An Art2u Interview with
Elizabeth B. Gardner

© Roxane Gilbert
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Elizabeth B. Gardner is the author of Opportunties in Arts & Crafts Careers. At the time of this interview, she was a docent at the San Francisco Fine Art Museums. She answered a few questions asked of her by Art2u about her book, future plans and advice to artists.

Elizabeth B. Gardner: I give tours of American and European art--paintings, sculptures, furniture, decorative art, etc. Before concentrating on these areas, I gave tours of African, Oceania, North and South American Indian, and Eskimo art.

Art2u: Your book covers a multitude of careers in the arts and crafts. Is there an underlying common approach or discipline that would apply to all seekers of arts and crafts careers?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: Anyone seeking a career in the arts and crafts would first have to become proficient in the art or craft of his or her choice. Ordinarily this is done by taking classes or serving as an apprentice to an established artist or craftsperson in the chosen field.

Art2u: Are there regional challenges? For instance, would an aspiring filmmaker be better off working in Los Angeles, or does the competition offset any advantage to locating there? Should a printmaker go to New York or Chicago, or are there opportunities to work and exhibit prints in all parts of the country?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: Most sizable towns offer opportunities for artists and craftspeople to sell their artwork if they are enterprising and innovative in creating a market. My book gives suggestions on how to create a market.

Art2u: Do you recommend joining a professional organization or guild?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: One can receive encouragement and inspiration from fellow members of a professional organization or guild. If there isn't such an organization in one's town, the aspiring artist or craftsperson could join with others to start one.

Art2u: Some artists and craftspeople are concerned that the marketplace will "force" them to compromise their "vision?" Does the marketplace stifle or enhance creativity? Please explain.

Elizabeth B. Gardner: The marketplace can enhance creativity by encouraging artists and craftspeople to widen their horizons, to go in new directions. You can't very well earn a living or generate income by producing "art" that no one wants.

Art2u: Are there any arts/crafts fields you would particularly encourage someone to pursue? Are there any you think people should avoid (perhaps because of health risks or limited opportunity)?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: A person should pursue the art or craft that appeals to him or her. Women should not avoid taking up an art or craft because in the past it has been principally a masculine endeavor.

Art2u: You did a lot of research for your book. How long did it take you from concept to completion?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: I worked on my manuscript intermittently for about 16 years.

Art2u: Did you approach publishers yourself, or did you hire an agent? Did you find a publisher before you had a completed manuscript?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: I approached publishers myself. My manuscript was more or less finished before I tried to find a publisher. I did make some changes and additions after finding a publisher, before the manuscript was sent to the printer.

Art2u: What book are you currently researching or writing?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: I am writing a story for children.

Art2u: Have you ever considered pursuing a career in art or crafts?

Elizabeth B. Gardner: Quite some time ago I went to a painting class for a while. As a result, a number of my paintings hang in the homes of relatives. Being a docent and writing are my current predominate interests.

©1999 Roxane Gilbert
All Rights Reserved

Opportunities in Arts and Crafts Careers
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