Friday, May 26, 2017

Art and Money!

Last week Jean-Michel Basquiat's 1982 painting, untitled and depicting a skull, sold for $110.5 million.

Last evening, three paintings of mine (titled) (no skulls) were on display at the opening of a Compassion and Appreciation for the Natural World fundraising exhibit for the World Wildlife Fund, where the take was good … but not quite $110.5 million.

Nonetheless, what an honor to have my paintings accepted to the exhibit, and to have my art participate in quiet activism. The exhibit was sponsored by Compassion Anthology, an organization/publication that promotes compassionate thought and action through the arts. This current exhibit/fundraiser is supported by the Beverly Arts District, and benefits the World Wildlife Fund in its mission to help those in business and government make sound decisions regarding natural resources and the environment in general, holding paramount the protection of vulnerable species, places, and communities worldwide.

This was a first adventure for me in exhibiting. I was delighted by and grateful for the presence of family, friends, and tutoring clients who supported both me and the WWF at the opening last night. I learned a tremendous amount through the prep I did for submitting and showing my work, totally enjoyed stepping out of my day-to-day routines to meet other artists and have the gift of conversations with 'my people,' and came away with both leads to follow and a palpable sense of a shift in my art life to move more fully into the world beyond my own four studio walls.


Hanging Out Together and Stoned Soul Picnic
rubbing shoulders with other paintings in the Compassion exhibit opening

16 comments:

Lola (Jen Jovan) said...

woooohooooo! Congratulations on exhibiting! A whole new world is open to you now! Your pieces look smashing....what's next??? Inquiring minds want to know...

Joany Kendra said...

What a thrill to have your art exhibited! So excited for you, Dotty!

carol edan said...

Mazal Tov!!! How wonderful!!! It is a GREAT honor! Kol haKavod!!!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Jen, thanks for your encouragement and support! Indeed, it does feel like I have a new set of lenses I'm looking through. Next, I plan to tend to some details related to the current exhibit, finish up my school-year tutoring, and go on vacation with my hubby. Then, or maybe concurrently, I want to take myself to a local shop to inquire about their taking pieces of mine to sell. Stay tuned (and don't be surprised if I tap you with questions and/or for shoring up!).

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Yes! And thank you! A fun milestone for me.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you : )

Janet Bradish said...

Congratulations Dotty! So well deserved - and not just because you are such a nice person! You practice daily, take care and pride in how your art is presented, know your art materials, can talk about your artwork and last but not least are a very good artist! Isn't that what they call the 'real deal'!? Good luck with the next step in your art journey. I too will be waiting for what's 'next'!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Janet, thanks for your heartwarming input/feedback. This exhibit was at once a baby step/giant step, and I'm guessing whatever step I take next will be much the same. I so appreciate your 'scaffolding' as I venture onward.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Dotty.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thanks, Ann! Baby step/giant step!

Sheila said...

Dotty I am so happy for you! High five! Your work looks great, of course, and WWF is a wonderful organization. You continue to inspire!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thanks, Sheila. Now, to figure out what's next. Such a swirl of competing demands and interests right now, plus I seem to need to sleep and eat as well.

Simone said...

Another time: Congratulations! A new phase ...

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thank you. And yes : )

Katie Jeanne said...

Oh, wow!! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you, and your work looks stunning hanging there.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Katie, thanks for your kind comments and warm support—so welcome from such an admired established working artist : )

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