An appeal
because it's better to ask than regret not doing so...
I can’t lie, this is a tough one to write. I’ve been putting it off for probably too long, but I have to get this out into the universe because I need to.
I’ve been in this studio for just over two years and I’ve been working full-time as an artist since 2020. I left the last job I had because things in my art life were at a cross roads. There were three big projects that had come my way in 2019 that were continuing into 2020 with some alterations to allow for changes due to the pandemic. After the lockdown, I returned to work and saw that if I remained at the job, I wouldn’t be able to participate in the art opportunities that I had. I chose to leave work in July of that year.
I didn’t have a lot of funds at all, but was able to sell some work thanks to my gallery, I had what I called “Covid cash” in the form of the relief funds from the government and unemployment compensation. Even though I’d centered art in my life a long time ago, this was the first time I was “officially” going full-time as an artist.
Above: working on a drawing on drafting paper that was later used for collage purposes last year.
I was as prepared mentally as I could be for this new stage of my art career and knew long before what the sometimes extreme ups and downs of this life were. At the same time, I was incredibly excited because this is part of what I’d been after for many years: the time to fully concentrate on my art.
It’s been an incredible four years that saw me paint my first public mural and because of that one, shortly after I gained a commission for an indoor mural in an architectural firm here in Philly. I made my first edition of prints since graduating more than thirty years ago, had my work published in a hardcover book for the first time, had my fifth and sixth solo shows at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery (Philadelphia), had work in a few group shows and had the honor of being a guest on a number of podcasts and interviews.
There’s things I’m missing, but you get the idea-it’s been an incredibly fruitful four years and I’m deeply grateful for all of the opportunities that have presented themselves to me.
The thing about most artists’ lives is that there can be incredible highs and really low lows in terms of income. For me, regardless of everything that has gone really well with shows, some sales and even a couple of museum acquisitions over the past four years. However, lately the financial side of things has been a bit of a slog as my income has slowed to a crawl. So much so that I’m trying to claw my way out of being almost three months behind on studio rent. Not a place anyone wants to be in.
To bring this full-circle, at the beginning, I said this was hard to write and it is. I’m writing this because right now, I’m having to go way beyond my comfort zone with coming to you, my readers, in an appeal for assistance.
Despite selling some work from my latest and successful solo show it wasn’t enough for me to keep up with current studio rent expense, unfortunately. I’ve fallen behind by two months and heading into a third. My landlord’s flexibility has been generous, but I really need to catch up and don’t have the funds on my own at this time. Even though it’s been challenging lately, I can’t afford to lose this work space and also unable to afford storage space, so I have to work through this.
My current studio debt is nearly 3k after late fees. There are a couple of long-term projects that I’m expecting payment on in the nearish future and I began a search for part time work in recent months that hasn’t borne fruit yet, but I’m still working on it. I’m also looking at the possibility of moving to a smaller space in my building, if one is available.
Here’s how you can help:
Buy original paintings and works on paper. This is the most direct and impactful way that anyone can support an artist. Every purchase goes towards maintaining my practice in a variety of ways, from purchasing new materials to paying rent and utilities to being able to maintain my inventory. Everything I make goes right back into making the work and getting it out into the world.
I have work available in a wide range of price points through the Bridgette Mayer Gallery (link to my artist page). The gallery is at 709 Walnut Street in Philadelphia and can be contacted directly at: 215.413.8893 and by email: bmayer@bmayerart.com. Gift giving season is fast approaching, so consider giving the gift of original art by yours truly!
There are a lot of works on my personal website to view, as well: TimMcFarlane.com
If you’d like to see more work that is available and meet me in person, studio visits are available. If you are or will be in the Philadelphia area, contact me directly to schedule a visit: tim@timmcfarlane.com. I’m also open to virtual studio visits via Zoom.
Commission a painting for yourself or for a loved one! If you enjoy my work and are looking for a custom size or want certain colors included, I’ll work with you, just send me an email and we can get started: tim@timmcfarlane.com
I’m available as a visiting artist for talks and critiques. I enjoy working and speaking with students in a mentor-like role and have been doing so at least a couple of times a semester for years. If you’re a teaching artist and would like to bring me in to speak with your students or you know someone who might be interested, let me know.
If you’re not sure about wanting a piece of mine for yourself or don’t have the space, then consider donating what you can. Again, any money that I take in gets put into the art work so I can continue bringing more to the world:
Venmo: @Tim-McFarlane, CashApp: $tmcfarlane
Yours truly in front of Sail To The Moon during the opening reception of “All Of This Is True”, my solo show at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery in April.
Sharing is caring!
Last, but certainly not least, if none of the above are things you can do now (believe me, I understand, as I know many of you are possibly struggling right now, as well), please consider sharing this post and information with friends, family members, colleagues, etc… It would really mean a lot with spreading the word.
Listen, I’m not the most comfortable being this publicly vulnerable concerning my finances and reaching out to you, Many of whom I’ve never met or know very well.
However, in the interest of transparency, I think it’s important to be open about all aspects of maintaining an art practice without back up income. I knowingly left my job to pursue art opportunities that have greatly enriched my life had I not done so. Art has and always will be my main priority in life and I don’t regret anything at all. This is what I’m meant to do and I’ll continue until the day comes and I physically can’t.
There’s nothing I want to do more than to continue painting and being able to bring art into the world for others to engage with, think about and simply enjoy. I have incredible people in my life who support what I do and support me as a person. Now, I’m needing to reach further out into the world.
Thank you for reading, being here and being a part of my journey, I appreciate you all!
I’ve requested a list of available works from your gallery. If you have smaller pieces or works on paper that are easier to ship (I’m in Seattle), could you email a list to me please? My email is jkcalladine@outlook.com. Thanks.
I sent you the tiniest something via PayPal. It’s rough being an artist 😔 I am currently job hunting because we just need money to live and art is too unpredictable. It’s a painful decision but hopefully one that can eventually be reversed…. I hate that we have to make these choices.