Been selling what I have here on the street corner every two weeks on the first and third Fridays of the month. Charlotte's Arts District, NoDa (North Davidson st) holds a little something for everyone to enjoy and offers opportunity to those looking to give back to their community. Most of the time, sales are reasonably decent. A little pocket money here, a little there, and I'm glad for it. I don't go into this expecting to make a bundle. That's not what sharing art for me is about. It's more giving of yourself and the joy one gets when another appreciates what you have to express. In some way or another (if it's good quality work) it speaks to them through their own life experiences and emotions. Each are different, and yet some- more universal concepts- are one in the same.

Right now I'm looking to branch out and explore what those are. In different mediums, different styles....whatever it takes, I want to get out there more professionally into "the art world" while preserving my sense of humility vs some of those I associate with in the artsy fartsy "pinky extended" crowd. Let me explain.

There are those who hold their work in such extremely high regard, they'd charge hundreds or even THOUSANDS for a single piece of work. In my eyes, even as an artist, I find that utterly preposterous!! All I want is to get some mild form of compensation for what I put out there. I doubt I'll live off that money entirely. After all, dad always taught me, "Do what you love, but always have a backup plan". Or there's also the more negative slant, "Don't quit your day job".
Whatever time, energy, money, etc I put into it is a labor of love, and little else.

With all this in mind, what might some of you suggest?
Looking at my current style, and using what basic visual skills I already possess, what would some of you (or others you know) be interested in seeing in the gallery, or- what would you be willing to purchase and take to heart, hold close to you as your own?

Times are tough, and I am just endlessly searching for answers. I'll do anything to spark that flame into a roaring, crackling fire again.