|
With the profits from the sale, he got into the Native American
art business because he wanted to create more opportunities
for artists. "I wanted to do something," he said.
"When I retired I wanted to get into some kind of business and I wasn’t sure what, but I always had some feelings about Indian art. Though Torres is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, he has not returned in years.
Torres’ galleries contain the work of several prominent artists, such as Mark Silversmith, Al Joe, Ray Tracey, Frank Shortey, and Diane McClanahan-Martinez.
How does he buy his jewelry or acquire new artist?
"Every gallery store owner is different," he said. For Torres, it is all about character.
"What I look for in an artist is some sort of sincerity in their character," he said. "If an artist doesn’t show he’s sincere and honest, I don’t get interested right away."
"[But] if you’re an exceptional artist, then you can afford to be a little cranky," he said.
Talent, he said, comes out through personality.
One artist he has worked with is very open and sincere, he said. "That is what I look for. If [the artist] is open about his art, then he can tell you something about his work."
Torres said he spends about 80 percent of his time going out and looking for new artists to display in his gallery. The remaining 20 percent is the art itself, he said.
How often does he go out looking for artist? "Four times a year to places like the Northern Plains, Southwest, the West Coast," he said.
His advice to artist:
"When you are starting out it is a good thing," he advises artist. But confesses to having a soft heart. "I hate to turn something down. In that way, I am a patsy."
On occasions, he does turn artists down who are trying to sell him something. "When I turn something down it is because I want to cater to mid-to-high-end crowd," he said.
He said he has been "ripped off" by artists. "I’ve advanced some of them money and they never came back," he said. This is a reason character is important to him.
Observations:
The tribes from the Southwest seem to be more artists than other tribes. The Northern Plains seems to be more artifacts like bows and arrows.
The economics of the arts and craft business makes it hard. Many the good artists are passing away. Young people today don’t want to spend long hours [working in a jewelry shop] buffing, when they can go get a job at the local Burger King.
About the business:
The public is just as interested as they’ve always been. It’s the economics. There are less people making art today than the past.
About selling:
"Don’t cold call. Sometimes it works out but other times it doesn’t. Call first and set up an appointment. Some business owners will say please send photos of your work before you come. It is a good idea to show a full body of work. Show either the pieces or a portfolio.
Torres said he’s not making a whole lot of money, "but I am doing one thing, which is increasing the market for artist," he said.
Contact:
Web site: http://www.sagespirit.net
Sarasota, Florida: (941) 388-2975
St. Pete Beach, Florida: (727) 367- 8083
|
