Hi Lori,
You have asked 2 questions, and I would like to address the 2nd one first... I think the internet has already changed the way art is being sold, and will continue to redefine our ways of doing business. I think that may be why many gallery owners are concerned about their businesses. But in the same way that we still go shopping personally, not ordering everything online, I believe galleries will exist alongside of the internet in the art market. One is vastly different from the other. I don't think it is an either/or issue but rather a both/and.
The other question about sharing the names of buyers is really a tricky subject at this time when gallery owners may already feel threatened by sales on the internet. I do believe it will become a matter of trust, faith and honesty between the artist and the gallery. Yes - I think we are entitled to the names of the people who collect our art, especially under the guidelines that Clint has proposed. Perhaps this lady does not understand that if it were not for artists, she would HAVE NO CHOICE but to do something else! We, as artists, are no longer tethered to galleries, but they on the other hand, need to have artists. It should be a win-win situation for both artist and gallery, but I believe we are entitled to the names of our collectors. (especially as so many galleries are going out of business these days.)
You have asked 2 questions, and I would like to address the 2nd one first... I think the internet has already changed the way art is being sold, and will continue to redefine our ways of doing business. I think that may be why many gallery owners are concerned about their businesses. But in the same way that we still go shopping personally, not ordering everything online, I believe galleries will exist alongside of the internet in the art market. One is vastly different from the other. I don't think it is an either/or issue but rather a both/and.
The other question about sharing the names of buyers is really a tricky subject at this time when gallery owners may already feel threatened by sales on the internet. I do believe it will become a matter of trust, faith and honesty between the artist and the gallery. Yes - I think we are entitled to the names of the people who collect our art, especially under the guidelines that Clint has proposed. Perhaps this lady does not understand that if it were not for artists, she would HAVE NO CHOICE but to do something else! We, as artists, are no longer tethered to galleries, but they on the other hand, need to have artists. It should be a win-win situation for both artist and gallery, but I believe we are entitled to the names of our collectors. (especially as so many galleries are going out of business these days.)