I think today marks definite progress – call me shallow but there was something very nice about having professional art handlers collect my work this afternoon.
It was my first time. In the past I’ve driven, posted, carried and lugged work to shows. Today it was all very different – a quick phone call this morning, then this afternoon and right on time a man came to the studio and took the two pieces I’ll be installing on Saturday. If the work were simpler to install I wouldn’t have to see it again until the opening. And that, for me, is a really strange thought. It feels good, it feels professional.
For the future I need to think about packing/packaging (– what do you call it?). I’m so used to moving my own work around that I’ve never bothered with crates or boxes. It’s usually the lighter the better, so no wooden crates. However seeing my somewhat delicate work wrapped in some polythene and brown paper made me think …
a) is that sufficient protection?
b) where will the work be held until Saturday?
c) who else will be handing it?
d) is that appropriate packing?
Realisation – I WANT CRATES!
If I want other people to take me (and my work) seriously I need to take myself (and my work) seriously.
If I want other people to value my work I need to value it myself. I need to make sure that it is appropriately protected, especially when it’s out of my hands.
There’s also something about the theatre, the play, of being an artist that I miss out on when I cut corners and don’t really think things through. The logistics are part of the work. Perhaps some of what I used to dismiss as pretentious is in fact one stage of a whole experience. The packaging is important – yes a Tiffany ring is still a Tiffany ring if it’s in a plastic bag or a Tiffany box, but to be honest I’d want it in the box! So I want my work to arrive in the equivalent of the Tiffany box – an appropriate, sturdy, well made crate that starts the process of excitement and engagement (no pun intended!). When my work arrives somewhere ahead of me I want it to make a good impression. My commitment to my work should be apparent. I WANT my commitment to work to be apparent.
