Dennis Brady Studios

A few days ago I blogged about a particular show that I've been trying to get into for a very long time.  I e-mailed the show director in plenty of time for her to get back to me with an answer in order for me to apply for the 2010 show,  This is the response I just received.  Total FAIL.  But this is how many art festivals treat their artists.  Can you say, income generation through jury fees?

Dennis,

I am sorry I was not able to get back to you sooner.  The application deadline was yesterday, Sunday, February 28th.

Thank you for your comments.  We will definitely take this into consideration for next year.

Best,
Sarah Kolash
________________________________________
From: Dennis Brady [bradyfractals@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:54 PM
To: Sarah Kolash
Subject: Re: Sun Valley Center Arts and Crafts Deadline this Sunday!

Hi Sarah,

I was on ZAPP this morning considering on whether to apply to your show or not and because you don't offer a "digital" art category, it's been my experience that juries lean more towards longer established media types ie; 2d, painting, photograpghy, hand pulled prints/print making etc.  I've been evangelizing this "new" category to many of the top shows around the country and I'm starting to get some response by having many actually add this category as a stand alone and not bunch us in with all other 2D artist.

I'm not trying to tell you how to run your show but for the past 3 years I've entered the printmaking group only to be rejected.  Rejection because the jurors don't like my art is one thing but rejection because the show doesn't know where I fit in is a completely different matter.

I'd love to hear your take on this.  If it come prior to your deadline I can still apply through ZAPP.  Thanks and take care.

A friend of mine is trying to sell his art online.  He is a very accomplished painter and like many of us artists, he is trying to gain financial rewards from offering his paintings and prints to potential customers on the Web.   I've been helping him as best I can, in the benefits and steps to take in setting up an online presence.  He already has a website but he's looking for a way to drive more people to it, aren't we all?

This is one of the latest conversations we've has via e-mail about the purpose of it all.

Dennis,
       What's the purpose of blogging? If it's just to make money, why not just blog everyday for people to buy my stuff. If it has some other meaningful purpose, not that making money isn't meaningful, what is it?
       Also what's the purpose of Twittering. I don't understand the whole concept of keeping in touch with people you don't know. What's up.

Tom

Tom,

It's a journal, only online.  Some people keep them private, others like to share what's going on with as many people as wants to listen.  Twitter is the same thing, only shorter snippets.  Don't look at either one as talking to people you don't know, although that will undoubtedly be the case in the beginning.  Once people read/know you, they'll ask questions, give their opinions and then, become people you DO know.

Or just think about them the same way you think about the crazy guy on the corner talking to, well, no one.  He's talking and just because no ones listening doesn't make the fact that he still is talking.  It must make him feel good. Either way, figure out what makes you feel good, so blog or not, Twitter or not and remember, no one will ever hear your message (whatever that might be) if you don't put something out there.

dennis

21 years ago today, at 11:35 in the morning at Community Hospital in Santa Cruz, CA. the biggest ray of sunshine I could have ever imagined entered my life.  My daughter Macaela was born.

Even though Linda (my wife) and I already had 3 other kids, all boys, Mac was different.  The proverbial love child.  She is 9 years younger than her nearest brother.  She wasn't planed but she wasn't a big surprise either.  Because she was a she, things in our house were going to be different, is a very good way.  Having a precious little girl is (at least it should be) every fathers dream, and mine was answered.

Macaela has been everything a parent could ask for.  Brilliant is school, mostly straight A's through out primary school and now she is double majoring in college.  A wonderfully talented athlete that excelled in every sport she entered, but most of all, she has a heart of gold.  She is the nicest, most kind human I've ever met.  She has informed her mother and me she will be entering the Peace Core upon graduation and then it will be off to start her life.  We are very proud.

Happy birthday Mac, I love you more than the stars.

Dad