Art Problems

Artist Natalia Nakazawa believes this moment of extreme uncertainty is actually "artist time"—when we need to step up as visionaries and fill the voids that traditional systems are leaving behind. This is the second interview in my series on how to find hope through artistic practice. Natalia has built multiple collectives and focuses on long-term sustainability over quick wins. We discuss making culture essential infrastructure and why artists need to connect beyond their silos. This is about training yourself to dream big and recognizing that artists are needed everywhere. RELEVANT LINKS: Natalia Nakazawa: https://www.natalianakazawa.com/ Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship: https://socratessculpturepark.org/ Hue Museum: https://huemuseum.org/ Join Netvvrk: https://www.vvrkshop.art/i-want-to-netvvrk-now

After feeling demoralized by Trump's election, artist Julie Peppito researched how to resist authoritarianism and merged her studio practice with street activism—what she calls "artivism." Peppito, who is leading Saturday's No King's protest in NYC, believes artists are uniquely positioned to break through disinformation as messengers and visual communicators.  We discuss her four-part formula for building hope: community, social proof, joy, and collaboration, plus practical advice on organizing art builds, leading protests, and turning your studio into a "hope-making machine." RELEVANT LINKS: Julie Peppito: https://www.juliepeppito.com/ Julie Peppito Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepeppito/ 50501: ​​https://www.fiftyfifty.one/ Indivisible: https://indivisible.org/ Heather Cox Richardson Newsletter: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/ The Ink by Anand Giridharadas: https://the.ink/

When external pressures feel overwhelming and traditional solutions fall short, how do artists move forward? From The Whitney pausing its Independent Study Program to AI threatening brand partnerships, the challenges facing artists today often don't have clear fixes.  Art Coach Paddy Johnson explores why believing every threat is already reality can paralyze us, how social media platforms prioritize reach over genuine connection, and why the art world's scrappy resilience might be our greatest asset. Plus, an announcement about an upcoming series designed to bring hope and courage to the creative community.   RELEVANT LINKS: Whitney Museum Suspends Independent Study Program - Hyperallergic  Do Artists Need Galleries - artnet Art Market Minute podcast Trump Said He Fired the National Portrait Gallery Director. She's Still There. - Bloomberg Netvvrk membership

At the end of 2024, artist Amy Kligman left her executive director role to create her own opportunities by identifying gaps in the Kansas City arts ecosystem. She launched Special Effects gallery to make local artists more nationally visible and the Salon for Possible Futures, an artwork that doubles as a community gathering space. We discuss how Amy navigates risk and uncertainty, measures success in experimental projects, and uses art to build empathy and human connection during politically volatile times.   RELEVANT LINKS:  Amy Kligman: https://www.amykligman.com/ Amy Kligman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykligman/ Special Effects Gallery: https://www.instagram.com/specialfxgallery The Salon for Possible Futures: https://www.nermanmuseum.org/exhibitions/2025-03-28-amy-kligman.html

In this second part of our two-part series on New York Art Fair Week, William Powhida and Paddy Johnson discuss the standout artworks from Independent, NADA, and Spring Break. Despite the thin crowds and economic challenges explored in Part 1, there were notable works worth celebrating. The conversation highlights vintage game boards at Independent, playful Nancy Drew-inspired paintings at Spring Break, and meticulously detailed highway landscapes at NADA. Most significantly, we explore how the most politically relevant work happened outside the fairs, with an extended conversation of Mitchell Chan's "Insert Coins" – a deceptively simple video game installation that reveals itself as a devastating commentary on capitalism, cryptocurrency, and rigged systems. This piece, along with Open Collective's Ukrainian war karaoke installation, connected to the anxieties of the real world, in a way that seemed largely absent from the commercial fair venues. Relevant Links: Artists & Galleries Mentioned: Lisa Sanditz at Alexandre Gallery Ricco Maresca Gallery (vintage game boards) Eleanor Aldrich at Field Projects Eve Sussman and Simon Lee William Pope.L at Mitchell-Innes & Nash Namwon Choi at Pentimenti Gallery Megan Dominescu at Anca Poterasu Gallery Mitchell Chan's "Insert Coins" at Nguyen Wahed Guy Richard Smith at A Hug From The Art World Duke Riley & Jean Shin at In Praise of Shadows Lucia Hierro at Swivel David Molesky (banana paintings) Sophia  Lapres at Towards Gallery Ernesto Solana at NADA guadalajara90210 Julia Garcia at Hair + Nails Lars Korff-Lofthus at Entree Gallery Bill Abdale Magda Sawon, Postmasters Venues: Independent Art Fair NADA Fair (at Star-Lehigh Building) Spring Break Art Show 601 Artist Space (Open Collective exhibition) American Folk Art Museum

Is New York Art Fair Week losing its momentum? This week, artist and critic William Powhida and I spent time at Independent, NADA, and Spring Break—and the energy felt deflated across all three. In this first part of our two-part series, we dig into what went wrong. Thin crowds. Dealers complaining about slow sales. International collectors staying away due to political uncertainty and travel concerns. The overall market recession. But is it just market fatigue, or something deeper? We explore whether New York has simply become too expensive for emerging galleries to self-subsidize, whether political anxiety is creating a chilling effect on both artists and collectors, and why even the best new venues (NADA's stunning Star-Lehigh building) couldn't energize the crowds. From The Shed's "art prison" atmosphere to Spring Break's maturation away from experimental energy, we examine whether these fairs are losing their essential character—or if broader economic and political forces are reshaping the entire ecosystem. Next week in Part 2: We'll walk through the specific artwork that caught our attention at each fair and discuss why we had to leave the fairs entirely to find art that truly captured this political moment.   Relevant Links: William Powhida: Jilian Steinhauer for the New York Times on Spring Break https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/arts/design/spring-break-art-fair-review.html# NADA Fair: https://newartdealers.org/ Independent Art Fair: https://independent-art.org/ Spring Break Art Show: https://springbreakartshow.com/

The Art Problems Podcast is back after a two-month hiatus — and I'm back announcing the biggest update in Netvvrk membership history. The economy's rough. The art world's uncertain. And I'm not pretending otherwise. But that does mean that focusing on your career now can give you a leg up.  This episode is about giving yourself that advantage by finding your place in the art world — and actually moving forward. Joint Netvvrk Here

One of the best ways to solve the problem of not enough shows is to self-organize. No one can launch a show without networking, so it forces network expansion, along with solving the lack of shows thing. For Transcultural Exchange Director and artist Mary Sherman this activity is as routine as breathing. She is the mastermind behind Avenues for Daring, the 2025 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts iteration. And she's the guest on this week's podcast. Today, we walk through the origins of Transcultural Exchange and learn about the upcoming conference for artists, taking place March 7-9 at the Foundry Cambridge MA.   Relevant links: https://transculturalexchange.org/conference-2025/registration/

In which I reveal plans for a game-changing curriculum built from hundreds of artist surveys and 20+ years of industry experience. Plus, get a must-listen podcast recommendation that perfectly captures the creative journey. When Art Problems returns, expect deeper dives into career-advancing strategies.

Doesn't it seem like everyone is talking about crappy things are lately? This starts with the state of politics and extends all the way through to culture. Is culture in stasis? And if not, why does it feel like it is to so many people? On this episode of Art Problems, the artist William Powhida and I discuss the following articles: “Why has culture come to a standstill,” Jason Farago, The New York times "The Painted Protest, How Politics Destroyed Contemporary Art", Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine. “The One Word That Describes Art Now” Ben Davis and scholar Anna Kornbluh, Artnet's Art Angle Podcast You'll get more understanding of where culture is moving forward and where it isn't from this episode than any other podcast I've done. Consider this a must-listen.   Relevant links: “Why has culture come to a standstill,” Jason Farago, The New York times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/magazine/stale-culture.html   "The Painted Protest, How Politics Destroyed Contemporary Art", Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine https://harpers.org/archive/2024/12/the-painted-protest-dean-kissick-contemporary-art/   “The One Word That Describes Art Now” Ben Davis and scholar Anna Kornbluh, Artnet's Art Angle Podcast https://news.artnet.com/multimedia/the-one-word-that-explains-art-now-2524844   "Episode 70: Is there a Dead Body Trend in Art?" Paddy Johnson and William Powhida, Art Problems Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-70-is-there-a-dead-body-trend-in-art/id1646991472?i=1000669157335

In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm reflecting on the professionals I'm most thankful for—those supporting artists. The field is vast; honestly, this list of ten could easily be five times the size. But there's only so much space in one show! This episode is for you if you want to know who is doing good work and supporting your practice. A few quick and dirty links below PLUS don't forget to take advantage of our VantaBlack Friday deal before it slips away. You get $100 off the annual membership when you join before Monday December 2nd.   Relevant links: Hannah Cole, Sunlight Tax, Episode 5, Art Money and Fear, Episode 73, Post Hurricane Helene with Artist and Accountant Hannah Cole John Massier, Curator of Visual Arts, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center Luke Blackadar, Lawyer at the Arts and Business Council , Episode 20, How Does the Supreme Court Warhol Foundation Ruling Affect Artists? Catherine Haggarty, NYC Crit Club's The Canopy Program, Episode 22, Demolishing the Day Job Stigma for Artists Casey Curry, Casey Can Help Ceri Hand, Coach for Visual Artists, Episode 63, Meet Ceri Hand Dexter Wimberly and Heather Bhandari Darcy, CreativeStudy, Episode 56, An Interview with Heather Bhandari Ron Passaro, Ron Passaro | Digital Agency - Web Design, Video, Audio, Podcasts Detour | Thomas Evans I am Detour – IamDetour

Every artist needs a visibility plan. But if you're anything like me, you may find following a plan INSANELY difficult. There are too many variables at play to stick to a plan. Well, when you establish your starting point, you can set goals, and creating a plan with the flexibility needed to achieve said goals becomes a lot easier. On today's podcast, I talk about the baseline metrics you need to determine so you can set realistic goals and timelines. I give you the outline of what we're doing inside Netvvrk so you can follow along even if you're not a member, but I also give you the code to join at the annual level during our Vantablack Friday sale and save $100, through Monday, December 2nd. You want access to our workbooks and yearly planning that can transform your career. Join Netvvrk and save $100 using the code VANTA24. 

What would launching an exhibition look like if you only had to focus on your art? That's the dream Tiger Strikes Asteroid makes possible. As founder Alex Paik explains in this episode of Art Problems, TSA handles everything from taxes to website maintenance across its five locations, allowing artists to concentrate solely on creating and exhibiting their work. In this episode, Paik explains how TSA's network of artist-run spaces creates alternatives to market-driven galleries, fosters authentic community across five cities, and helps artists build rich, fulfilling lives through meaningful connections and creative autonomy. Paik's plain-spoken wisdom about community and organizing provides a salve to an otherwise market-focused art industry. Plus, an important plug: TSA is currently fundraising to support its mission. You can help by purchasing their newly released artist-designed T-shirts and sweatshirts or becoming a monthly member through Patreon, starting at just $5.  https://www.tigerstrikesasteroid.com/

Well, this week sure sucked. If you're like me, you're probably having a tough time figuring out how to feel okay. Because you know, like me, that everything will not be okay. I want you to know this: you are not alone. On this episode of Art Problems I talk about how leaning into community can help you find the optimism you need to get through the next couple of years. Community can be your friends, your neighbors, a local knitting group, a group of artists you share advice with.

Ever wonder how to get your art into museum collections? Museum Exchange co-founder Michael Darling joins me to discuss how his company connects artwork with museums that want it. Museum Exchange functions like a matchmaking service - museums write proposals for artwork they want, and donors choose the best fit. It's working: small regional museums are building collections, challenging works are finding homes, and donors and institutions are getting what they need. Listen as Darling, and I get into the thick of it and learn more about a process that might work for you or someone you know!

Is any question more vexing to artists than, "What do you do?" No, because it's impossible to answer! This week on the podcast, I turned the tables and asked curator, consultant, and media personality Carrie Scott the same questions she asks artists in her interviews. What do you do? Who do you make work for? What made you decide to pursue a career in the arts? In asking these questions, our conversation touches on Seen, her newest membership for collectors and artists, whether you can feel art, and who gets to monopolize parenthood conversations in the art world.

Does advanced age feel more like a liability than a strength? Welcome to the art world, which can suuuuck for mid-career artists. Ageism in the art world is more than just a problem—it's a barrier that can feel insurmountable, especially for women artists over 60. (And yes, while it affects everyone, the impact on women is particularly harsh.) I'm not going to pretend ageism doesn't exist. I'm not going to pretend ageism doesn't exist. It does, and it will impact you. However, how you view your age will determine the extent of its effects on your career. YOU are not beholden to another person's preconceptions. Your age does not have to be a limitation. It is a strength waiting to be unleashed. I'm tackling the issue head-on this week on the Art Problems podcast by sharing seven game-changing tips that will help you: Reframe your mindset and embrace your ambition Master essential skills for today's art world Transform your studio practice to work with you, not against you Consider these tips a toolkit for visibility, success, and artistic fulfillment in your 60s and beyond. The best part? Many of these strategies are just as powerful for younger artists. It's never too early (or too late) to take control of your art career!

The problem most artists don't know they have with A.I.? They aren't using it enough. If you don't use it, you won't know all it can do to help you. But you also won't be aware of its limitations. In this podcast, I walk you through exactly how AI can help you save time in the studio, and when you need to switch out the AI for an expert. Here's the spoiler alert on what AI can and can't do: It's great for agendas and basic writing and editing. I use it almost every day and it helps me enormously. But it does have limitations. It can't fill in the information you don't give it, and it won't identify specific problems unless you ask it to do so. As a means of answering those AI limitations, I've created strategic email scripts that artists can use to get better shows, additional funding, and even acquisitions. The scripts come in three separate documents - one for galleries, one for museums, and one for Instagram - and retail at $129 or $49 for the gallery scripts alone. But for a limited time, I'm offering 15% off. All you gotta do to get the coupon is fill in your information when the pop up appears. During the podcast I give five examples of AI use that can help you grow your career and five limitations you need to be aware. AND I share specific cases so you can see how AI plays out in real life! Happy listening -- and Netvvrking!

You wouldn't think a town in the mountains would be devastated by a hurricane. That's what happens to cities on the coastlines. But we live in a world undeniably affected by climate change, so all bets are off. Today on the Art Problems podcast I speak with Hannah Cole an Artist and Accountant based in Asheville, an artist-friendly city heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. She shares how the hurricane has affected her and her family over the last several days, which includes losing her life's work, being exposed to toxic chemicals and without water since last Friday. Many artists are in the exact same position as Hannah or worse. Listen to the podcast to learn more about how the hurricane aftermath affects the residents of Asheville.   Here's how you can help: Relevant links on [PODCAST] Art Problems: Post Hurricane Helene with Artist and Accountant Hannah Cole — VVrkshop

There was a time when I couldn't imagine even asking this question. Of course, you need a gallery. How else will you sell your work to collectors? But now, in the age of Instagram, substack, and websites, maybe it's not as urgent a need. You can connect with buyers on your own. Even galleries don't always think they need galleries. Many have closed and become advisory firms. Many have become advisory firms and then returned to the brick-and-mortar space! In this episode of Art Problems, I talk about this new world — how to manage gallery closures and what you need to make a go of it on your own.

Is it possible to leave your family for a couple of months to make art on a residency and not feel guilty for doing it? For many of us, probably not, which is why on this podcast, I speak with artist Danielle Mysliwiec about why her experience at Surf Point, The Tides Institute, and Long Meadow Art Residency is worth any guilt incurred in the process. Put yourself and your career first whenever possible. In this podcast, we talk about residencies, networking, feminism, and even the new Miranda July book All Fours.   Relevant links: https://longmeadowartresidency.com/ https://www.surfpoint.me/ https://www.tidesinstitute.org/studioworks-artist-in-residence-program/

What's with the dead bodies? Yes, that's an actual question from the New York fairs. This week on the podcast, I invited the artist William Powhida on to the show ostensibly to discuss what we saw last week. The discussion, though, ended up going far deeper. On the podcast, we talk about: What we want from art in an increasingly tumultuous world What landscapes, florals, and a dead body trend at the fair say about the world. The shifting landscape of art, which includes many new faces and names Plus, we talk about all the work in the shows that sparked thought!   Relevant links: Armory The Armory Show | New York's Art Fair Lydia Pettit at Dinner Gallery Rodrigo Valenzuela at Asya Geisberg Gallery  CHIFFON THOMAS at Michael Kohn Gallery  Derrick Adams and Jeffrey Gibson at Tandem Press Rafael Lozano-Hemmer SPURS Gallery Jeanne Silverthorne at Marc Straus Gallery David Scher and Ward Shelley at Pierogi Gallery  Simonette Quamina at Praxis Art  Manuel López at Charlie James Gallery (cjamesgallery.com) Paige K.B.'s installation Of Course, You Realize, This Means War at Blade Study CURRO (galeriacurro.mx) Alejandro Almanza Pereda at Galeria CURRO David Hammons at Jack Tilton Gallery Tamarind Institute (unm.edu) Eva Koťátková at hunt kastner gallery William Kentridge and Ai Weiwei at Whitechapel Gallery Matt Bollinger Katinka Lampe at Gallerie Ron Mandos  The Library Collective out of Baltimore Caro Jost  Jennifer Bartlett at Locks Gallery Grayson Perry at Paragon (paragonpress.co.uk) Kathris Linkersdorff, Zoe Walk, and Sarah Anne Johnson at Yossi Milo Broadway (broadwaygallery.nyc) Theo Pinto at Nature Morte Whitestone Gallery (whitestone-gallery.com) 1301SW Sim Smith (sim-smith.com) Nicodim Gallery Tschabalala Self at Two Palms Michael Berryhill at DIMIN Emily Weiner at MILES McENERY GALLERY I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih at Gajah Gallery Andy Dixon at The Hole   Spring Break SPRING/BREAK Art Show - About (springbreakartshow.com) Jac Lahav and Michele Maslow's Monster with artists Caitlin McCormack, Taylor Lee Nicholson, and Charles Clary Stuart Lantry, Post It Notes Stina Puotinen, "Two Fishes"  “All's Fair in love and Lore” curated by Harsh Collective, featuring Laura Benson, Lucinda Gold, and Gabriel Kramer Gary Gissler at Anita Rogers Gallery Robert Jamora in “Everything is Fine” Peter Dayton Marianna Peragallo Eric Diehl  54 | Bobby Anspach Studios Foundation  ACE LEHNER (ace-lehner.com)'s The Barbershop: The Art of Queer Failure 

Raise your hand if you feel guilty taking time off.

Is there a scenario in which giving your work away for free is preferable to storing it? For more than 80 artists, the answer to this question is called the Zero Art Fair. (In other words, if the storage fees become too high, then yes, free is better than the trash.) The fair, which took place last weekend at Upstate Art Weekend, helped artists place more than 200 works and close to half a million dollars in art. Today on the Art Problems Podcast I talk to the artists behind the fair, Jennifer Dalton and William Powhida. Let's get the skinny direct from the source!     Relevant links: https://www.zeroartfair.com/home http://www.jenniferdalton.com/ https://williampowhida.com/

I'd like to introduce you to artist John Sproul. Over the last three years, his career has completely transformed. John is a Netvvrk member, and like so many of us, he's putting the work in. But is he doing anything different than you? In this episode of Art Problems, John talks about his path; exactly what he did, how he did it, and how Netvvrk helped. Every artist path to success will be different, but I love this conversation with John because he shows just how much is possible when you dive into the work! Relevant links: John Sproul Join Netvvrk

The Guggenheim Fellowship application goes live mid-August, Have you been wondering whether you should apply for a Guggenheim fellowship? Let me help you answer that question. In this episode of the Art Problems Podcast, I discuss the biases of the grant, what you need to make a competitive application, and give you tips on how to avoid getting bogged down by anxiety. If you've so much as had a passing thought about the award, this podcast is the one to listen to. And if you like it, be sure to share it with friends you know are applying. Helping them will only help you in the long run.   Relevant links: How to Get Bigger and Better Shows - the Free Masterclass Guggenheim Fellowship

How selfish can you be without turning into a jerk no one wants to be around? And is being a jerk an acceptable price if the result is getting what you want? I like to think the answer to that question is no, but I dive into this topic on today's episode of Art Problems because we all know artists who aren't all that generous but have a good deal of success. And it's at least worth exploring why we have to deal with so many means yet successful people in our lives! Relevant links: Does it take a bad person to be a good athlete https://aeon.co/essays/does-it-take-a-bad-person-to-be-a-good-athlete Roger Federer's Convocation Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqWUuYTcG-o

What will happen to your art when you die? Have you made plans? Do you feel too nervous about the thought to even make plans? The problem with this is that if you want your art cared for after your death, you have put plans in place within your lifetime. That's why I decided to speak with estate planning legacy experts Ursula Davila-Villa and Anna Stothart of Davila-Villa & Stothart. During this conversation, we talk about who we preserve culture for and why, some of the nuts and bolts around legacy planning, and what changes to the field have presented advancement and challenges. Join me, for a conversation that balances the practical, the intellectual, and the emotional stakes of artistic legacy.

Have you ever talked to someone and instantly recognized that person as your friend and colleague? Meet Ceri Hand, a registered coach for artists, and instant friend and colleague! She's based in London. Worked at the highest levels of the art world. And knows from experience exactly what artists need to do to move their careers forward. In this interview we talk about: How to gain visibility if you live in a remote area How to prepare for studio visits. Why editing your work is one of the most important skills you can develop as an artist. Beyond all this, Ceri is highly empathetic and a joy to listen to. Make her part of your day! READ TRANSCRIPT HERE Relevant links: https://cerihand.com/

Have you ever had someone write about your work, but you felt it misrepresented you? Have you ever had someone post your work, but without crediting you? Or maybe they used your work without asking you if it was okay. In this episode of Art Problems, I talk about how to make the most out of less-than-ideal situations. I talk about how to get what you want. And I talk about how to avoid what you don't want. You don't want to miss this one. Relevant links: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/arts/design/art-coaches-mentor-career.html

You know all those jpgs you have lying around your computer? As a random file on your computer, they're worth nothing. But what if I told you, that the hours of labor those images represent can be monetized -- and not just through the traditional gallery route. This week on the Art Problems Podcast I speak with Kelani Nichole of the Transfer Data Trust, the next iterative phase of Transfer Gallery, an experimental media art space that got its start in Brooklyn, 2013. On the podcast we talk about the future of digital storage, burgeoning art economies, and new art.   Relevant links: https://transfer.art/ https://transfergallery.com/ The Fediverse, Explained https://www.theverge.com/24063290/fediverse-explained-activitypub-social-media-open-protocol

In honor of the upcoming quarterly tax payments, I'm sharing an episode from Sunlight, my favorite podcast about taxes, money, and managing your art career. About this episode, podcast host, artist, and accountant Hannah Cole writes,  Have you ever wondered what questions you should ask when you're hiring a new accountant? Today, I'm explaining some of the biggest mistakes I see people make when they begin to work with an accountant and clarifying what you don't get when hiring an accountant.  Listen to today's episode to learn how working with an accountant could work for your small business, some of the benefits, and how you can make sure you pick the right one for you.  Also mentioned in today's episode:  The disconnect between art and business  Learning about new tax credits  How to know which questions you should ask your new accountant  Estimated quarterly taxes and why they are so important If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Sunlight Podcast

I asked that question of Get the Picture author Bianca Bosker on this week's episode of Art Problems. And let me tell you, the answer was every bit as thrilling as asking the question. In Bosker's New York Times bestselling book, she spends five years working at galleries, and artist studios, as well as interviewing the Whitney Biennial curators and spending time working as a guard at museums, all to better understand how to appreciate art. In our interview, we dig a little deeper into the themes of the book, and try to get to the bottom of questions like, Why does art matter? Why is the art world so mysterious? How does a person look at or evaluate art? Tune in, because this is a podcast you will not want to miss!   Relevant links: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156741696-get-the-picture

Are you feeling stuck? Your art isn't selling. Your opportunities are dwindling. You're wondering if it's time to throw in the towel. Let me answer that for you really quick: No. In this podcast, I talk about what to do when sales are down, and the answer isn't quitting. It's experimentation in the studio. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

You know how every other headline for the past year has been about the sinking art market? Well, we're finally starting to see the light. In this week's episode of the Art Problems podcast, I discuss two fairs and an art show in Chelsea and how art sales are finally on the rise! Relevant links: Join the Netvvrk membership!

You know what sucks? Feeling like you've been stuck in the same place career-wise for years on end, with no solution insight. You're tired. And you're demoralized. What if I told you I could give you a way to feel better, even if for just a short while? Well, I've got you. In this podcast I give you two easy exercises that will help build your confidence AND ease feelings of burn out. I can't wait to hear what you think!   Relevant links: My free Masterclass, How to Get Seen in the Art World Without the Burnout, taking place this Tuesday, May 7th, at 7:30 PM EST Interview with Ann Rosen https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eR6X6L-tN/

Heather Bhandari knows artists. She's spent her 25-plus-year career in service of helping them build their careers. She's written books, organized conferences, put together learning centers, taught classes, and helped manage legacies. And that's why I asked her on the podcast. In our conversation, Heather discusses: Positive changes to the art world that give her hope for artists. How there are many paths for artists and they don't all have to be defined by participation in commercial gallery spaces. Why she sees time management - and a lack of time - as the biggest hurdle for artists today. This is a podcast you do not want to miss.   Relevant links: Heather Bhandari Creative Study Art/Work Ruby Lerner Lynn Hershman Leeson

Doesn't the art world drive you nuts? There are all these rules of conduct you're supposed to follow, but then you're also supposed to know all the times when those rules don't apply. It's like you need the equivalent of a degree in engineering, just to get your foot in the door. (In reality, that degree is probably more like an MFA from Yale.) Well, today I break down the 10 most common contradictions and give you an advanced guide on how to navigate them. You'll recognize that the art world's secrets aren't secrets, so much as confusion due to a lack of clear definitions. And you'll be able to navigate the world more easily towards greater success. Which is exactly what we want.

Are artists getting the short end of the A.I. stick? Faced with a loss of potential revenue, many artists are questioning the value of A.I. models that train on their artwork to produce artwork for users at no cost. Zero dollars from your labor isn't a good deal. In this episode of Art Problems, I discuss the short comings of using licensing to deal with A.I. companies acting like bullies stealing your lunch money. But, I also talk about which text-based platforms are most useful to artists writing artist statements and show off the results of my testing. No spoilers here, but I'll say this much: An A.I. platform that makes your statement better exists, and it's not ChatGPT! Relevant links: The Verge, The New York Times Is Suing Open AI and Microsoft for Copyright Infringement https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/27/24016212/new-york-times-openai-microsoft-lawsuit-copyright-infringement Hard Fork Podcast, Casey Goes to the Whitehouse + The Copyright Battle Over Artificial Intelligence + ChatGPT https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/casey-goes-to-the-white-house-the-copyright-battle/id1528594034?i=1000633573515 The Ezra Klein Show, How Should I be Using A.I. Right Now? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-should-i-be-using-a-i-right-now/id1548604447?i=1000651164959

One of the great frustrations with the art world is the nonsense terms you have to interpret and apply to your practice. Are you an emerging, mid-career, or an established artist? NOBODY KNOWS. It's different for every application you fill out. What if I told you, I had a solution to this problem? A set of terms where you could easily see your EXACT place within the art world. Well, whatyaknow! That's the subject of this podcast! You'll learn the terms and industry sectors we're identifying behind the scenes at Netvvrk and how to apply them to your practice. READ TRANSCRIPT HERE

Do I really need to read ArtForum? This and other media-related questions on this episode of Art Problems. We dive into: The state of the media and how it effects you and your practice. When you should start thinking about making a catalogue of your work and their purpose. Whether using paid publications like New American Painting is worth your money. And let's just get this out of the way right here: don't pay for advertising. It's not worth it.

In honor of the Whitney Biennial, I'm sharing an episode of Pep Talks for Artists on how to work an opening. In this episode Podcast host and producer Amy Talluto talks with Mandy Wilson Rosen about the book "How to Work a Room" by Susan RoAne to see if it jusssttt might have some helpful tips inside for artists. Spoiler alert: It does. It's chock full of helpful tips for surviving an opening —and Amy even found some cocktail party lounge music for the ep. All music is licensed from Soundstripe. For more support with your career join the vvrkshop mailing list.   Relevant links: Buy How to Work a Room on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Thriftbooks⁠ Print Hoban Press business cards: ⁠https://hobanpress.com/⁠ (PS: Amy uses "the Stoic" calling card-so thicc!) Visit Mandy's website: ⁠https://mandolynwilsonrosen.com/home.html⁠ Visit Amy's website: ⁠https://www.amytalluto.com/⁠ Visit Pep Talks Instagram: ⁠@peptalksforartists⁠ Support Pep Talks on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PepTalksforArtists

I am back from the LA fairs, hoo boy, do I have some impressions. There was so much to do and see relative to New York's Frieze week, that I started to wonder if New York would continue to be the economic center for art! In this podcast I discuss the biz, trends, and art so you have all the information you need to know whether participating in the LA Fairs is worth the investment. You'll also get the skinny on each fair so you get a sense of the flavor of each. By the end, you'll be armed with everything you need to navigate and succeed in the art fair environment. Relevant links: ART MARKET REPORTS Artnet  Frieze Los Angeles Is Smaller This Year, but Dealers Are Doing Big Business https://news.artnet.com/market/frieze-los-angeles-is-smaller-this-year-but-dealers-are-doing-big-business-2442125 The Art Newspaper, Felix is fun as ever, even as Sales Slow  https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/02/29/felix-is-fun-as-ever-even-as-sales-slow Frieze Fair, Felix and more this weekend (paywall)  https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2024-02-29/frieze-los-angeles-2024-felix-art-fair   TRENDS  Heavily patterned paintings that look like rugs. Aydee Rodriguez Lopez at Proyectos Monclova https://www.proyectosmonclova.com/artists/aydee-rodriguez-lopez Laura Owens at Matthew Marks  https://matthewmarks.com/artists/laura-owens Jeff Perrone at Corbett vs Dempsey  https://corbettvsdempsey.com/exhibitions/felix-art-fair-2024/   SPRING BREAK HIGHLIGHTS SPRING/BREAK ART SHOW  https://www.springbreakartshow.com/ Fred Fleisher curates Don Porcella  https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/fred-fleisher Cheryl Molnar curates Rachelle Anayansi Mozman Solano https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/cheryl-molnar-la-2024 Fabiola Gironi and Robert Minervini  https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/fabiola-gironi Mary Henderson curated by Sarah A Gamble  https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/mary-henderson Michael Handley curated by Jack Henry  https://springbreakartfair.com/collections/spring-break-art-show-la-2024/michael-handley   FRIEZE HIGHLIGHTS Frieze LA https://www.frieze.com/tags/frieze-los-angeles-2024 Hernan Bas at Victoria Miro https://online.victoria-miro.com/frieze-los-angeles-2024-hernan-bas/ Jordan Casteel at Casey Kaplan  https://caseykaplangallery.com/artists/casteel/   FELIX ART FAIR HIGHLIGHTS Felix Art Fair  https://felixfair.com/ Kavi Gupta at Felix https://kavigupta.com/events/156/overview/ Sargent's Daughters  https://www.sargentsdaughters.com/ Michael Kirkham at Harkawik Gallery  https://galleryplatform.la/galleries/harkawik/exhibitions/felix-art-fair-2024

I know, I know. I'm basically promising the answer to life in an eight-minute podcast! Well, it's not quite that, but this week on the Art Problems Podcast I talk about how understanding your goals and audience can give you the answer to pretty much any question you have about artist statements. And I'll tell you this now: The answers won't stop with statements. Not to be cryptic or anything, but I'm going to leave you with this teaser: Your audience might not be who you think!

Almost every artist will need to take an extended break from art making at some point in their career. Whether that be due to child rearing, the loss of a parent, or a significant move, the job of getting back into the game can be just as challenging as the disruptions that took you away from the studio. You're probably worried that... You have visible gaps in your CV that galleries will notice and ask you about. You've lose touch with many of your contacts and art friends and now they're gone for good. Your fear of not being able to get back into the networking game, will keep you from getting back into the networking game. In this podcast, I address those fears, identify the self defeating actions artists often take when in this position, and offer actionable alternatives. You don't have to feel stuck. And this podcast is designed to make sure you feel empowered to take action, rather than feeling mired in fear and self doubt. Have a listen, and let me know what you think!   Relevant links: https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/1137460905/late-bloomers

In this podcast Have you ever exchanged gifts with someone and only to learn that the present you got them is waaaaay more expensive then the one they got you? Awkward! In this Valentine's Day podcast on connection and mailers, I talk about how social currency and exchange works much the same way. If you're asking someone for their email, and you're giving them something in exchange you want it to be roughly equal in investment. Sometimes that's the newsletter itself and sometimes it's a little more.

Making any sort of career plan often results self-discovery. In this episode, I speak to three Netvvrk members, Jon Laustsen, Karey Kessler and Arden Bendler Browning about what they've learned through the process. Jon talks about how using a typewriter helped him connect to the process better. Karey talks about the discovery that the length of the journey and the goals she original set have shifted. Arden learns that being shy and introverted don't preclude her enjoyment of talking about her work. What can you learn about yourself through this process? Have a listen and find out!   Let's get this party started! Tonight at 7:30 PM EST I'll be giving my FREE Masterclass on How to Get More Shows without Transforming your Personality into a Marketing Bot! Join me!

Are you struggling to find time to do every god damn thing? Of course you are. You're an artist. That's why I started this series on goal setting. In this podcast I speak with artist and Netvvrk member Cadence Giersbach about how she sets priorities and gets things done. Giersbach describes the importance of focusing on the things that are within your control—what you can do each day to get tasks done. If you want to know more about how to spend less time hustling and more time in the studio, I'm going to do a deeper dive in my live masterclass, How to Get More Shows Without Turning Your Personality into a Marketing Bot Tuesday Feb. 6th at 7:30 PM EST. This class is totally free, so join me!   Relevant links: How to Get More Shows Without Turning Your Personality into a Marketing Bot Tuesday Feb. 6th at 7:30 PM EST  

Have you ever launched an exhibition space and then tortured yourself over whether to include yourself in a show because you know it will look bad? Or struggled over whether to send an email to gallerist or a DM over instagram because someone followed you, but you're not sure if DMing a welcome is friendly or spam?   Welcome to the world of art world taboos, which are both plentiful and entirely useless in any situation other than the most obvious examples. In this episode I identify a few of the more common taboos that trip an artist up, explain why they exist and how and when you can break them!   You're welcome!   Relevant links: https://wageforwork.com/

In this episode of Art Problems, I take on a vexed topic for many artists: goal setting! Is it even worth setting goals when it's so difficult to know where your opportunities will come from? Short answer: Yes. I talk to artist and Netvvrk member Heather Beardsley about the process she used to set her goals, and how she achieved them. And you know what? It's not rocket science. You can follow Heather's method (the Netvvrk method) and do the same thing. Because study after study shows that people who set goals are far more likely to achieve them. So, have a listen and get down to business!

Last year, I predicted what 2023 in the art world would look like. This week, I take a look back at those predictions, share what I got right and wrong, and make new ones for 2024. Spoiler alert: We've got big structural changes ahead. It's hard to say how those changes will play out, but discuss the benefit of approaching shifts with cautious optimism.   Relevant links: The Internet is about to Get Weird Again  https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/internet-future-about-to-get-weird-1234938403/   The Enshitification of TikTok  https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/