Post #196395 by foamy on Fri, Nov 4, 2005 6:06 AM

Hey Kirby, I'm probably the last one that should be answering here, but I've considered these things too. I do tiki-type things because I like tiki. I've tried selling some original work on ebay (with a $49 starting bid) before with zero response. Kind'a hurt my feel'ins. I figured (and probably rightly) that my skills are just not there yet. I have to be disturbed, upset, incredibly happy or something - to produce anything of merit. Those things that I've produced that have those qualities (precious few) will never see themselves on ebay.

Then I think about my own buying habits. I won't fork out the heavy paper unless the work just knocks me out, pleases me greatly and/or stirs my emotion in some way. Much like good music. But music is lots cheaper. I've always wanted a Shag serigraph. But there's only two or three out of his whole body of work that I would ever consider buying, though, I admire all of his stuff, generally speaking.

The only folks selling are the top self artists. Benzart, Swamp Fire, Flounder, Sam Gambino, Kooche, Basement Kahuna, etc., you know who they are. Why? Because they're that good and that is pretty much what they do and who they are.

Yeah, I'm a bit in awe, and envious of their skill and talent. Then again, if I put as much time and effort, sweat and frustration into my painting as they do theirs - well, there's a slim, very slim chance I might be as good as they are. So I keep trying when my limited time allows. It's all still fun to me and if I can please myself, then anything else is gravy. Incidentally: I don't please myself very often. And then it's only for a short while.

I'm still trying to find a style. You're lucky, it seems like you have one. So let's keep going.