How to Deal with Gatekeepers as an Artist

[@healingcreationsmandalaart5056]

I had the same experience in Ireland. I wanted to explore the ancient and the feminine and beauty. It was a no no. I didn’t paint for 25 years. Became a librarian. I resigned in 2018 and am now a full time artist making a living and doing exactly what I want to do artistically and making a decent living. You’re right. The emperor has no clothes!

[@roxanawegner2065]

me too I am having the same experience in Ireland too. How can we get together to creat a union of artist in Irland?

[@pipfox7834]

@roxanawegner2065 social media, Meetup groups online/actual group meetups...lots of ways. Put on an event, advertise it get musicians involved if you want. Get creative about gathering together :)

[@TaraPrendergast]

This is rampant across the globe...hey Patricia 🥰 I am SO excited to listen to this interview !!! @@roxanawegner2065 are you connected to any creative community in Ireland ?

[@iSugarHeart]

@@roxanawegner2065 yes to that =D

[@openyoureyes4799]

Good for you! Follow your OWN dream, and stop paying the dealers!

[@jenniferkerins8550]

As someone who just wants to paint things that look cool and beautiful I've never related so much to a description of the art college experience. I used to stress a lot more about (and I often spent more time on) my artist statement than my assignments because the concept was valued far more than the skill. We had critiques with lecturers and peers, which really focused almost solely on the concept. It often felt like the uglier something was, the lower the skill level, and the less effort put into the actual work, the higher the praise. I graduated with a BA in art in 2020, and during those four years we had almost zero painting lessons and we were fed a pile of negativity about making it as a professional artist. For a long time I had lost the joy I used to get from painting and creating, I felt that what I wanted to paint was pointless because it wasn't conceptual, and I let what was meant to be my backup job become my priority. But I never stopped feeling this pull inside of me to paint, it's not just something I want to do it's something I need to do, I know it's what I am supposed to be doing. So a few months ago I quit teaching English to focus more on painting, and last month I started the mastery programme! Thank you for creating a course that aims to inspire and encourage and not to tear you down. The Mastery programme seriously feels like the antidote to art college.

[@ArtyAntics]

I’m a trafficking survivor and at first I was kinda upset about the comparison to slavery but as I listened I could see the similarities. Handlers, mental abuse and stripping of identity are core attributes of grooming and control. Anyone exposing it has integrity and is very brave, much respect for Elli.

[@milanartstudios]

We are so so sorry to hear about your experience. 😥 We are glad you got out and happy to have you as part of our community. ❤️

[@beautifulmorning7103]

im so sorry that you had to go through that. my heart is with you. im glad you are away from that.

[@preachingpoet]

Preach Elly “the moral of the story is GOD CAME THROUGH!” I am in my house, no money, ear infection sinus infection, broken tooth, can’t eat, but surrounded by art… and i couldn’t be happier 😂

[@NCWildHeART]

@@preachingpoetAmen!! Praying for you!

[@kathleenflanagan6760]

Thank you for making me realize that I am NOT imagining all that you speak of. I have been doing battle with the gate-keepers and na-sayers for 50 years. It is too late for me to feel like a success at my age but at least I know that my feelings and suspicions were spot on.

[@ROOFMAXXofSebringFl]

You are a true leader and inspiration to other painters who are trapped into that system! ❤❤❤❤

[@ancienteyesart]

Ohhhh this is sooo good. Finally breaking through the walls. It is about time we shift the paradigm. This was what kept me from pursuing my art for far too long . Along with constantly hearing .."you will be a starving artist". It hit me recently..I'm over it . I will do what I love and the rest will fall Into place . This was inspiring thank you 🙏

[@reyno6826]

I seems like you're saving so many people pain and agony by exposing this. Love this. Man the fact that God sent Heim to you after you prayed is everything.

[@venetiancat]

I went to a state school in 2000, and even THERE my photo-realistic art was made fun of and called "Mall Art"! Damned near destroyed my desire to ever paint again for 20 years! Fortunately, I sucessfully ran my own business and did historical reproduction pottery in that time and slowly realized I was fed a LOT of BULLSHIT! What a GREAT podcast, never heard of the term "gatekeeping" before! Today I AM painting again, selling my work online and loving it! Thank you, and much love from New Mexico USA! ❤❤❤

[@sanaewatanabe970]

Thank you for talking about this! The art school experience took me away from art and I went into nursing instead because I came out of college confused!! Now I am starting to get back to illustration after 30 years!

[@ruthlamich6640]

Same in Germany, that's the reason I studied graphic-design instead of art. Social media has changed a lot. I enjoy that art is made by everyone, who loves to do it, there - art from the folks instead from a self-crowned elite.

[@roxanawegner2065]

me too

[@IvySnowFillyVideos]

😊

[@thoseartyfolk]

I'm only 9 minutes into this discussion and I've agreed with every single thing you have said so far. So much so I had to stop to comment! Glasgow school of art graduate, 1992. It's taken me decades to feel good about my art. Thank you for speaking about this ❤️

[@Joseph-l3y8u]

My dream school 😂😂have now cancelled plans of going there

[@robinmbirrellstudio]

Thank you, Elli and Jake, for shining this light on the“dark art” world! You just gave me courage to go on! I had a professor who gave me a D on a big self portrait project years ago because it looked just like me, she wanted me to weird it up. I was crushed and it sticks with me no matter how much success I’ve had since then. Boooo! “Pretty” artists unite! 🎉 💗

[@openyoureyes4799]

As a girl I already had a knack for painting realistic portraits but all the teachers said it was all blah because it looked too much like the person and not enough artistic license! Argh! When you suck at painting, you teach!

[@annalyncastro7557]

I am loving all the lessons I am getting here. Thank Elli and Jack. I wish I could take classes from you Elli.

[@atelier_lilae]

Oh man this is the most interesting video I have ever watch about Art! It explains everything! The weird creepy art that we still see soooo often! For the first time I am gratefull I did not go to Art School! Thank you for that ❤

[@pamelahamiltonartist]

As a college student in 1983 I walked into the College of Arts at my university and felt the darkness and was totally turned off to pursuing art at that time. I changed majors to Nursing and had a good career until we had children. While at home with the children I returned to art but have sold my art myself because I saw that the galleries also have that clique and a darkness where you have to make the art they want and be what they expect. Thank you for sharing. The arts world (music, theater, movies, TV, news, dance, and fine arts all have this same system. And it’s dark. But I see a new light, “beauty will change the world” Doskoevski. Nothing can keep truth, goodness and beauty from touching the hearts of the world. I love everything y’all do. God has given you a platform and your sharing so much with others may His Grace keep you and shine His face upon you. 💜

[@huilesdecarlabathbeauty3044]

Amen!

[@dinaelmasry5534]

It s the same all over the world . I ve encountered the same rejection or neglect by some art galleries here in Egypt It s so sad , however , Elli has really proven that these monopolies don t always work. This video is very encouraging to any artist who s starting to show their work to the media . Elli s story is an example of resilience and even successful revenge ❤❤❤very inspiring

[@jrstanley7085]

Thank you for this as an artist who has always know I create pretty pictures because of the beauty I see and feel doing so . I remember a time a few years ago in the Tate modern of Liverpool. Standing looking at ugly dolls and thinking I can't be an artist because I just don't get these dolls as art. And the doubt this dark art instilled in me. Now I know and see things differently. I have always been touched by the light of beauty.

[@juda4praise]

The way your art class went was like "the emperor's clothes" I love your down to earth reality. AND your paintings are beautiful.

[@aegoshina746045]

You are as artsy with your words as you are with your paintings. Love it how well you are formulating your thoughts and sharing your stories.

[@diannebond5656]

So articulate and real as well as saying the truth of the snobbery and unnecessary hurtful undermining behaviour of some, hopefully Not all academics. I paid a lot of money for one semester in an open studio course and the artist/teacher undermined my enthusiasm, talked in academic jargon to an unnecessary length. Normally I would be in my happy place painting away with fellow artists around but this one person criticism and or choice of words resulted in my leaving the group. I haven’t given up painting in fact I have just returned home after participating in an artists retreat which had an encouraging teacher.

[@michellethomas9986]

Omg!!!!! I love Elli. I nearly cried when she recalled that experience in NY. That is heartbreaking and took me back to my art festival experience last year. I’m at a point where I have to go back to work for a while to set myself up better for being a full time artist so I TOTALLY understand what she feared.

[@huilesdecarlabathbeauty3044]

I totally agree with everything Ellie mentioned about the gatekeepers. There are many gatekeepers in all facets of the world we live in and we have to be very careful in what and whom we share with. I thank you for sharing this information, it had to be said, and by you doing so has I'm sure saved many current, up and coming artist from such heartache. I truly appreciate your transparency and putting your heart out there 🌺 I hope to be able to enroll in one of your mastery courses in the near future. As they say in my island Bermuda, have a Bermudaful day!

[@blackmontony]

Please keep this kind of content coming. So many of us idealize being an artist so much so, that we forget the day to day logistics of it all.

[@openyoureyes4799]

I'm a retired commercial artist and everything you said just resonated with my soul! It feels like it's finally becoming "all about originality and the artist"! AND, the reason those dealers acted like that? PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY! I finally figured it out.. the dealers have nothing and are nothing without the artist! YOU are their paycheck! You are their meal ticket! They are yours vengali without a purpose! For any artist who is meek or unsure of themselves, which is a pretty high number anyway, they already have the dragons to sleigh before they can even show up on the battlefield! I'll take the paintings of some unknown artist, with their hesitating lines, before I"ll even look at AI! Amen!

[@davidstar2362]

So I should burn ALL my Wonderful, Beautiful Dreamscapes??? YOU sound like a Gatekeeper.

[@openyoureyes4799]

Dreamscapes?@@davidstar2362

[@TeasdaleDellaway-gh8bt]

You’re rude

[@openyoureyes4799]

​@@TeasdaleDellaway-gh8bt I'm rude for telling the truth?

[@leticialarson4317]

Wow, what an incredible story! I'm really curious about the secrets Haim has to be so successful. Maybe you could invite your mom to join the Podcast and share what she's learned! Love it!

[@huilesdecarlabathbeauty3044]

Yes I agree!

[@RoseMCreations]

Agreed!

[@dorianmclean6755]

That'd be cool

[@ev580]

Me too! Wanna know what Haim said 😂

[@nastiacraigart]

Really great story. And l’haim to Haim for being a knight in white armor! We all need people like that in our lives from time to time

[@pameladobrick508]

If only we all had a Heim....you' ve just described my life....not in art...but in my personal career in legal field, 25 years in law offices...took off to raise my children and never got a reasonable job offer afterwards. I was blocked because of ridiculousness....even tho I have talent, drive, diversity, on and on....to a tee...you've described my frustration in my career...WHAT A STORY you have provided!! thank you for the details and sharing. Certainly so much credibility lended in your translation of the facts of the one New York show. Im 100% on board with a new life and to pursuing my real self and future endeavors in art. I hope to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren. Thank you !!!

[@dmyingjow]

I started out of art school selling my fine art but was unsure if I could make a living at it. Then naively applied and got excepted in a Top art school, went into packaging and graphic arts. Won major award with departments and individually (some my designs are still in stores today, or knock off of them) but ended up more managerial position to support my family. Going away from creativity more and more. Started a new career (martial arts/video production) away from the art world seeing it was a controlled business with as you called them the gatekeepers. Used my talents to create plays, stories, participated in films. In my retirement I've gone back to doing my paintings for myself. I can see how with social media you can breakout more on your own. Looking back what you said about the human heart is so true. When I was first starting out I wanted to create and leave beauty in the world. As a package designer I work for every major cosmetic company. Felt great about producing a product helped people feel better about themselves. There is such a great feeling about someone who says something about your art or is inspired by it. Thank for this and giving Schumann's definition or art. You're a true warrior and more needs to done to help artists create from their heart and inspire, lift each other as well as the public they want to communicate to.

[@PennyBurns-v9n]

I heard a prominent artist say that he and another very prominent artist say that their art is not about pretty pictures, but should provoke. What??? The easiest thing to do is provoke. One can provoke just by flipping someone off in traffic! I believe in uplifting and making the world a more beautiful place. There is enough ugliness in this world. I try to counter that. I think the condescending remark about “pretty pictures” is more about insipid work, than beautiful work. Right now it seems like the popular artists are just warmed over Basquiat. I see so much of that style, lol.

[@una2150]

I have no words to explain how aligned I am with everything Ellie said, and I love her for that! As an artist, every time I go to a contemporary art gallery and see their smug and ugly pretense of art, their long and pretentious explanations of why you should believe that some childish smudges on canvas are amazing art I just tell to myself: I will never be part of this world! I will do what I think is beautiful and what I believe in or not do it at all! Thank you Ellie, you are a ray of hope for every artist out there! ( I am enrolled in Milan Art Masteries and I love it so far!)

[@MiamiMetro]

I finished my undergrad just 7 years ago in Miami and I had the exact same experience. When Elli was talking I was having a dejavu of my years in college. I spent 2 years after graduating without touching a pencil. I found every excuse not to produce anything #1 because my confidence as an artist was below 0 and #2 because the idea of having to deal on a daily basis with such people was really repugnant. My school was very "conceptual" and anything that had a decent amount of skills and work was critiqued as if it was meaningless, cold, lifeless. It took only one person to start the critique with ... it is beautifully rendered but... to encourage everyone else and the attacks began from every corner, everyone had an opinion and of course everybody had a better idea for making your work better. I ended up making art that had nothing to do with me but after graduation everything went to the trash.

[@mjalphonse]

When I heard you say “Javits Center” I gasped out loud because I lived in NYC for 2 years from 2014-2016 and I helped with various conventions and shows at the center many times to raise funds for living in the city. So as you were painting this story, I was already picturing Javits in my mind! I can’t believe that this world exists in art. I was completely naïve to all of this! I was getting all riled up hearing what “Bob” did.

[@tamararagerart2344]

Thank you for this sharing this heart breaking story. This is similar to being a writer trying to get a book deal. Artists are change agents. Never let anyone dull your sparkle! 🤗

[@contempoconceptartlisawall7552]

I discovered your brand yesterday and watched your live this morning here in New Zealand. I feel so blessed to have found God fearing artists! Thank you for sharing your experience and stories ❤

[@MiaDraws]

I was in a fine arts program in the early 2000's. I was sold on the program by being told they would teach a strictly classical curriculum. They lied. It was the worst 3 years of my life. The absolute nonsense they "taught" still angers me to this day. We had to do gallery studies courses, and the gatekeeping was unreal.

[@openyoureyes4799]

Can you explain what "gatekeeping is". Thanks

[@MiaDraws]

@@openyoureyes4799 the activity of controlling, and usually limiting, general access to something.

[@lisablue6020]

Elli's experiences at art college are so similar to mine in the UK in the late 80s, I was stunned listening to her as it's the first time I've heard anyone describe it with the same feelings I have myself. I've tried to explain what it was like to people and always got the feeling they thought I was exaggerating how dark, weird and twisted it was. I've seen some very weird behaviour in galleries too and much prefer to keep away from them now. Thanks for such a useful, insightful interview.

[@tomjones9519]

"life" sold all of your art to make it a break even for you. The art didn't sell itself, life did. Thats pretty amazing.

[@PolkRidgeAesthete]

Thanks for your expertise and frankness! You've confirmed the soundness of my detestation of the very notion of "gatekeepers" all the more. Thankfully, I've bypassed this coarse system as a classical composer and pianist for years; I'll be pleased to do so as a visual artist as well.

[@sheilahrenaud7399]

Finally I get to hear the truth! This podcast is a real eye opener. I never pursued art in the professional sense, but have my own website and learning as I go.

[@marilynciszkowski2087]

Your commentary touched my heart. It is so rare in the Art World to hear such honesty, genuineness and a spirit of generous sharing and caring. This information will be formative in my Art life going forward. Thank you.

[@TeasdaleDellaway-gh8bt]

Dear Ellie and Jake- just amazed at what you have described- you could have been talking about the art college I go to in Brisbane -Australia. Very heartwarming to realize I am not going insane and has confirmed I haven’t imagined the similar dark art and gate keeping culture within many of the art faculties here. In our college you can also throw in age discrimination as many of the older students are treated as obsolete human beings. As someone not a part of what we secretly call “the club” here I feel proud I retain my own authenticity and individuality as much as possible- despite poor marks- but Cs do get degrees and I will continue to believe in “pretty” pictures and try to inspire others with art that can uplift and even put a smile on a persons face as well as try to send on a message/ even if it is just one to create a little joy in the often sad and disappointing world in which we live . I have also tried to develop empathy for the gatekeepers and their minions who probably act out of fear and are not brave enough to try honesty as the approach. Thank you for your generosity and for being lovely and integrity centred people.

[@MaureenScullinFineArt]

Elli, thank you for sharing your story. I am a second generation artist and what happened to my father just broke my heart. He was a incredible artist doing representational landscape, city scape work, but when he walked into galleries they told him that your art is too realistic...go away! He was humble, but this broke him and made him feel that he wasn't worthy as an artist. You give me hope that maybe I can get around the galleries and sell directly to collectors. Thank you!!

[@livinginflow2702]

I had a similar experience studying Art at University in the early 2000's. And some teachers were rather negative about being an artist. It would breed such anxiety. So unnecessary. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@dakotarocha6735]

This episode is so emotional I honestly was so oblivious to all the “gate keeping” until hearing this story. Thank God for parting that sea for you and it brought you to this point today

[@TheCuratorialMethod]

Gatekeeping can come in so many forms, and while rejection is inevitable, my (maybe counter-intuitive) advice that always seems to help is in those moments of frustration, and let's face it, sometimes despair-- look around and uplift others. When you offer assistance or help someone else out of any kind of jam or problem it transforms your attention and gets you focused on solutions and next steps from a place of generosity and strength. It's a powerful thing!

[@user-beboldbebrave]

Thank you so much for the story. You are very brave to disclose all this information. I feel like you have paved the way through your hard work and long, suffering and soul searching. I feel your pain that you went through. You give me strength and hope to be brave and go forward my initials BB be brave/ be bold

[@Wonderart96pm]

I am so grateful for your video! I went through the same thing in art school.. one professor told me to abandon my oil painting project just because "painting is dead".. " why bother with representational portraits?" I didn't listen to him.. and I am so thankful because I did what I wanted at the time and I needed to.. Another experience I had was when I worked as an intern in a gallery, where I did some writing and translation from greek to english and vice versa and some photo editing for them.. but most of the time I was asked to do stuff that were not really related to how a gallery works, how sales are made etc. I didn't understand it at the time but I was always sent outside of the gallery to buy stuff they needed for the wall painter or materials an artist needed.. I started to feel like I was not learning anything important that would benefit me later other than cleaning and keeping a gallery presentable.. (then I made the connection.. I think it was because they learned I was a student of an important artist outside of university and they did not like that probably..) During my senior year I started to understand a bit of this dark control that is happening.. because our senior show was not promoted well by the school.. even though the professors seemed proud and satisfied with the result of the display etc. Unfortunately only family and uni students came to visit. When I graduated and I applied to a bunch of art institutions and projects, I realised that the world of art did not want my oil painting portraits about grief, loss and trauma .. and now I am searching of what to do next.. I have been feeling lost and confused because I wanted to be accepted by that system.. but now I can see that it is not what I really want. This video helped me understand some things better, thank you

[@janetmatthews5564]

I hated it I felt crushed during university of Art it wasn’t anything like I expected but I never gave up

[@suhailnaqshbandi924]

It feels like a place of kindred souls. Thanks for this honest content.

[@SweetlyDarkArt]

Born and raised in New Mexico. My art has been rejected by all the galleries here because it's not "Southwestern" since the late 80s. I'm just NOW finding a audience why my style and exploration of dark themes with a feminine twist online.

[@eonratslear981]

Art is the communication of the soul. That which cannot be said, but only shown and experienced.

[@HermanvanGelder]

Great insight. I was always apprehensive about dipping toes into this foggy world of who knows who. So at the end of the day it's all about human connection and that perhaps makes it a bit easier.

[@kumudinilotus]

Ellie, you were so made for creating Milan Art. Your school is so amazing and you are giving the art world a massive makeover. I am so grateful for this wonderful gift you are giving me. I was in a slump with a big creative block and you have helped me break out of it. Deep, deep gratitude. 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 ❤❤❤❤😊

[@BarbaraSzentmarjay]

I’m about to start the Mastery program in December. Can’t wait! These videos are so inspiring and I love how classical beauty is still relevant these days

[@jinimurray4090]

YES!!! “To shine light on human heart is the artist “

[@graceful-shakti9019]

I did not quite experience that in under grad or graduate school, but there were countless discouraging messages given to art students in both places. I had a professor in undergraduate school, who said to me, you are a good painter, but don't try to make a living out of it. The message was to paint of course, but find a way to make a living or you will starve. In graduate school it was about breaking us down, but the problem came in when there was no real build up Fortunately I had a handful of really good teachers, who I am grateful for to this day. I have been painting steadily for 25 years, and I am just now waking up to the reality that I can thrive as an artist. At this point, I don't know how, but the universe is leading to that direction. I really need help with a new mindset, and I also need a miracle with regards to self promotion. I am figuring out how I can join the milan art institute, some things have to be reorganized and I need to get straight with my finances, but I am hearing the call.

[@Starstudded1000]

Wow Elli. Thank you ! That was so enlightening and educational. I experienced the dark world of the music industry for a number of years - your story was ‘a deja vue’ reminder of how nasty these gate keepers are. Happy to know though that there are the family establishments such as yours that one can eventually be adopted into 😅 through the Mastery program

[@seanbrianmcdonald]

Very interesting conversation. Thank you for sharing. I'm a fan of pretty pictures but also a fan of black dolls!

[@cllf9971]

Thank you so, so, so much for sharing this experience and for finding the inspiration to create and make change! The era of people making creatives feel small is ending, and your passion is making sure that uplifted art is the norm. Thank you!

[@victorcold46]

'people that sell art.... anybody can do that..." yes, right. Seems to me that this women do not understand how the market works and the level of skills that takes to run a gallery or to be an art dealer. Curatorial skills, art history skills, critic skills, entrepreneurial skill and pr skills. But after seeing her work I understand her frustration.

[@elizabethdavis2483]

I really appreciate this and the other conversations you are having. I’m encouraged and inspired from them. Thank you. I finally believe that God has a place for me in the art world, after many many years (I’m 55).

[@elizabethdavis2483]

You are speaking my language.. The word gatekeepers got my attention to watch. The rest of the conversation makes even more sense to me. Confirmation.

[@creativemargie1]

I love how you say 'Ellie' Shine the light on a human heart❤🥰

[@normapadro420]

Hello. I was watching this video, and I thought of something that happened to me many years ago. Since then I have self published my books, music, and I compose music for movies, and television too. I heard the worse from many, but I didn't listen to anyone. I kept searching for different options, and found solutions. My music is being used for videos now. My books are being read too. I learned to keep going, because those people that are out there will hold you back. I felt encouraged by observing others. Thank you for your video. It's very positive, and very important.

[@gg1gg2gg3gg4gg5]

Great interview. I identify so much with your story. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@c.k.m.8134]

Wonderful to hear an artist express their gratitude to God. God is a creator, and so are artists! Love that closeness. I appreciate your videos.🙏

[@ltviriss]

What an inspiring story. I also went to art school and was so discouraged by the type of art they were giving attention to. I always felt that I had to paint some Latin American theme to be relevant. Even tho I didn’t like making that. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of faith 🤍🫶🏽😭

[@drebugsita]

What does Latin American theme mean? Why that? Did you go to school there?

[@ltviriss]

Because Im latina I always felt I needed to stick to that genre in college to be relevant@@drebugsita

[@talitabekker5395]

Só good!! Thank you for a wealth of knowledge!! I feel so blessed!! I am starting to create my first artworks after a lifetime of believing I am not good enough. God stopped me in my tracks and said it is now time for art. I só want to shine His light on people's hearts! I have a lot to learn. Thank you for all the free information. I am so thankful!❤

[@EvaTraum]

Thank you so much - here I am sitting in a boring german village and everybody treats me like the stupid looser and my home is full of pictures in many different tecnics and reflecting what I feel about people and nature and god and all that. But most "normal" people can't appreciate what they see. They think if I am poor I must be bad. They are the same like "art dealers", probably for different reasons - but the same ignorant. I think like you do, because understanding the manipulation about what is art one realizes all the other "make ups" in medizin, food, laws and so on. I really hope people start zu realize that culture, art and handcraft is even more manipulated than anything else.

[@nancytawes9750]

This is a most excellent expose on the errant kingdom culture in the art world that also provides experiential solutions to overcome and participate in the transformation of it into true Kingdom culture. Thank you! I look forward to future light infused podcasts.

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Brilliant interview

[@clairebeane3455]

I am also this deeply shy person, who, ironically, pays her bills tending bar in a busy punk rock bar in the states, and have performed on stage for decades. 😂 But I hate confrontation, that said, if angered, I am still fairly reactive and volatile. It’s something I work on daily, but it’s still there, simmering, boiling. To be blacklisted in any area really gets to me and I kind of come undone. I feel it kind of my duty to the underdog to do so. I applaud you Elli for overcoming this portion of your personality. It’s a tough one.

[@TimotheeLee]

The joy is in the compulsion of doing it.

[@solardisk3]

What's the old saying about-- "Art professors are art professors because they couldn't make it as an artist..." It's easy to see where the bitterness of elitism originates.

[@JaneofArc]

Wow Ellie, listening to your experience is so similar to my own and resonated big time. I get the impression that you are also very aware of the spiritual component in all of this. I went to OCAD in Toronto in the early 90s and that vibe you spoke of permeated so much there as well. I know exactly what you mean 100%. I felt like I couldn't breathe and left after my 2nd year. I could have stayed just because I had a desirable spot in the school, but I felt like I was selling myself out and the longer I stayed, the more stifled I became. Also your journey in understanding what art is, why we make it and whom we make it for is very relatable and important. I have been thinking that it's no coincidence that AI came for the artists first. I think it's more important than ever to have good footing in the answers to these questions. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@iwonapiekarek6148]

Thank you so much for this podcast and shared your expirience Elli❤️

[@RebeccaBosch07]

Wow, Elli you are a captivating story teller! Love hearing your stories!

[@marysonya]

Your experiece ....mirrors the model of what I have been sucked into through several times. Am so sorry that happen to you.

[@pristittt]

Your story made me cry. I am so happy that things went well for you in that art fair.

[@femarie_art]

Would love to watch from you, how to sell in person. Like recreating scenarios and how you as an artist approach the prospect and seal the deal.

[@simplyme135]

wish I would find this conversation sooner. My classmate ( she has a master degree from a " good" art school, and we now in community college art school, tuition waver for seniors program) not too long ago, after learning that I sold a few pieces on Etsy, mention that I " decorate America". No, it was not a compliment. I was very offended first, but , agreed later. Yes, I would like to make ppl happy, there is nothing wrong with it. And I prefer to sell ( even cheap) my art vs to store under the bed, or in garage , like most of my classmate do .

[@NCWildHeART]

Your painting touched someone’s heart and that’s the best feeling!

[@lindak.bridges9195]

This is so interesting. Thank you Ellie for sharing your story and encouraging us through your experience.

[@ChristineNossoughi-fm5lu]

Elli, I cannot tell you how much I identify with you! I have been a sculptor and painter for 40 years. I have struggled in sales for sure. I have been at the Loveland Invitational sculpture show in Colorado back in 2001 and I had a neighboring artist sell like crazy and at the mid point of the show he said almost the same thing to me as Heim said to you…i have lead a most frustraiting art life…President Bush and Vanderbilt University have my sculptures…i have sold large painting…but with may years of nothing in between. My friends and family all lost hope in me as an artist..and my three creative daughters did not pursue their art because of my failure . I hope to learn the “how” from you and your program.

[@milanartstudios]

Learn more about our one-year art program that is designed to take anyone at any level in art and turn them into a professional: bit.ly/47wAyZb

[@tomjones9519]

you have to play the game if you aren't good at art. Thats the message im getting from this little video.

[@Nottherebutthere]

My experience exactly as a realist painter in art school in the mid 80s. Also, as a woman, I found the instructors, pretty much all of whom were abstract expressionists, constantly denigrating my work and telling me everything I made had phallic references or was "decorative." I, luckily, was a little older than the average BFA student at the time, and I saw what they were doing, and labelled it bull.

[@blackopal3138]

Art is expression. Period. ..... What does a person have to express? Some artists have very little to nothing interesting to express, other than their art skill. Of those, some are incredibly skilled, some are not skilled at all. Their is a market for the best skill, where other expressions are not only not important, but are irrelevant, both for artist and owner. Then there is a market for the ideas being expressed, where the skill of the artist is much less important, and the owner is interested in the ideas being expressed...... Some artists who have great, complex, intriguing, thought provoking ideas, never express themselves in their art, but simply focus on skill. Mostly cz that's just who they are, how they think about art, and what art is, and they are perplexed when clearly substandard skills of an artist get more attention. There are hundreds of thousands of highly skilled artists that we will never hear about, because they have nothing interesting to say. Again, .. Art is expression. What are you expressing?......... The flip side of that is actually the key. What does an owner find interesting? Most people with money to buy art are not interested in the ideas of a commoner, who lives with anxiety, angst and whatever other bourgeoise conditions plague their thoughts. But they have little to expres about beauty and Truth also. That's why the vendors came to control everything, they tell you what to like. They tell you who's ideas and expressions are cutting edge, genius, etc. which actually comes from media. Some grass roots can take hold, and as she said, nowadays that path is set to be fruitful. People will find who they like on their own, painters will become like musicians. But media and corporations can still influence that, and will choose their darlings, so artists will now be up against corporate creators instead..... I kept typing to figure that out, the end game, lol. Selena Gomes comes to mind. So, it shouldn't be too hard to beat that, lol. }peace

[@WhatTheColour]

I'm so glad people are finally starting to call out the ridiculous "art" that is being sold for millions in galleries. The other day, an exhibit was nothing more than sticks tied together with pieces of glass, trash, and paper hanging on strings. But because it was a "popular" artist and it told some nonsensical but arty background story, everybody oohed and aahed. I was so disappointed because I couldn't understand why they thought it was art. Now I do. Probably someone who played along with the gatekeepers. Nothing else explains it.

[@sunshinejenny777]

I am sooo sorry Eli! Thank you for sharing!

[@Vanessa-ie8bu]

THAT. WAS. THEEE. BEST. INTERVIEW/EXPOSÉ. YOUVE. PUT. OUT. THUS. FAR. SELF ESTEEM IS EVERYTHING FOR AN ARTIST. You can talk about vision, sales, marketing til the cows come home... but if an artist doesn't stand in their identity and say no to bullying ...then you're gonna lose everything else anyways. IDENTITY is EVERYTHING

[@las174]

Super enlightening and interesting. WOW!

[@ShawNshawN]

Great story on the art world. I know last year I was in Miami and got a HUGE hug from an art insider that sold art to galleries that I couldn't afford. I think she was passing on the vibe of exactly what you are talking about. Probably I was black listed at some point. Oh well.

[@jemmafassett7926]

Amazing content! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I’m looking forward to joining the masterclass… Also I’m not seeing the link to the newsletter below that you mention…. I just found elli two days ago and I love the message! The effort to manifest this vision. To top it off you all speak my language and I feel welcome. Thank you❤️

[@mermaidglow6998]

She said "God came through" 29:43.... made my day, got teary eyed... because sometimes all we have is a silent prayer... I wonder what training/courses are available to learn selling.

[@milanartstudios]

We love that part of the story, too! 🥲 We teach The Mastery Program as a complete one-year program that includes oil & drawing, mixed media, finding your own voice & style, and a Marketing section to prepare you for selling your work. You can learn more here: masteryprogram.com/

[@1dyrfullymade]

Love this!

[@byronrhodes1659]

Your story was mind blowing Elli! Wow, what you went through makes me angry! Do you teach that guys sales technique in the Mastery program, my gosh, that was amazing how he just came in and started selling your paintings, what a story! I’m so glad you guys made it through that because you have blessed me with your content since I found you guys recently. I’m considering the Mastery program, thank you for all you do!

[@michelledolly3789]

Love hearing this! Thank You for talking about this.

[@searoxxcoastalcreations]

Thank you so much! I drink up everything you put out… so informative and inspirational! ❤

[@kerryMcleod-ff4yk]

I am absolutely disgusted ,,is everything in this world so deceitful,this is so upsetting that there are people in the art world like this,no wonder artists shut their doors and have so many art creative works within their home,as you have the passion that won't die,you just can't stop,as this is the power within that wants to create,we must create,and now knowing what it's like our there,what do we do with our vast collection of art,,my heart goes out to this woman and how she was treated,

[@maik4946]

I hear 5 minutes of this and I already SUPER ❤ this podcast. Super love !

[@davidstar2362]

Thank you for everything

[@pjclarkartstudio]

These corrupt colleges are as twisted as it gets, I so agree with your experiences with Art School as it's not just that entity that this happens in, it's everywhere....my experience was horrible and waited until I was 52 before I went to college.