Like oil and water or cats and dogs, art and money are not supposed to go together — ask any starving artist. However, Julia Trops is attempting to debunk that theory with her new book, aptly titled Art & Money.
The book is based on interactions with artists, businesses and the community and is about an artist’s ability to be independent, and yet still be relevant in his or her community, said Trops, founder of the Okanagan Erotic Art Show and a successful artist based in Kelowna.
“When I finished university, I really had no idea of which way to turn because of the lack, at that time, of education on how to function as a professional artist,” said Trops. “This book is one where someone fresh from high school or university can take the concepts and apply them to succeed in their own career. It’s one of many books that can help an artist on their way.”
Trops made the decision to write Art & Money after being asked to do marketing seminars.
“I’ve wanted to write for a long time,” said Trops, who completed the book while on an artist residency in Spain. “The book is about cooperation: artist to artist, artist to business and artist to city. These are fairly vast subject areas, and they are broken down into manageable parts.”
As the book is about cooperation and partnership, Trops is holding a series of book signings at some artist-minded businesses and galleries in the Okanagan.
The signings have been placed and scheduled to give both the venue and the artist maximum visibility.
“Partnerships do not have to be restricted to one’s hometown, but can expand beyond the city borders,” said Trops, who will be at an artist-run studio residence in Summerland and a Blenz coffee house in West Kelowna this weekend.
She comes to Vernon’s own artist-run studios and gallery, Gallery Vertigo, Oct. 19.
Run by the North Okanagan Artists Alternative, Gallery Vertigo is a non-profit gallery that has diversified beyond the visual arts by also focussing on the local literary scene. It is the home of a number of writer studios, writing groups, as well as literary events and recently played host to the well attended Vernon Writers Festival with the Federation of B.C. Writers.
“We have also just recently launched a young artists engagement program, so the theme of (Trops’) book is a perfect fit to help mentor art students,” said Michelle Mitchell, Gallery Vertigo’s executive director.
While in Vernon, Trops is also encouraging artists to contribute to Vertigo’s annual fundraiser, Almost Famous. Those attending the signing can drop off their “fabulous fakes” —art inspired by the masters— which will be displayed at the gallery before going to auction at the Vernon Community Arts Centre on Nov. 2.
“It’s one of my favourite exhibitions because of the fun factor for the artist,” said Trops.
Art & Money is available for sale for $15, and can be purchased at Gallery Vertigo during the signing Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Copies can also be reserved in advance.
More information can be found at www.artandmoney.ca or visit Gallery Vertigo’s newly designed website at www.galleryvertigo.net.
