Don't confuse this topic the one discussed in question 7, how to find your niche. As we are on the topic of product development, I thought it might be fitting to devote some time to look at 5 current/new art
forms that are gaining in popularity at art fairs and why.
Question 9: What are some current and new art forms are hot sellers in the market place?
Food. Many artists today are inspired by what they see going on with the Food Network, PBS cooking shows, and countless cooking magazines. Although artists don't make food, chefs do, the “art” used to
enhance the food experience is hot. Glass bottles for oil and vinegar, quilted table runners with matching place mats, bowls with coordinating serving ware for serving dips and gourmet crackers, charms for wine goblets, wood turned wine stoppers and pepper mills,even crocks for cooking utensils are just a few of many popular examples of how art and food are a perfect match.
Nature art forms. I have been finding some neat art forms such as leaf sculptures, paintings on feathers - such as duck feathers or on crab shells, and drift wood sculptures. At one show I couldn't help but
notice the constant flow of people who couldn't wait to purchase (as best as I can explain) imprinted, 2D leaf and fossil art. One artist I had the pleasure of talking to learned how to make small stone like planters using cement, peat, and a few other materials while at another the artist and husband sold out at another show made handmade spice wreaths. Having always wanted a fountain, I bought fromone artist who specializes in leaf print stones (photo of is my leaf print disappearing water fountain) that can be used to make water fountains out of them or just be decorative in the yard.
Recycled/Junk Art. I have seen some really cool “trash” sculptures such as a dog made out of old license plates and portraits of famous celebrities using plastic forks, broken jewelry, and toys. Although
I can't say for sure if the artist is successful or not, but I did come across a person who recycled old records and made them into bowls for fruit or to be used as a sculpture. Other recycled art includes leggo and bottle cap jewelry, recycled bottle/sea glass wind chimes, vintage handkerchiefs made into quilts, reclaimed barn wood turned into furniture/bird houses, and scrap fabric made into rag rugs. Whether you are an “eco” nut or not, this art form appeals to both the young and old due to the endless possibilities
it creates.
As more and more new forms of art are making their way into the marketplace,on thing is clear, people want to show off their individuality thus creating more demand for new art both in contemporary and traditional art forms. We must come to the realization that people are NOT wanting the same things artists have been making year after year. The influence of the Gen Y's and X's over society are dictating this and this is just the beginning. The change is present in galleries throughout the US as well as gift shops and boutiques, however not as much in art fairs. Don't believe me? Want to see more examples of this work the best places to look are websites
geared toward wholesale art shows such as ACRE, Philly Buyers Market or the Atlanta and New York Gift shows.
Please do not take this blog post as a “rant” on how everyone should stop what they are making and start creating art in one of these 5 styles. My point is to highlight what some artists are doing now and how it has worked to their advantage. It is my hope that this topic could give confidence, ideas, and hope to those artists who are at a crossroads seeking ways to make their work more desirable and with some luck, more profitable. To finish the topic of product development, question 10 will focus on advice for pricing one's work. The next set of questions will focus on customer service and the “art” of selling your work – DO NOT MISS IT!
