Fear of Prices

bronze relief by Patrick Gracewood

Hey, Jude,

Sometimes I'm scared of my own prices.

It's easier for me to get that my big scale sculptures are worth a lot
because the expenses are so obvious (I have the steel frames fabricated,
the casting of the panels is done in a factory, and I need a crew to move
and install them).

I finally started believing in my prices recently when I realized
that I also need a forklift and a truck with a lift gate to install these
reliefs. Better late than never.....

I'm having the pleasure of rereading Jeanette Winterson's Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery. Her first essay is a powerful one about encountering real art. Have you read her? I think you'd like this book alot. Let me know.

Best to you,

Patrick Gracewood

www.GracewoodStudio.com

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Dear Patrick,

I love your way of putting it: 'I started believing in my prices...better late than never'.

Sounds like you're still not so convinced about your prices for smaller works, though.

In my opinion, it's your unique spirit and expression that really brings the value to any work, regardless of size, or outlay for materials. Bigger isn't always intrinsically worth more.

The costs for the roof over your head and everything else that helps you show up to channel inspired work, all that remains constant regardless of the size of the piece you're working on. When you think of the legitimacy of your prices based on expenses, do you see paying yourself as being just as crucial as the need to pay an installation crew?

Of course, it may be practical to keep prices lower for smaller works. Clients might find big prices for big pieces more understandable and less intimidating, just as you do. You might want to develop a more distinct marketing strategy for the different scales you work in, so as not to invite comparisons.

I've tried some unorthodox approaches to coming to believe in my prices, which might be too odd to work for anyone else. For instance, I just wrote a post on why I've put all my fees in multiples of nine, if you're interested....

I'm sure you'll continue to deepen your belief in the integrity of your prices as you go along. That belief makes for a much more open, connected and abundant experience for everyone in any transaction. So charge a price that is really fair to you for the small gems, too.

Thanks for writing and sending pictures. And thanks for the book recommendation--I did enjoy the Jeannette Winterson. In fact, it's overdue at the library....

Cheers,
Jude