Customer Reviews

The Business of Art

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I'd have to say I was very disappointed in this book. The title lead me to believe that there would be plenty of nuts and bolts information, when, in fact, there is very little indeed. There is one long-ish chapter on photographing artwork that contains a great deal of technical information on film, cameras,lenses, and lighting. (Most artists would be better served by hiring, or bartering work with, a competent photographer.) The rest of the book consists largely of personal reminiscences, rambling essays and opaque monologues.

Emerging artists want to know: how do you approach gallery owners successfully? how do you approach museums successfully? how do you prepare your portfolio? how does my work get seen? Well, emerging artists shouldn't expect to find useful answers in this book. The answers compiled in The Business of Art are mostly of the "If you're good enough you'll be found". "Get a magazine to write about you", "I got lucky", "Enter lots of competitions and hope someone notices you", and "Stop whining" variety.

There are a few mildly interesting, though not enlightening, personal stories about the New York art scene "back in the day", but don't look for much practical help here. I consider this as money wasted - both mine and the NEA's.