Tag Archives: art shows

Great advice & motivation for artists from abstract artist LORI MIRABELLI

Lori Mirabelli is an abstract artist who specializes in large scale artwork for your home and office; she recently posted a wonderful message on social media that might help fellow artists who find themselves circling the drain, both creatively and financially. With Lori’s permission, FLY would like to share that encouraging advice here with you….in case you need to see/hear it, too.“I quit my job to go all-in on my art. Now I’m panicking. My work isn’t selling. I’m stressed, uninspired, and it’s making everything worse.”
IF THIS IS YOU — keep reading. You’re not alone. Here’s how to reset before burnout takes you out

5 STEPS TO RESET WHEN YOU’RE PANICKING AS A NEW FULL-TIME ARTIST:

Stop Creating Under Panic Pressure
Stress kills creativity. If you’re forcing “sellable” art, it won’t flow — and your audience feels that. Take time to make something just for fun. Reconnect with the joy.

Audit Your Offer — Not Your Worth
Your art not selling doesn’t mean you’re not good. So ask yourself:

  • Am I showing how this art fits into someone’s life?
  • Are my photos, captions, and pricing buyer-friendly?
  • Would I buy from my own page?

Simplify and Focus
Trying to do everything at once = burnout.
Pick 1 collection to focus on for 30 days.
Make 1 clear offer.
Consistency > perfection

Use Instagram with Purpose
You don’t need to post daily — you need to connect.
Use Reels to tell stories.
Use carousels to show your process.
Add “DM me [keyword]” to encourage real convos.
Pin your best work to your profile.

Anchor Back into Your Vision
You didn’t quit your job for overnight success.
You did it for freedom, purpose, and passion.
Panic doesn’t mean failure.
Write a letter to your future self.
What would the successful you do today?

Breathe. Reset. Begin again.

Please share Lori’s wise words with an artist friend who might need the motivational boost.Lori will be at this year’s Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Nathan Phillips Sq. Toronto (Booth #420) July 11-13 so drop by her booth and say hi. And please check out her website: lorimirabelli.com

ART TORONTO WELCOMES OVER 100 NATIONAL & INT’L GALLERIES, INSTALLATIONS, PROJECT SPACES, and more!

FLY was thrilled to be invited to the “media day” preview of this year’s ART TORONTO art fair and it was exciting to meet new artists and galleries as wellas lots of favourites like the McMichael Gallery which was front and centre at the top of the escalator. FLY was fortunate to view their current Tom Thomson exhibition and they were busy promoting their upcoming show…. https://mcmichael.com/
Just around the corner from McMichael was Montreal’s www.Blouin-division.com featuring the stunning “bead” works of Renne Condo. FLY then discovered a new gallery along Dundas West (website coming) Zaal Art Gallery and the charming booth hosts welcomed questions about the art, esp. the 3rd image below – what do you see? The artist has actually painted his face mid-shaving – it’s a foamy portrait.

FLY was welcomed into the booth of Halifax-based IOTA Gallery and the lovely ladies representing Nova Scotia artists were happy to share news of their gallery and works on display.

And IOTA’s artist Carrie Allison creates unique and intriguing soft sculptures such as these, below….Next door FLY found this small booth packed with lots of art books. Aperture is based in New York City and run by a very knowledgeable Richard Gregg. http://www.aperture.org
FLY was looking for BC-based Jean Paul Langlois (FLY has one of his stunning prints on her wall) and found 2 of his paintings represented by The New Other Gallery – it was a stunning booth with a couple of secret nooks containing other fabulous works, including the large blue and gold work by Jaspal Birdi. Definitely recommend checking out: wearethenewother.com
So many cool booths, however, only a few of the artists and gallery directors/curators were on-site for this media day event. Sadly, FLY could not interview anyone else but took a lot of photos for you.

FLY always looks forward to Sandra Ainsley‘s big exhibition booth – she represents many superstars of the art glass world including Dale Chihuly of whom FLY is such a fan. This year’s booth did not disappoint! Bravo, Sandra.  https://sandraainsleygallery.com/

Thank you to the Art Toronto show producers and good luck to all the galleries working hard to promote Canadian and international artists. The show opens tomorrow, Friday Oct. 27 and runs throughout the weekend. Check out times and details: https://arttoronto.ca/