“Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny.”
CS Lewis, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.’
Representing my art online often feels like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia, a digital world where I am suddenly (or gradually) presented with exciting new experiences and opportunities both nationally and internationally, that might not have been as readily available offline. The ability to travel cyberly and meet new connections (and keep in touch with current connections), has made the internet a pleasant asset to my art business.
The quote from CS Lewis is particularly apt, as I recently had a meeting with the Surrey Artists Network at the historic pub, The Old House in Dorking, Surrey, with parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century. The meeting was held in a secret room, hidden away at the back of the pub and only accessible through a walk in wardrobe. My first impression on opening the door on the other side of the wardrobe was like entering an 18th Century time capsule. I was immediately transported into another era, with leather seats, exposed beams, brickwork chandeliers, a roaring log fire, old paintings, bookshelves lining the walls, and an old piano. My inner interior designer/architect/historian/musician/bibliophile/antique collector couldn’t quite control itself and I just fell in love with the secret room instantly. I don’t think it’s hard to see why.
The purpose of the meeting was not to discuss the online shop which I am about to mention, but the network organisers always seem to find hidden gems tucked away in Surrey for our meetings, so I wanted to include it here, particularly with the Narnia/internet theme.
On 20th November I began an online Open Studios art shop with Surrey Artists, of which I am a member, and incredibly, received my first orders within two days. I have decided to feature greeting cards, with eight card designs in a mix and match format, suitable for any occasion throughout the year. Alongside the cards, I have included a small framed original oil painting and several open and limited edition prints that are currently only being displayed in galleries. Sharing about my commissions online in the past few weeks has also resulted in several enquiries from new clients, requesting bespoke commissions in the New Year. An etsy shop is also in it’s inception, and will be featuring (at the moment), greeting cards and prints. A lot can happen in a few weeks!
There is a seasonal Christmas discount of 30% on all my limited edition small prints, and free UK postage for all medium size prints. Both offers are available until mid January.
Most originals, aside from the one on the Surrey Artists shop, will be able to buy from me directly or through galleries or agencies representing me. You can view more of my work and upcoming exhibitions at www.charlotteigguldenart.co.uk
I am now taking commissions for 2018, please send any enquiries to info@charlotteigguldenart.co.uk.
I would always encourage other artists to focus on their artwork creation offline first and building contacts, then simply continuing it online and not giving up, especially if they are not very technically/social media inclined. Perseverence, faithfulness in doing what you love, and hope, has it’s rewards.
