Art and Creativity: When Opportunity Knocks...

4 months ago

So, I have been harping on about "2024 being the year when we finally get Alchemy Stones a more significant online presence."

Mini stones awaiting their finish coat

A few days ago, I talked about getting a commission for a retreat this coming May and now it turns out that one of the organizers for the retreat wants to include Alchemy Stones in a podcast (with an established audience in the tens of thousands) episode about "The Healing Power of Art."

Sometimes I really do feel like the whole "Intention Setting" gig does help get things moving.

Of course, such news also means that lots of work has to be done, in short order!

Not in the sense that I need to create more work, but in making sure all my web presences, sites, social media accounts and online stores are fully functional and up-to-date.

I realized that some, like my LinkedIn, haven't been touched in quite a while.

When you get a sudden influx of traffic, the last thing on the planet you need to happen is a bunch of frustration over broken links and missing products.

It's that all-important "first impression."

On top of this, there's also ongoing chatter about a radio appearance sometime in March... with a new contact (and fan) we made at the Ghost Conference event we attended back in November.

In a sense, it's also ongoing evidence suggesting that Alchemy Stones are better marketed to the metaphysical, supernatural and "woo-woo" crowds than to people purely as art.

One of the interesting distinctions there — purely from a commercial standpoint — is that people rarely (if EVER) perceive art to be anything but an unnecessary luxury, while people in other areas of life can justify almost anything as a necessity.

I may be "an artist," but I am also someone with a long background in advertising, marketing and sales... and trying to be a "purist" about art is usually a short slippery slope to... nowhere.

I am also a "Practicalist" to the point of realizing that "standing on principles and not selling out" is typically a great way to starve to death.

Some aspects of life I am definitely not an idealist about!

The stones from the first photo, all finished!

Anyway... lots of work to be done this week; more updates to come here, as things unfold. An exciting side benefit of these developments is that there's more authentic news warranting blog updates! Woo-hoo!

I appreciate you coming to visit and please do leave a comment if you feel so inclined!

Thank You!

If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!

Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!

My Alchemy Stones Patreon appeal

Alchemy Stones web site and blog

Alchemy Stones on eBay

Alchemy Stones on Etsy

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Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!