Project Mercedes-Benz

Just before Christmas I been approach by Andres Salcedo -

Business Manager at Mercedes Benz of Derby, with request of possibility for me to participate an event for the charity, taking place this year, by donating a Mercedes themed piece for this occasion.

It wasn’t easy decision to make as just before Christmas I had so much things going on, well the Christmas mainly is a thing of its own.

I was honoured and also a bit unsure. He found me through LinkedIn, where he was approaching other artist with same idea. My biggest fear was getting my artwork done in time, so I had to rule out painting possibilities, as much as I would love to.

Mercedes is my favourite car, even if I can’t drive I don’t think there is anything better. Considering that above of becoming an artist I’m also a photographer, there was way around it, so I could still take a part, using my photography skills.

Going through my stock photos I couldn’t find any suitable image although I had some, so I decided to go up to Mercedes Benz - Derby for some inspiration.

Taking images of cars in the past I had an idea how I would like my piece to look. I’m artistically minded and whole pieces bore me, I always find myself taking shoots of close up parts of objects, focusing on debt of the field.

There is some of my images from the day. I went mainly for monochrome as in my opinion its adds extra value and character to an image.

Having shoot and edited I faced my biggest challenge yet, to try and choose which one to print. I engage  even my family to vote.

As time was precious deciding had to be quick, so I went for image who got the most votes and you know I am actually pleased with result.

I ordered an aluminium print, as there was no time for framing either, knowing that aluminium print would stand out alone just fine.

Delivered my piece over the weekend, feeling grateful, to be part of something good.

Even if is not that much relevant to my studies I still consider this as a learning curve which could lead me to some useful contacts or even clients – as I heard someone saying – “…is not what you know, but who that matters.

My Gallery space...

Apart for getting disappointments in my study wise, at the moment I experience very exciting times outside the studies, witch still is very much linked with art and contemporary market for it.

 Last year during my Foundation Diploma I met lovely girl Patsy, which lead me to opportunity - to volunteer in small art gallery in Tutbury. Being more or less free that was exactly what I needed  -some arty environment to develop my knowledge and getting use to art market itself and its consumers.

As time went by I more and more started to learn all aspects of how to run a gallery and it really exited me. Till one day owners asked me if I would consider doing something like this my own.

I am person who is good at any job I undertake…use to, back in Latvia I was office manager in government offices. I loved my job, but circumstances in life brought me here – to UK, where I had to start all over again. There were no possibilities for me to return to paperwork – language barer was far too strong, is better now, but still, sometimes my sentences don’t make sense and I know that. I started with factories, growing up to retail till my last workplace, jewellery- currency exchange shop.

Along the way I was doing all sort of courses in college. I never stopped to learn and develop it was vital for me to keep myself educated and moving forward to become someone better.

So, when current gallery owners approached me with offer to buy this gallery – I couldn’t really refuse as it summed up all I know and loved. Paperwork, customer skills and art environment. To be honest I’m never consider that as possibility for me as I’m not a business person at all – all I really wanted to do is to be an artist, painter, maker… however business was all set up it needed someone, who would continue to run it. As easy as that.

If you think, there is 0 job opportunities for artists like me when I finish, chance to do something you really love don’t come to every people lives just like that. It cost me good part of my student finance, but then again, it would go anyway.

 

I took over completely just over a Christmas, building good relationships with fellow artists and searching for new ones there is never day same. It is so important to find such place.

Gallery’s location is not a great as its more residential, and people traffic is more likely to be busy -apart from event days, so there will be no much profit for myself, but besides money I get something what is more important for me. I get food for my soul.

I hope this course I’m doing at the moment will improve my skills and understanding of contemporary market and how to improve my gallery’s existence in times when people rather buy mass-produced prints in B&Q than actual original art piece - which is more unique in every way.