Art Fair Applications Part 2 (wordage)
In Art Fair Applications Part 1 I discussed the importance of using quality images in the application process. In this post I’ll briefly cover things to consider when communicating about who you are and what you do.
Perceptions of Art or Craft
There is usually a great debate around what should be considered “art.” Umm . . . I am definitely not going there. Instead I’ll comment on how the word “art” is perceived differently from the word “craft” and why that may be important to you when filling out applications.
…the word craft should be avoided completely except when talking about “craftmanship.”
The first thing is to be aware of what the connotations of the word “craft” are. In the December 08 issue of Art Calendar Magazine the article Art or Craft what’s in a name states that in their survey 87.2% felt that a finished creation was perceived as more valuable when classified as “art” rather than “craft.” 68.4% perceived “art” as having superior quality to that of a “craft.” The magazine suggests the word craft should be avoided completely except when talking about “craftmanship.
In regards to art fairs, with a very few exceptions I wouldn’t even consider an event if it has the word craft in the title. Now that doesn’t mean an event who calls itself an artfair can’t be crafty. (They can and often are) Or that a craft event can have great art. But when it is an “art & craft” fair it often attracts a different type of buyer..This is just one of the reasons that whenever possible you should attend the event as a patron before committing your cash for a booth whenever possible.
With the application process how you describe yourself plays an important role in how a jury perceives you. In the same article it tells how many artists are using broader words like “objects,” “creations” or “works” to replace more traditional descriptors like ceramics and sculptures.
The written word
It is important to be able to write (in brevity) a description of your work. The events I have applied to have requested this supporting information anywhere from under 100 words to just 3 words. (Thaaaat’s right 3. In case your curious “Equestrian & WIldlife Artist”) Something this brief is generally for inside the catalog or map information. Anywhere from 7-25 words is often read to the jury while viewing your work. The way you describe your artwork has a great impact on how it is perceived.
The way you describe your artwork has a great impact on how it is perceived.
Here’s an example: If there ever comes a time where I submit a watercolor pencil painting on suede matboard for jury consideration I would say it was “water soluble pencil on suede board” I will definitely omit the word “mat.” By doing this I am avoiding any negative associations the jury might have against matting. Suede matboard is acid free and archival (at least the kind I use is) and artists have been creating work on matboards for a very long time. Yet some may see it as not investing in proper materials.
The wrap up
The point of this post is just to get you thinking a bit about how you speak about yourself and your work. So often artists just wing it but being prepared with wordage that works helps you to come across as the professional you are.
Thanks you so much, Mona, for all of this valuable information.