It goes without saying that blogs are an amazing method to network, promote ourselves and spread the word about fellow businesses we identify with.
On a macroeconomic plane, blogs reach out to a global market allowing small businesses to sustain a viable living through the internet as demonstrated in the DIY movement, etsy.com and the rise in e-commerce only boutiques.
At the same time, on a micro-cosmic level, the way things are bought and sold has become more personal. Through blogs an enormous amount of content and substance suddenly arises out of a simple transaction. From buying a handmade porcelain cup to a one of kind lithograph print, the information posted in blogs about the artists who design and create the things we buy bring a new level of connection between us.
On this note, I’d like to give a very big thank you to all the wonderful people who have mentioned Ashes & Milk in their blogs. I tried to credit everyone, but may have missed a few of you. -Don’t hesitate to let me know. Also, for those of you interested in blogging about Ashes & Milk, shoot me an email at info[at]ashesandmilk.com.
This spring I wrote a short article called At the Heart of Value is Desire: A Gallerists Take on Value as part of the Chicago Artist Coalition monthly publication, Chicago Artists’ News. Each issue is a resource for visual artists including information about gallery openings, calls for entry, grant opportunities and job postings. To inquire more about Chicago Artists’ News – contact the editor, Alyson Koblas at editor@caconline.org.
Also, I want to thank artist Lynn Basa, and CAC editor Alyson Klobas for the opportunity to contribute to the Chicago Artists’ News, May 2009 Issue. The experience of writing this article has not only given me a deeper understanding of how I value art, but has also provided a platform for conversation. I’ve received some really wonderful responses. One of my favorite things said was by the artist, Charlie Spear:
“Inspiration, for me, is the most vital aspect of value. When I look at a work of art I must be inspired to create also. I must be drawn into the process (of art-making) for art to have lasting power…and immediately charged as if I was in a conversation with the artist and (thus) it is my turn to respond.”
[ To read the full article above, click on the image or download a PDF version of it right here. ]
