Moving inventory around — specifically moving items I have had for sale all over the web to a single location on Etsy — is really quite a tedious process.
Was on eBay; now on Etsy
Somehow it feels a bit demeaning to call my work "inventory" but that is ultimately what it is: Finished work available for sale.
I remember many years ago having lots of discussions with fellow artists as well as with fellow Art Gallery owners about the whole distinction between what constitutes "art" and what is "merely craft."
I remember there often being a heavy bias towards something "only being art if it was on a canvas," a perspective that insulted an awful lot of sculptors!
To be honest, I don't really care a whole lot how my work is classified. Personally, I consider it to be art. But if somebody wants to call it craft that's fine with me, as well. What I make is unique and one-of-a-kind, but it is done in a serial production sort of way, and that might lead some people to think of it as craft.
Of course, I have wandered a bit off topic here. At least partially.
The part of the moving process that is tedious is digging up old photos from somewhere on an old hard drive, making sure they're good enough and not needing to be re-shot, copy-pasting descriptions from one venue to another, then deleting everything related to a listing off the inactive site so it is only listed on the active site and making sure everything that exists as a listing actually exists as a physical item.
That last bit can be a bit of a disappointing jkourney when you discover that quite a bit of your work has actually been stolen or shoplifted at outside events and actually isn't there at all!
I am still rather appalled at the whole idea that people would steal from an independent artist at an event. I mean I can (somewhat) understand those who are hard up for money stealing stuff from Walmart or some department store and trying to return it for money, but handmade art from somebody who is probably struggling just as much as the person doing the stealing?
Of course, thieves probably don't go through that thought process. They just see something and NAB it.
Anyway, some of the things I previously had listed on eBay are a little "old and worn" and will end up in the "cheap stuff" show basket we always have out at events.
I'll be really happy when this whole tedious process is over and we can just get back to promoting the work!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!
My Alchemy Stones Patreon appeal
Alchemy Stones web site and blog
Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!
2026.02.03 AS-TXT-375/345
