The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 48 No 3 November 2009

Ceramic Spaces
left to right:
Margaret Beale
Kerrie Lightbody
Wendy Jagger
Margaret Beale
Cheryl Burgess
photo: Chris Sanders
De/icate M atters
exhibition at Skepsi on
Swanston, 25 August-
12 September 2009
AM: Yes - a small community, dear to all of us. Collectors are the future for your art. They are the ones
who take your art to the next generation because many of their collections end up in public art galleries
and art museums. They are our art patrons.
OR: Did you know them before you started?
AM: No. They just came out of the blue. They came in, said hello, got into conversations. I can sense
when people are after information. We have a common interest so we share information and there
might be three or four visits before they buy something. It's like a little relationship and we learn to trust
each other. I might have them in at unusual times so they can choose what they want uninterrupted.
Little by little these new people come to openings and listen to conversations with the artists. Like with
you - every time you come in, if there is someone who has bought your work, I introduce them to you .
The collectors are very rarely disappointed when they meet the artists; mostly they say that meeting
extends their enjoyment of the work.
OR: You put people together. That's important; it creates a complete community rather than just isolated
little groups of collectors and artists. Some gallery owners don't introduce artists and collectors because
they might cut out the gallery and sell direct.
AM: Risking our relationship for the sake of one sale is a pretty Silly thing to do. Most artists have good
ethics, and protect the relationship they have worked hard to establish with someone who cares about
their work.
OR: In the current economy the really dedicated ones seem to go on collecting, where the people who
are not so committed will think, "I can't afford to waste money on this kind of thing" .
AM: Yes, you are right - if they don't really want it they are going to say it can wait 'til they get the
money. But if they really want it they will say, " How can I get it?" And they will make enquiries like,
"Do you do lay-by or do you have a smaller piece?" They will find ways of getting what they want.
OR: So how does the current economic situation influence you?
AM: So far it hasn't bothered me. I don't make enough to have a big loss, but if I don't sell I don't
survive. I stay positive. I don't want to transfer a negative feeling to my artists. They are my lifeline and
any negativity will echo in their work. But you can't stop an artist exploring.
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS NOVEMBER 2009 89