So how is that for an interesting title? I have always thought of myself as an educator and only lately have I started to think of my self as-perhaps- an artist. I always knew that I was going to teach and coach but it took me awhile to get any good at either but all along the way I did it because it was fun and the pay was just a bonus; which was probably a bad idea for someone who got married and had to pay bills!! But I can look back and realize that there were few days that I dreaded going to school because of the chance to play with students and hang out with teachers-just how good can that be?
Later I came to realize with the fun came some responsibilities, like I had the opportunity to be a part of many young people's lives and, maybe, have an impact upon who they became. The money was nice but I think that I would have done it for a whole lot less-just don't tell too many people that. I heard someone say that 80% of teachers just worked for the money-I think that if I heard the statement first hand I might have punched someone. Teachers work hard, long hours, not much recognition, are asked to do more with less and often with little respect-I was just to naive to not notice these things. The money was nice but I bet if you ask many teachers would they say the same thing about the dedication to the cause.
So what does this attitude have to do with artists? I realize that for some artists a "good show" is one in which they are rewarded richly for their efforts and I appreciate that there are costs and time involved in producing their piece and should be rewarded. But their are artists that believe that their work is a gift and that the gift should be shared with others. My folks used to go to Arizona for the winters and brought back originals and prints of an artist named De Grozio (or something like that); they are pictures of native Americans, usually young children. In a dispute with someone, he burned all his paintings; hard to tell how much money he lost but he had his principles. So when I was selling some leaves to a man, he asked why I did not charge more for them; I had never really thought about the costs, I don't keep good track of the amount of time taken for each piece, I don't keep good records for painting costs, or brushes. Often I don't really believe that the completed work is worth much more than I ask.
I could do the pieces quicker if I used power tools, especially when working with a decoy or shorebird-I use a bandsaw to rough out the decoy then work with a draw knife, smaller knives, sand paper and a wood burning piece. A leaf or feather is cut on a scroll saw, then carved and sanded by hand; I am sure this is not cost effective but I love to watch the wood develop, the grain appear and the work take shape minute by minute.
So there is my dilemma-do I try to become more cost effective, raise my prices, work more hours? I am sure that I will figure it out but while I do please keep looking at the pictures, checking out the blog and if you are in Keene, stop by at City Hall for the Art Walk-I will be there on opening night and the next couple of days doing some work. As always measure twice and cut once and if you have time to get out on the water, keep a tight line. Thanks for reading.
Nelson Papa Richter
