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| September, oil on paper |
The first time somebody asked me to give away some of my work, I was horrified. I was infuriated. It was a painting that wasn't dry yet and I wasn't even sure the painting was finished. At the time, I was having trouble with actual, physical theft of my paintings so I felt very protective of my work. That was more than forty years ago. Naturally since then my opinions have changed and my feelings about giving away one's work have evolved.
Over the years, I've been surprised at how often artists are asked to give away their work for charities, nonprofits and fundraisers. Are jewelers also asked to donate their merchandise? Shoe stores? Dress shops? It has always seemed odd to me that artists are hit up for donations. For one thing, artists are not allowed by the IRS to deduct the value of donated art work, only the cost of materials of the work. So why ask artists to donate their work? Does it look like we're making big bucks? Most artists barely make enough to pay for materials. Plus, the problem is that giving away anything lowers its value, unless its value is zero. So, asking an artist to give away work is kind of like saying "your work isn't worth anything, why not just give it away?" The other problem is that an artist giving away work (theoretically) devalues the work of other artists trying to sell their work, just as one seller lowering prices has an impact on the rest of the market.
All of that notwithstanding, these days I give away some of my work, on purpose. I've found that it's very freeing and liberating, so every year I do a couple of pieces that are specifically for donation to nonprofit fundraising events. Also, there are a couple of organizations that accept donated art, Art Connection and Rxhibitions, and I'm definitely sending some of the overflow their way. And I participate in various events and fundraisers. The art market has managed to survive the shock.
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