to think about…
- If you create art – of any kind – why are you engaging in the process?
- Is it for the material rewards it may bring you, or is it purely to make you happy?
- If it’s for the rewards – whatever they may be – are you happy with them?
- Exactly what rewards are you looking for? Or are you looking for Awards?
- If it’s to make a decent living, you want to sell what you produce – the age old supply and demand routine. The question is: Are you serious about your art “business”?
- Are you happy with the process you use to create a bigger demand? If you are, then stop reading now.
- If you are not entirely happy and wish to improve your scope, we can most probably help.
- How?
- Read all about our process on our website: www.cyprusopenstudios.com and join us!
Each October, Cyprus Open Studios (COS) offers the public access to artists, creators and makers and gives a valuable insight into how artwork is produced. For 10 days the early autumn event is all about visiting studios, meeting artists and artisans, seeing them at work, browsing completed works and seeing work in progress, and even trying your hand at making something for yourself where workshops are offered.
There is no selection process which means that anyone can have a go and build up some confidence in your home studio before branching out to bigger and greener pastures. But one thing is for sure: you will always have somewhere to create whatever it is you are creating – it’s usually called a studio or a workshop. That’s what the public wants to see, as it is fascinating!
Yes, this is a demo and… a studio!
Potters, painters, woodcarvers, jewellers and all kinds of creative people of all kinds of disciplines throw open the doors of their studios for an annual celebration of… ART.
Cyprus is SO much more than beaches, bars and tavernas! Let’s help the public find the hidden treasures of our beloved island – it will further help with introducing the public – including the tourists – to get to know what we are all about.
It’s always a good idea to join other artist(s) and will also alleviate costs. Who do you know in your area you could share with or who would like to share with you? How about approaching your local mukhtar and using the local school, church hall or … taverna!?
Get to know how Cyprus Open Studios operate by visiting the website, read the FAQ as well as our BLOG – that way you will be able to engage the people around you and make it a BIG event that will bring traffic to your village or town, and ultimately to your own work. Isn’t that what you want?
You need to fully buy into the Open Studios concept and not expect a lightning bolt of success immediately. Yes, it is a great deal of commitment but the outcome – although not always immediately apparent – can have many long-term benefits such as future commissions and connections which materialise over time. You meet some very interesting people and will emerge on the other side as slightly different human beings! As an artist, it is a bit too easy to lose sight of the main goal which is to keep making new work. Part of the point of opening your work space is to showcase that you are moving forward as an artist, year after year.
TIME SCALE
This year, Cyprus Open Studios will take a slightly different shape: We will be opening our studio or work space doors during a consecutive 10-day period, e.g. from 5 to 14 October 2018 and you can choose any days in that period… but at least two days. We would strongly recommend including at least one weekend.
The reason for this is that, in our experience, the four weekends that we opened in the past, just stretched it out a bit too long; by the third and fourth weekends, both artists and visitors got a bit tired… By compressing the time period, we will also be able to push more resources at it and make it sparkle and shine!
ALTERNATIVE SPACE(S)
We have secured space in Limassol at ART STUDIO 55, which is provided by the Pegasus Art Foundation, from 5 to 14 October 2018 inclusive. Please see their Facebook page here:
A small catch is that the artists who choose to use this space will have to curate the show themselves AND be in attendance for the duration of the event. You will be able to work on the spot which is exactly what we aim to offer the public: to see the artist(s) at work and to be available for conversation. The upside is that there will be no commission charged on sales! And the space is very centrally located at Hero’s Square, close to the Rialto Theatre. Further details will be provided on request should you be interested in this option.
PLEASE NOTE: this option is NOT included on the registration page – if you would like to make use of it, please contact us at info@cyprusopenstudios.com
Finally, we can all get a bit bogged down in the advertising, communications and social media – we at COS try to make things easier for you! Remember it is the work that matters most of all. You are only as good as your last piece.
So let me finish with the words of Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2018 EVENT CLOSES ON 30 JUNE 2018!
The catalogue is prepared in July and will be ready for distribution in September.
Printers often close during August!
DON’T WAIT – ACT NOW!
We would LOVE to welcome you as part of our art family!
Till next time, keep on creating.
The COS Team
Ed: Maria Etheridge
cyprusopenstudios 