I received an e-mail from an artist asking advice. I was disgusted to find out someone I know has been offering his services to artists for $500.00 up front “if they are serious about their career” with "connections" that are nebulous at best. My advice to anyone out there who is reading this: DON’T EVER PAY ANYONE UP FRONT FOR ARTIST REPRESENTATION OR AN EXHIBITION.

He has been able to name-drop his way into this business and has managed to fool a lot of people with no real working knowledge of art-making and a limited knowledge of art history(my guess would be anything after 1990), . . .some of you might know who I am talking about. He is NY based and blogs for a few websites. Some of which are too chicken-shit to drop him (making waves and such)
I'm very disappointed to hear that some of the younger less experienced artists have already paid him and have no hope of recouping their money.

I hate hearing about people who do this kind of thing. It falls into the same category as people who prey on unpublished writers by having the writer pay THEM for publishing. A legitimate agent or publisher will never have you pay them for their services. They get paid by selling your work. I imagine the art world is much the same way. It's just sad.

That sucks. Taking someone's work, criativity, talent and just using like that is such a huge disrespect, it really makes me mad.
Hope the guy just gets what he deserves. And thanks for spreading the word, Travis.

It took me almost a week to get out of my "angry place" mentally. With a clearer mindset in place, I will make an example out of this parasite after th 4 person show in Montreal.

I even ask before a tattoo. I try to only do things I own in one form or another.

Ron

Sick to my stomach over this....