In March we artists were hit with the same news everyone else heard, COVID-19 was on the move and businesses are shutting down. No one could argue the reasons, we all want to be safe, and so we hunkered down into our homes and studios.
For most artists such a practice is normal, being alone is something we seek and have a hard time keeping. Always having interruptions is the plight of the artist space. But today it is different, very different. We are not only allowed to be alone, but are instructed to be alone and stay alone. Who ever would have thought it could be true?
Lest I mislead the reader into believing this is all a joke, no, certainly it is a deadly time unlike any we have ever seen in this generation. The reakity of it for artists is that not only are we alone, but like many businesses today, we face the screeching halt of the business we are in, the art business. April is normally the kick off of the art season. Art shows, workshops and galleries have been gearing up for months for this season. Paintings are dry and ready to show. Then, suddenly…full stop!
May I take this moment to say to you, the reader, I know that many of you are stressed during this time, and rightly so. Income stops, bill payments stop, rent payments stop, gas in the car stops, etc, etc. The longer this crisis goes on the more grim things look. For many of you the idea of purchasing art is understandably impossible. There are those, though, who have the wherewithal to reach out to your favorite artist, review their inventory on websites, social media pages, and step up and contact the artist whose work you love and make purchases. I for one continue to sell and I offer every client who asks the opportunity to keep their purchase bubble wrapped and secure until it is finally safe to deliver or ship. In this way you help the artist to continue to do what they do every day, to produce the art that you love so much and enjoy owning.
During COVID-19 cautionary measures let’s all do our small part to help those in need, lets not do it as a donation, lets do it to acquire and also to help the survival of those artists we love.
For those who have continued to step up and make purchases of my art I thank you from the bottom of my grateful heart. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Let’s do this together, let’s make it through to the far shore. We will be fine in the end.
Robert McAffee
Artist, publisher of robertmcaffee.com
Publisher of Sell Your Art on Facebook
Workshop instructor,
Artist for the Algonquin Art Centre.