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"How's business?" I ask an artist friend who practically wrote the book on making a boutique business thrive and prosper with the help of the web.
"You can hear crickets chirping," she tells me. "No one's buying a thing."
This is understandable, given the economic future we are facing, but distressing to me just the same. If there's anyone we need during uncertain time, any voice that must be heard, any vision that must be entertained--it is that of the artist. Artists remind us that man cannot live by bread alone, that the spirit well-fed cannot fail to energize the body taken up with the practicalities of everyday life. Art shows us a way through when times are tough. Art reveals to us that we are more that what we do, more than what we earn.
We can look at art as a luxury this giving season, or we can decide that sometimes--especially when times are tough--something handmade, from the soul is the only thing anyone needs to make it when everything around us screams disaster. If you still need convincing, check out this post on why art is a good investment when the markets are crashing.
Here are four links not to miss if you're determined to keep art in the budget this year:
Indiepublic Gift Guide. This clearinghouse of art shops and vendors helps you locate the best finds according to the season. Never darken the door of Target again for your holiday decorating needs.
Etsy Pounce page. Discover brand new artists, yet to be discovered on Etsy, with one click of the mouse. With Etsy teaming with more art than ever, this is one of the best ways to uncover the next big talent on the cusp of something great.
PoppyTalk Handmade. Hands down, Poppytalk is one of the premier shopping sites for handmade, high quality art. All selections are carefully selected, ensuring the finest options for your art dollars.
Buy Handmade. Take the pledge and give art now and throughout the holiday season. Thousands of artists, vendors and shoppers have taken the pledge, bolstering the indie art scene and keeping the indie art economy vibrant and thriving.
Do you have a favorite local or indie artist you plan on turning to for your gift-giving needs in the months to come? Feel free to add your favorites in the comments below.
