Just been preparing for tomorrow’s visit from the Art Fund – ten of its committee members will join us in the studio.
So what’s the “Art Fund”?
Right – the Art Fund exists to buy important works of art for the nation.
And why are they visiting Williams & Byrne?
Everything is clear now. What a fool I’ve been. For several weeks now, David has been as cheerful as a giraffe in a kimono, and I couldn’t work out why. Yes, work is going well. But, all the same, we’re English, which means – well, bowler hats, cricket bats and lots of milk with your tea. However, just this morning he thumped the latest glossy copy of Period Homes & Interiors on my unsuspecting writing desk (yes, and spilled my milky tea …). Oh well, few of us can resist dancing in the spotlight of media attention. And David likes to dance. Oh yes, see here. (It’s the second page he got all frisky about, bottom-right. Above it, you even see the Master’s hand, working on the Dinder Crest.)
I must be brief today because I must pack our bags and head off with my family for a week’s holiday on the rugged and dramatic coast of southern Wales.
All the same, I see from many comments on my last post how one particular question needs more attention.
Therefore even here, where we focus on glass painting techniques – even here, I won’t apologize for returning to the topic of price.
Price is one way of standing behind the value of your work. That’s why it’s so important we also discuss it here.
In 2004 I set up a studio with one partner, David. This was a design and glass painting studio, which, having run through more embarrassing names than we can remember, we christened “Williams” (after David first, because he could paint) “& Byrne” (after me, because I could copy).
Glass painting: it’s not an easy way to make a living.
But it is a great way.
I don’t mean women, cigars in bathtubs full of champagne, and private jets.
Though the last time I flew to see our client on the shores of Lake Geneva, I tried to board the airplane with a glass cutter in my pocket.
That was … fun.