Reserves and the Next Canvas

By Ivan Barnett, Serious Play

“If only larger would guarantee success…nothing is forever.” Image IVAN BARNETT

“There’s an enormous delta between idea and execution.” — Steve Jobs Coleman McCormick

As an artist and former gallery creative director, I’ve learned the hard truth: great ideas don’t keep a practice alive—great decisions do. Across five decades, I’ve watched gifted makers stall not for lack of vision, but because the business side, pricing, pacing, reserves, risk, never got the same care as the work itself.

Artists have always found ways to fund the next painting. It’s an old story: sell a piece from your own wall, trade a drawing to clear a bill, part with something you love to make room for what’s coming. In Santa Fe, Canyon Road lore gathers around places like El Farol, our century-old haunt where artists and patrons have long mixed company and, sometimes, commerce. Santa Fe Selection

“I’m quite sure that Francis Ford Coppola was planning to have setbacks.” Image Ivan Barnett/Santa Fe

The pattern isn’t confined to “struggling artists” studios. Consider Francis Ford Coppola. After self-financing Megalopolis, he consigned seven personal watches—including a one-of-a-kind F.P. Journe he co-designed—to auction, a sober move to “keep the ship afloat.” That’s a master trading treasure to sustain the work. Artnet News+2Business Insider+2

“Welcome to the real world…the business of Art is grueling.” Image Ivan Barnett/Santa Fe

What’s the lesson for working artists and galleries? Build and create a business model that respects both the art and the cash flow:

• Formulate bodies of work, hold back works so you’re never forced to sell your best too quickly.
• Pace releases and guard margins; don’t discount your future to fix today.
• Protect and nurture value and give collectors a way to remain with you over a lifetime.

“Making great Art isn’t enough.” Image Ivan Barnett/Santa Fe

I’m not romanticizing sacrifice. I do respect the discipline that turns a great idea into a durable life in art. At Serious Play, we help artists and galleries build that discipline—so when the hard decision arrives, it’s strategic, measured and not desperate. My single goal is to help you ensure a stable livelihood in one of the most difficult fields there is to make a “living.”

“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” — Leonardo da Vinci

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