Pete Kasprzak is one of the 200 artists who showed work at the 2012 The Artist Project – a Toronto art fair that gives independent artists a professional platform to showcase their work. He kindly gave The Flaneur some time to talk about art, social media and showing work at the fair.
What genre do you work in?
I work in mixed media. My main genre is Photography, then I paint on my photographs, giving them some vibrancy. My new “Blackout” series is based on photographs converted to outline; the image is cut in a glossy vinyl mounted on a matte vinyl so the image is only seen when the proper light hits it.
What point of your career have you reached?
I only started 3 years ago, but I like to think I am on the verge of expanding and hopefully doing my art full-time. I would like to do art as my passion and career someday.
Where can we see your work online?
You can find my work on the following pages: www.seewhatinspires.me, www.normanfelix.com,www.pkartshop.com, ; as well as many others.
Why did you decide to show at The Artist Project?
I heard the show was a must! Being an up and coming artist, this show really raised the bar in terms of participating in shows as well as all the great work by all the other artists. It was a no brainer.
What are the advantages of showing work at an art fair?
Because shows are well publicized, being part of a show helps the chances of having the right people see your work. Fair’s generate a lot of traffic and potential people that you yourself could not reach to have at the show. Being part of a fair you also meet and become friends with other great artists to which you would sometimes see at the next fair. And it’s fun.
The buzz and excitement of a fair is a very different atmosphere to the usual gallery. Do you sell more work at the fair than in a gallery?
I would have to say the fair. I have only been a part of group shows so only 2 pieces of mine were up. At a show, I can have more to show and showcase my art to my liking. The energy at fairs is constant and the atmosphere a little more energetic. With the amounts of people and music (public speakers etc.) give fairs the advantage of not being so slow and quiet. At a fair you can really be yourself and more open I find. Its a bit more relaxed and people love to ask questions and just talk which is great.
What other means of marketing your work do you use?
I would have to say I use Facebook (Facebook/Pete Kasprzak Art) and Twitter (@PeteKasprzakArt) the most in terms of marketing. I also try to reach out to media outlets that have large audiences. I have also written letters to editors at local newspapers, magazines, and tv/radio shows.
Sometimes that personal touch is more personal and I actually like it better.
Do you use social media? How important is the net?
I think with the speed things are going these days, you definitely have to be up to date and on the ball when using social media. With smartphones a touch away from almost everyone, I think social media is extremely important in “spreading the word”.
Does showing at the fair let you interact more with potential buyers and collectors?
Because of added traffic, fairs let me interact with many many potential buyers. Some are there browsing but fairs allow me to communicate and talk one-on-one with people which is great!
How have you enjoyed seeing the work of so many other artists all together? Has it inspired you? Are you desperate to get back to your studio?!
I always enjoy seeing the work of other artists. They inspire me to do things I never thought possible. One idea comes from the next, being a part of a show with so many great artists is always a pleasure because everyone bring their own great unique work to the table. I am in the midst of re-doing my website which is very important to me, I can’t wait to finish before I head back to the studio… but I am always desperate to get back to the actual studio. However, sometimes I think the studio is my head because I am always thinking of new over the top ideas to showcase my art.
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