We were lucky to catch up with Andrea La Valleur-Purvis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

25 years ago, I graduated with a BFA in Sculpture, worked part time jobs with established artists and art services companies. I soon realized I didn’t know how to make money as a sculptor (today it’s a lot easier) So I taught myself the latest design programs and started freelancing as a designer.

Since then, my creative career has taken me across Europe and the US, as a freelance Creative Director and designer, working on digital projects for visionary brands in the tech industry.

My skills have evolved across the digital landscape, intersecting with business, strategy, creative and marketing. I earned a post-grad in Design Thinking and Innovation and later I learned about the global art market, Art Marketing and Designing Winning Strategies.

After two decades working as a Designer and Creative Director, art was once again calling my name, and it was time to respond. I pivoted my 20+ year career, taking my collective learnings across strategy, design and marketing to the art world.

Now I wake up every day, and get to work on my own sculpture practice and support other talented artists with my podcast Art Biz Talk and consulting work.

First lesson is you don’t have to do it alone. Know what you’re actually good and and hire for your gaps. Many artists think they have to be involved with every aspect of their art practice and that’s simple not true. Even the masters had studio assistants, advocates and patrons, which translates to modern day studio managers, PR and Marketing and other smart people who can 10x your art business

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Andrea La Valleur-Purvis, I’m a British-American sculptor exploring the inter-play of shape, perspective and pattern making.

Typically my process begins with drawing shapes that interest me, then laser cutting them in metal, and assembling them piece by piece into a new dimensional composition. Combined with welding and other modern fabrication methods, this approach allows me to investigate my curiosity for geometric and architectural forms , further supporting the idea of inter-connection in my work.

Since moving back to the US two years ago, I have completed a series of sculptures for a public work in Central Texas, finished a corporate commission and make new works available through my studio website.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m sure you can agree that the arts are an essential part of what makes culture interesting, relevant and allows us to experience ideas and perspectives.

Artists run businesses, too. Please avoid asking artists to give their work away for free, even if it’s for a good cause. Always expect to pay an honorarium or other form of compensation. While each artists has their own financial and career goals, the ideal of the ‘starving artist’ is blasé. Many artists I know are thriving and use their entrepreneurial spirit to bring new ideas to life all around the world.

Encourage and support artist you admire in any way you are able. Visit gallery openings, pop-up art experiences and open studios. Being a working artist can be a lonely path at times. Offer to leverage your network to make introductions or host a special interest event.

Purchase artworks directly from the artist when possible.

Become a member of your local non-profit art centers and consider volunteering or serving on their board of directors.

Ask for and Vote for initiatives that bring public money into your city or region, that then is invested back into working with artists locally.

Consider funding an artist’s studio practice as a patron (at any level) – There are so many artists who rely on grants or self-funding to bring their ideas to life. inquire with the artist how you could best support them.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

In addition to reading about the biography of artists who’s work I admire, I read/listen to books on psychology, entrepreneurship and making your mark in the world.

I’m currently reading 10X is easier than 2X by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. The book goes into the strategies top entrepreneurs use to archiving more by doing less. And what I love the most, is the books begins with a look into Michelangelo’s art practice, how he started small and incrementally positioned himself to multiply the scale of his work.

As an artist, I’m a critical thinker, I am curious about understanding a variety of topics, including human behaviour, investigating my own way of being and how others have forged a path for themselves.

Brené Brown’s “The Gifts of Imperfection”
Brianna Wiest’s “The Mountain is You”
Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art'”

And for a bit of art-world drama (and fabulous writing) Bianca Bosker’s “Get the Picture”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lavalleur.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrealavalleur
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealavalleurpurvis/
• Other: https://artbizconsulting.com | Templates, resources and consulting for visual artists

  https://artbizconsulting.com/podcast | Art Biz Talk Podcast

Image Credits

1. Credit Daniel Mueller Photography
2. Credit Daniel Mueller Photography
3. Credit Morgan Eyring
4 Credit the artist, Andrea La Valleur-Purvis