A friend sent me a t-shirt with the above text after learning I had retired as CEO of the Devonish Art Gallery after 50+ years in operation in two different countries: Barbados and Anguilla; 18 years in Barbados and 22+ years in Anguilla. I have never met a retired artist, so I happily edited the text to read –“I am retired, don’t ask me to do a damn thing except carving wood or throwing ceramic bowls.”
During the last 5 years, I was not only the CEO, but chief cook and bottle washer. Managing a one man operation, which afforded me the time to manage three websites during the times when there were no customers, since it was not possible to create on the premise, unlike an experience in Canada where the ceramic studio was within sight of the showroom. Wood carving is too messy and dusty.
In retirement, I am probably working longer hours than ever and thoroughly enjoying being able to focus on one activity only. Fortunately, there are outlets to market my creations if and when the Covid virus affords us the opportunity. Our main economic activity is tourism, which presents an overwhelming challenge. Covid-19 also presents a challenge with my new online gallery: courtneydevonishart.com.
The only current shipping opportunities are via the expensive DHL, UPS, or Federal Express as opposed to the affordable choice of the Post Office. There is no doubt that Covid-19 has changed life throughout the world, forcing us to think creatively. Since tourism is the best market vehicle for visual artists, the challenge is gigantic. God help us all.
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