Ellie Blankfort :: Artist's Advisor

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION
   Over many years I have worked in consultation with artists in all disciplines.
   Individual consultation is built around the particular needs and goals of each artist I work with. To that end, I work in intensive, strictly confidential sessions in my office or, for artists in distant cities or remote locations, on the telephone.
    Our work together starts with a clear and honest critique, and a frank discussion of all aesthetic and practical questions relevant to the work, including consideration of appropriate markets and experienced advice on personal and professional issues.
    Sessions typically last an hour, and some artists find it useful to maintain a regular monthly schedule of visits. I also schedule studio visits when needed.
   Your initial contact may be by telephone, 323.661.2321, or email in order to schedule a preliminary appointment.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CONSULTATION
Some common issues:
•   How to identify the strengths of your work, and how to avoid its weaknesses
•   How best to release your energies and stimulate your creative process
•   How to find, or make the time you need to devote to your work
•   How to get through those dry patches, when the work just doesn’t seem to come

Some common practical necessities:
•   How to organize your business life as an artist
•   How best to present your work to dealers and curators; how to show it in your studio and price it right
•   How to know when your work is ready for gallery exposure
•   How to identify the potential market for your work
•   How to frame and install the work for maximum effect
•   How to find the dealers, consultants, curators or collectors who will respond to your work—and to save time and energy avoiding those who won’t!

ARTIST SUPPORT GROUPS:  ARTISTS' MATTERS
   As an adjunct to individual work and by invitation only, my Los Angeles support groups meet in the evening on a monthly basis, in the comfortable surroundings of my home. They are co-facilitated by my husband and frequent collaborator, Peter Clothier, the art critic and writer, who is himself an experienced group leader.
    Groups offer the opportunity for artists to find needed community and the support of peers, as well as to receive feedback on work-in-progress and to share those everyday fears and self-doubts that can too often sabotage the creative process. The success of our groups has led us to believe that we can provide the support and understanding artists sometimes need in the solitary process of creating art.

WORKSHOPS
   Building a Practice: a day-long or weekend workshop co-led by Ellie Blankfort and Peter Clothier to assist studio artists in the process of setting up a practice. Contact me for details.