It was a gift to have had the opportunity to live and work in North Carolina as a potter for over 30 years. Never fully aware of the opportunity the heritage of pottery making established for contemporary potters, we enjoyed a thriving and highly esteemed marketplace, in an affluent, intellectual state.
I thought I was ready to retire, so moved to the tropics and built my studio, expecting to be downsizing. What I discovered right away is crafts do not enjoy the status or art here in Costa Rica. Oil painting is practically the only recognized art form, and most galleries limit their representation to that media.
Crafts are lumped together as "traditional" avocation, pretty much limited to traditional designs. This syndrome is found in North Carolina as well, but it is only a part of the market. In Costa Rica, it is practically the only view of crafts.
What I would like to encourage is a better networking of home studio artists of ALL media, painters, glass, ceramic, textile, wood, metal, all media. The best way to market products is to offer verity, the more verity the better the market.
I would like to hear from artists and craftsmen in Costa Rica, in a forum where we can share marketing ideas, opening the door to everyone, opens it to a greater market for everyone.
Collectively, there is much more available in the market for individuals, because people like to "shop," more products, more shoppers.
coopermays@gmail.com
www.coopermays.com
http://coopermays.blogspot.com
