Pay it Forward, Art Hype edition
Buying Art from other people
It’s mid-November, and everything is on sale.
Everyone got monetized. Everyone has a side hustle. And a side hustle to their side hustle. Everyone has a skillshare class based on the lessons they learned from their side hustle. And a podcast about how their skillshare inspired their new line of products. Which are also on sale.
It’s kind of a lot? I am not immune from it! We’re artists working in 2023, and we all have bills to pay, mouths to feed, and art books to buy. I struggle hawking my own wares, CLEARLY! But, I greatly prefer to talk about other people, because hyping them is fun, and I like them and like their work.
So this year instead of only shouting Hey Buy My Thing! (I mean, you can if you want, I’m no saint), I want to propose a little Art Hype Pay it Forward.
Here are 4 artists I like who are selling stuff this holiday season (trying to stick to folks with less than ~10k followers). I’m going to send out a few of these newsletters when I get the chance. I’d love to see other artists do the same. Pick a few folks whose work you like and give them some hype.
John Barlow
John just graduated from the same MFA program that I am currently in, and his work is really lovely. I think this tree print would look cool in a fantasy-loving kid’s room.
Ella Geida
Ella is too cool for school, but I also know her from school. She recently released a poster for Invasion of the Bodysnatchers through Hero Complex Gallery, which is the perfect unique gift for the horror-loving cinephile in your life. Or even just the Donald Sutherlandphile in your life!
Liz Kelly
I don’t know Liz personally, but I love her work, and she’s a fellow Raleighite! Her ceramic work is really playful and unique.
Jesse Golding
One more MFA-er, because Jesse’s work is so charming. Cute but not overly sweet, and with a nod to a darker side. If you know a fan of Over the Garden Wall, they would love getting this poster, also from Hero Complex Gallery.
If we all have to participate in this late capitalist hellscape, at least support some cool artists who make new beautiful things. They have cats to feed. Hoping to do a part 2 when I can. But until then, enjoy!
-Erin