"IN THE BAG" EXHIBITION AT THE OLIVE HYDE GALLERY

"Wrapture"

© Joanne Licsko 07

oil on canvas 30"x40"

 I am feeling pleased these days, and I owe some of this good feeling to generosity of another artist. 

I am very proud to have four of my paintings included in an exhibition "In The Bag" showing the works of eleven women artists.  The theme is "Purses or Satchels - a mobile container or personal accessory that often hints at the personality of the person wearing it."

 

For several years I have a been inspired to work a theme based on women's shopping experience, focusing particularly on the brightly colored shopping bags that retailers know we love.  "Wrapture" is my favorite of the series so far.  It is a celebration of the ecstasy women feel upon the return of a successful hunt in the retail jungle.  Bags of different shapes, colored tissue paper in excess, even the brand name tastefully displayed on the bag that says Chanel, all enhance the thrill.  The chiaroscuro effect of black to white, the pink and cream tissue, the reflected and transparent lights, were all pure pleasure for me to paint.

"In the Bag", curated by Sandra Hemsworth, is currently on display until July 11th at the Olive Hyde Gallery in Fremont, Ca.  Mostly 3D works, the work is both insightful and delightful.  The reception on June 12 th, gave me the chance to admire  the work of all the artists, and meet with carved cardboard artist Judy Johnson-Williams.  Her brilliantly constructed bag made to look like breasts is a work few will forget. 

San Francisco artist Marni Mutrux graciously sent an email to tell me of the show, knowing the theme was perfect for me.  Thank you Marni!!

FINDING THE RIGHT TITLES FOR PAINTINGS

"Abundance"

© Joanne Licsko

18"x20" oil on canvas

Giving a title to a work of art is not mandatory.  Some artists are content with no title, some will simply number their works.  In my own work, I prefer to give some direction to understanding where I my feelings were, or where the inspiration came from.   A title may prompt a viewer to take a second look, to go deeper.  To please myself, I strive for aesthetic pleasure, therefore, making it too easy for the viewer to assume the painting is just a pretty picture.  Usually, I have a theme, or a serious statement behind what I consider to be my better works.   An appropriate title will help make the connection I am hoping for.

Of all my paintings, my favorite title "Wrapture" came from a rapid fire, verbal duel with my friend Joe who possesses a great wit.  Showing the newly finished work to him, I mentioned I had not yet found a satisfying title for it.  He started in with all sorts of ideas, mostly humorous.  His playfulness took me out of my ineffective "search mode".  Spontaneously, and mindlessly, the title flew out of my mouth.  We both new instantly that it was perfect.

Rarely, the title for a painting will come before the painting has begun.  This can happen when a juried show has a theme, and one knows the subject before the vision.  

Most frequently, my muse delivers the title near the completion of the painting.  Sometimes, I think she must be on vacation, or having an affair with another artist, or maybe she just doesn't like the painting, because the work never seems to find a title with any sparkle to it. Example: Bowl with Peppers.

To my dismay, the painting shown above, sat on the gallery wall much longer than I expected.   The painting was the unintentional result of a late summer trip to my farmers market.  I had returned home with a big bag of exotic peppers knowing they would be greatly appreciated by my Hungarian born husband.  I poured the peppers into a stainless steel bowl, and placed it on a table already covered with a leopard print cloth.  The scene was lit by the late afternoon sun from a west window.  I fell in love with the sight, and a series of chance events became a painting titled "Bowl with Peppers".  

Recently, I changed the title.  I didn't tell my gallery, but in my computer files, I changed the title on all references to the painting to reflect what I at last understood was my genuine inspiration -  the harvest bounty, abundance.  Within two weeks of changing the title, it sold.  Coincidence?  Perhaps. 

Example of Consignment Agreement for Visual Artists

"Melina's Rose"

©Joanne Licsko

12"x9" oil on canvas

I admit I have somewhat moved on from wanting to think about consignment agreements, but I said I would, and who knows maybe it will help a fellow artist.  I'll try to make it brief.

First, I have included a copy of my personal contract.  I am concerned that the format may be altered when trying to publish it on blogspot.  Sorry if that happens. I work in the old Mac Appleworks application and it is clearly outdated and clumsy.  I plan to change when I have the time to learn a new and improved one. The "drawing" format allows me to include a thumbnail photo of my painting. This is very important! Things happen.  A photo allows everyone to know exactly which painting is missing, etc.

 

About copyright, the law requires one to claim one's copyright and having an image floating around cyberspace or anywhere else is risky.  Insist that it is included always.

Number 5 is essential. It helps to protect you should the gallery sell your work and not pay you. That's a big help if the gallery goes bankrupt.

The rest is self explanatory.  

This contract has been developed by me over many years of dealing with galleries, and private dealers.  My attorney would like it to be many pages longer, but I have found that when I have presented small businesses like galleries with too much to read it turns them off (as it would me).  This small and simple agreement covers all the issues that have come up over the years, and not one gallery has refused it. 

Disclaimer:

By publishing this example of my personal consignment agreement I am not saying it is all that you need.  Please take the initiative and customise one for yourself.  It is meant as a sample of what I have found works for me, and in no way will I take responsibility if it isn't enough to protect your circumstances.  It is meant as an example of the minimum requirements for me.  I clearly state I have no legal background. 

                              __YOUR NAME HERE___ CONSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

                                   It is agreed between  artist _your name here__and the undersigned that  the    ________  Gallery accepts the following  _your name here______ works of art as consigned for sale:

                             Title                      Medium             Size         Wholesale     + Frame                                                                                                                                                   ______________________________________________Price________Cost 

 photo here            “title here"       ”  ? on canvas      ?”x?”       $0000 .          + $???.

 photo here            “title here”         ? on canvas       ?”x?”        $0000.       unframed

_________________________________________________________________

Terms of consignment:

1. Gallery will pay the artist __your name here___ 100% of the wholesale price within __days after sale has been agreed upon and gallery has received payment.    If gallery chooses to accept partial or layaway payments, gallery will pay artist 100% of the wholesale price within 30 days of initial sale agreement.  
2. Gallery acknowledges that the artwork(s) were received in good condition, and will insure the artworks listed above until either the artwork is returned to the artist or the artist has been paid in full.
3. Gallery will not discount work without artist’s permission on each individual piece.
4. Gallery will affix ©_your name here__ to all publication of artist’s work ( especially anything electronic).
5. Gallery acknowledges that it is receiving each artwork on consignment only and will not acquire title to the works.  Title of artworks will pass directly from __your name here___ to the purchaser upon the artist’s receipt of payment in accordance with this agreement.
6. Artwork will be hung prominently in gallery at all times while on consignment with the exception of specified times when the gallery is showcasing another artist.   
7. The artwork listed above will be on consignment for a time limited to________ months, beginning from the date of this signed agreement, at which time both parties will either renew agreement or return the unsold artworks to _your name here_____ in the same good condition as when its was delivered.
   
8. Gallery agrees to pay for the repair or replacement of artwork or consigned frame if damaged during consignment.  
   

    _Your name here____ and _________Gallery hereby execute this agreement in their respective names and by their duly authorized officers, effective as of the date of the latter acceptance below:

                                                                        

                      YOUR NAME HERE                                              GALLERY

                                        

                  __________________________                 By:_____________________

                Date: ______________________                Title:_gallery director or??__

                                                                                       Date: ___________________