We recently connected with Russ Connell and have shared our conversation below.
Russ, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
This year marks my second as a full time self-employed artist. Up until this point I’ve always had odd jobs to make ends meet. I got my first gallery sale while I was still in college, we maintained a relationship for several years and they helped sell works for me- this was when I began to realize I could actually make money with the work I was producing. That entire time I was still delivering pizzas to actually pay bills. I remember my first interview (Dallas Morning News) by phone. I had to call her back in between pizza runs to finish the interview.
Eventually I started to apprentice under a local blacksmith, this is when I truly fell in love with metal and making large scale works. He taught me a lot not only about techniques and art, but business and entrepreneurship in general. Eventually I found myself working in a machine shop, which was hugely beneficial in that my employer at the time actively encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I would stay late after hours and on weekends to use the equipment and make my own work. Art is hit or miss which makes relying on it for income very stressful. I spent 8 years “kind of” having a job and working any commissions or art pieces I could on the side for extra income. Again, I am so very lucky that anytime these opportunities presented themselves that my boss at the time was gracious enough to let me take as much time as needed to finish projects and expand myself. We remain good friends to this day, actually I still work out of his shop- at this point subleasing my own corner instead of working here as an employee.
Last year, 2022 I was fortunate enough to sell several large pieces within a short time span and give myself the confidence and financial cushion to truly make a go of everything independently. Any given day I’m either having a fantastic day (just made a sale/commission) or absolutely terrible day (who knows when the next sale will happen?) I’m still on a learning curve of having the confidence in myself to believe in the work enough to support myself and family, but last year has taught me I can do it. At this point removing the safety net of a backup income pushed me to work and market myself harder than ever, which has been a surprise blessing. I’m thankful for each and every one of the clients who has supported me through the years or taken a chance on me. Looking back, there were many times of frustration and feeling like this just wasn’t feasible, but in the end I wouldn’t change a thing. These experiences have shaped me and made me the person I am today.
Russ, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I actually went to school for metalsmithing and jewelry. I lost interest in jewelry pretty quickly and spent all my time in the sculpture studio instead. I’ve been lucky to have been exposed to metal in most all capacities- jewelry, blacksmithing, machining, fabrication, etc. This has given me a broad understanding and been hugely beneficial in all of my projects.
My work varies, from working with cities on commissioned pieces to spec work I produce for galleries or fairs. I also work with designers in many capacities in public spaces or private residences. Sometimes a client approaches me with an idea and I can fabricate off off that, other times I’m given free reign on a project and just have to stay within budget.
The projects I’m most proud of are of course my recent ones. Every project I learn something new and aim to improve myself. I’m lucky in that I was given many large opportunities to build myself and brand, this has resulted in my work targeting public areas. I love being able to share these with the general public and hear their thoughts on them. I work in Steel, Stainless, and Bronze (Cast or Fabricated). I’m always happy to try something new. I always want to build bigger and better.
My most recent body of work is made up of highly polished stainless pieces, I love the way the mirrored surface draws the eye and reflects the viewers environment back to them. Through concave and convex areas, the pieces create a funhouse mirror effect that is fun to walk around and view up close.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Buy art from living artists! Buy real art! You can stop by your local farmers market and pickup an interesting piece from someone local for the same price as “Live, Laugh, Love” from Hobby Lobby. This supports local makers and allows them to do what they love while beautifying your space in a unique way. Take a gallery day as a date, it’s fun and interesting. Fall in love with a piece, splurge a little. I’ve spent more than I’ve wanted to numerous times on art pieces for my own collection and I don’t regret a single one.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Social media in this day and age is an invaluable asset for any working artist. I’ve received numerous sales and commissions off this alone. It helps to think of it as free advertising instead of work. It’s fun to post about what you’re doing, the process, how it works, and the finished product. I’ve found people really enjoy getting behind the scenes as well in how things are made.
I’ve also found it to be a great way to connect with other artists who can share tips and tricks, whether that be fabrication advice or business tips.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.russconnell.com
- Instagram: russ_connell