Enjoy this lovely Q&A with jdc Fine Art gallery director, Jennifer DeCarlo in SD Voyager:
Excerpt:
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an Art Dealer and Gallerist is as amazing as uncertain. Art is a fickle business, and there is a lot of misconception about what art is or what it can do. Ultimately, the hardest part of my job is finding a critical mass of Patrons to support our Artists. I define Patrons as collectors and viewers- not just those who buy, but those who come to see exhibitions, though the former keep the lights on.
Things are changing a lot in the field of Art. Due to many factors, Patrons view art remotely and not in-person. If they do view works in person, they do so by appointment at galleries, studios, etc., or spontaneously at Art Fairs. While I’ve crossed paths with nearly all our Patrons at some point (in the Gallery or at an Art Fair), I do as much remotely/online as physically to share work and sell it. The road to being an Art Dealer is emerging as more deeply tread than Gallerist and also less rigid, especially today.
I’m trying to find a balance that makes the most of these realities- a strategy that works for the Artists, our Patrons, and myself. I’ll say its easier on my personal life to work remotely, but a little bit of the thrill is lost when you aren’t sharing work in person with the viewer or collector. To remedy this, we have begun to schedule more tailored and intimate events with Artists & Patrons, for example, private artists talks for those who have expressed specific interest in a particular Artists, or have known interests in a certain type of work or visual content.
jdc Fine Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
jdc specializes in content-driven contemporary art by established and emerging artists who specialize in photography. We champion those making art to serve a higher purpose.
We represent work that marks our time, repositions us so as to see from another vantage, calls for a re-evaluation of accepted norms, and overall inspires reflection and dialog. Aesthetically, we gravitate towards narrative, figurative work. Overarching themes include the portrait; beauty and the poetics of the world; every day; the image as document, memorial, snapshot, even lie; alternative or plural realities; and socio-political or international issues.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Good art can change the world. We are more interested in the power of art than the money that may be earned by its sale. We are in this for the long game.
Note* DeCarlo has since moved with her partner from San Diego to the Oregon Coast, but the dialog still reflects the intentions behind who and what we are.
READ THE INTERVIEW: