Art Paths - Concept vs Aesthetic , Sales vs Independance.

                                         New Work Sold on Sunday. Oil on Canvas.40 by 36.

After working for some weeks now on various 3 dimensional works , and believing strongly in the finished artworks, I had reason to stop and contemplate my path forward as yet again my paintings are outselling my sculptures , causing me to reflect on the art market whims and fashions and how success within my 2d output is pulling me sideways again. Its a difficult dillema to fathom , as I enjoy both creating in both forms, and wish the outcome financially was spread between the two disciplines....perhaps its the fact that sculpture is less understood to some degree or perhaps its easier to fill a wall space than occupy a corner in the smaller homes of today, certainly here in the UK , I believe 3d work is less sought than paintings...where space is of a premium...

Its extemely fufulling selling artwork , as its the belief by the client , paying for the artwork, and wanting to own it , that drives me on , making me believe in what I'm trying to achieve is artistically creditable. Aesthetic vs Concept and the idea of painting to fashion at times is unavoidable , when trying to be self reliant as an artist, but it does play havoc with ones inner art self which in my case is always wanting to explore new ideas and themes...much often to to the frustration of the galleries which show my work , as its diverse , and thematically  appears to jump in and out of genre, medium and form...but then through time many artists have explored multiple disciplines and styles....so the argument of repetitive creation as the key to artistic success and value , does not hold sway with me...I am simply me and enjoy art in all its guises.

As I start a new work this week, a sculpture , I will be tested as to whether to explore some new ideas that I have around "exploding form"....or to pursue something more aesthetic and less concept driven , by design.Only when at the crucial startup of my Arbor Tech carving tool will I know which way I'll go this week...Anyway , the new dawn will see me at my carving block and ready to start...
I include the new painting , sold on Sunday. Its a marinescape in oil, and has been bought by a client in Derbyshire.

                                         40 by 36. Oil on Canvas. Sold Sunday.August 2012.