Going with the Flow – The Artist Funk

Driving forward and keeping motivated after a first year of successful selling, moving into year two of Chloehcreates, during what is now potentially the quietest period ever for arts and cultural providers.

Let's be real - It's not easy.

As some of you may know, I decided to move to Portugal from the UK to gain some new inspiration and start a new journey. After deciding this with 6 weeks to prepare (which has to be moved forward due to COVID restrictions so it was closer to 5) people could say I was crazy. ‘What are you going to do for work?’, ‘where is the stability?’ and ‘do you even have a plan?’ were some of the common responses. I didn’t have much of a plan, but I knew I wanted to continue to develop my business, just from a new location. Most people just couldn’t comprehend my decisions, reacting as though my ‘small business’ wasn’t worthy enough to provide me with the finances I needed to stay afloat. And honestly? The last 5 months have been QUIET to say the least. And by quiet, I mean virtually a handful of sales.

Where I am living is a small beach village in The Algarve that attracts a stupendous number of tourists from around the world. Many of the visitors own villas or apartments, so return frequently. Due to the ever-changing restrictions and rules, people simply aren't traveling abroad like they previously would. The ever- buzzing streets of Carvoeiro have disappeared. Tumbleweed. So, what does this mean for me?

I have been tremendously lucky to have gained an artist residency with an art gallery just 4 months after arriving here, so I have my own studio space and every day am being exposed to invaluable knowledge from Ana, the established artist that owns the gallery I'm based. I have been using this ‘quiet’ time to develop my practice, to experiment, to keep pushing forward making new works even though nothing is being purchased. This could drive a person crazy, feeling like everything you’re making is pointless. To counteract this and allow me to stay sane, it's been helping to keep reminding myself of small wins right now. Here’s my top 3 ‘good things’:

1. The people that DO come and visit the gallery, always spend time to experience what I've created. They ask questions, they take my card, they follow my Instagram. This validates that what I'm making is worthy of being experienced.

2. My follow base is growing. I'm learning more about my audience, and I'm catering my content to them, and therefore offering what they want to see.

3. I'm building a portfolio of work. As I started 1 year ago, my body of work was slim as most works I made, sold. Which isn't that all an artist can ask for? True, but staying on top of the portfolio you have and having ready to go works for exhibitions and shows is a must. Ana has encouraged this, as when the people come, they really show up. This would have only been able to happen through the down time and lack of people, so I'm taking this as a positive.

With this in mind, I keep going. I go with the flow; I take my small wins and I use them to push me forward. People will return, and they will want to experience art again. Having this experience with or without customers has been the next step in my development, and will allow me to grow and learn from the challenges I’ve faced in a way I never would have in a ‘normal’ environment. It gives me resilience.