’re looking for… what do you want to use your degree for? What is your medium? Without more info, I can tell you that there are well paying jobs in the arts field, but most will be in the business side of art or teaching, but that takes a lot of time.  Are you interested in marketing for a major or chain gallery? Did you get a cash settlement in the split? Perhaps you could use that to open your own space.

My first advice is to get a copy of my book. There actually is a TON of useful info for artists in business, inside. Then, send me some more details on your sitch & I will do my best to be of service to you.

Meanwhile, enjoy your fabulously sweet, soft pink, ArtSlut Tee! Send me a picture of yourself in it & I’ll post your gorgeousness on the site! ‘Till then… Love ya, Mama & thanks for being one of us! Now, go get creative!

Babs

Ps. Does that post heading sound like a tagline for a dirty porn show, or what?… It’s just a coincidence, I swear. ArtSlut has nothing to do with porn. That’s just a nasty rumor, like the whole ’slut’ thing. It’s a bout ‘ART’ - Duh!

` The Question:

OMG! I saw the piece on ART SLUT in ArtNews Magazine & I LOVE IT!!! But, when I went to your site to get one of those bitchin’ tee shirts, I didn’t see an off the shoulder version, like the one you were wearing in the picture - Tres` Fabu on you, btw. Where can I get one like that? Thanks, Tonya

Ps. I’m a painter & sculptor from WAY back & I can’t wait to wear this to my next show. Love you! TT

 The Answer:

Oh, how I LOVE the ART SLUT LOVE! Keep it comin’, Baby! You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Wearing an ART SLUT tee at any time, is brilliant, but especially if you want to talk about your work (& who doesn’t? DUH!) This is an excellently sly type of marketing. Next thing you know, after “What’s an ARTS SLUT?” They’ll be saying, “What kind of art do you do?… I need a ____________ (fill in the blank).

“How very observant of you, too! - It’s true, the shirt I was wearing in that pic has been deftly modified. Although, our standard girlie tees are perfectly remarkable (in terms of jug smuggling, gorgeous girlishness!), I wanted to add a little extra spice to my ArtSlutty wardrobe’s offerings. Here’s how I did it & YOU can too:

1. With a sharp pair of scissors, neatly cut the tiny rolled hem out of the neck. Cut it in half & save it- easy peazy.
2. Next, cut the top of the cutie-pie capped sleeve up the center, ’till you get to about 1″ from the seem.
3. Use the two halves of the hem, cut from the neck to make neat, little adorable ties from the center of the slit you made up the top of the arm to the neck line & Viola!… Tres’ Goregeous!

Here are some more great ideas for ArtSlut Fashion!

JOIN ME for a Virtual Book Signing, TONIGHT 5-8PM Eastern time!

Click this link to sit on on my Skypecast… 

 

Find out more. Just enter ‘ArtSlut’ in the search

bar & join us!

 Join me, this Saturday (that’s tomorrow) Dec. 8th from 5-8PM Eastern time, for the next Virtual Book Signing with me - Barb Benson, the Top ArtSlut & Author of ‘The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It ~ As a Visual Artist’!

Listen & watch LIVE - it’s Freee!!

All you have to do is Join Skype. It takes literally, 5 minutes, it’s free & you won’t even need a webcam to watch. It’s real-time interviewing, questions and advice, yada, yada, all during a huge gallery opening in Nashawannuck. Then, just follow this link: https://skypecasts.skype.com/skypecasts/skypecast/detailed.html?id_talk=3653350 to watch & listen as I share ArtSlutty Advice with fans, artists, book buyers & gallery goers in Nashawannuck… All the way from Key West, Florida!

Did I mention the girls & I scammed some free wine & will be having a little get together of our own, while I get ready for an evening on the town?

Don’t miss it! There’ll be bustiers & clay masks, garters, art, drinkies… what the heck? It’s the life of an ArtSlut - back in the tropics, where she belongs, Thank God!

Get The Book & all the ArtSlut Stuff, right here on ArtSlut.com!

*Also available at finer bookstores, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com & of course the Nashawannuck Gallery! See you tomorrow -or, I guess you’ll see me!
 

Media: email info@ArtSlut.com for an MP3 of this interview.

July 29, 2007

Dear Barb, Thank you for being a guest on Holder Tonight. It was a pleasure to have you on the program to talk about art and discuss what it means to be an art slut. It was a most interesting segment of the show and what you had to say certainly was food for thought for many in our audience. It’s always interesting to get people to not only think about art, but also think about how they feel and treat the medium and those who both work in it and admire it. As promised I am going to get a copy of the interview to you via the Internet. You will find your appearance available to you as an MP3.

Continued successes with all you do and thank you once again for all your time and trouble. Respectfully yours, Peter Anthony Holder Host, HOLDER TONIGHT (peter@peteranthonyholder.com) (www.peteranthonyholder.com) (www.peteranthonyholder.blogspot.com)