The Bottom Line

The Little Sue by Mark Wedekind

This stuff is amazing right? Organic and beautiful and functional. The table almost looks alive with it's arm gripping tightly to the rock. Every piece of wood with it's grain and light is it's own art.

This is Mark Wedekind, a friend of mine. Mark did a show with me a few years ago. I felt honored to have my little gallery space representing him. His work is award winning and even sits in the Anchorage museum. But Mark is losing hope of continuing as an artist. I know, it's a horrifying thought. To think that kind of talent would go untapped but it all comes down to the bottom line.

Ug, the dreaded bottom line. With the economy having more bad days than good days making a living as an artist has become an even greater challenge. How do you not get worn down with the weariness of trying to make a buck? I was chatting with Ann, Mark's wife, the other day and I almost felt a bit guilty as we discussed the frustration of making a living creating hand shaped, custom furniture. Why?

A few year back I decided to start making prints of my paintings. Prints became note cards and notebooks and before I knew it I had several items $25 and under. Then I created a book. True, that was a large outlay of money to start with but with $30 here and $50 there I am keeping my head above water. Selling an original is not the regular event it used to be. But with a little here and there I do okay. How does an artist like Mark make that happen?

Mark and Ann have a plan. A good one and hopefully it will bring some relief to the nagging bottom line. It would be a crime to have Mark quit creating his magic with wood. Check out his website and friend him on facebook. An artist like Mark is too valuable to lose.

www.blackstonedesign.com