trying to figure it out

[yunay]

Hello fellow sculptors!
I need your help in figuring things out.
I was born and leaved for most of my professional life in Ukraine. My family life moved me to United States in early 90 and I am still trying to figure out how things work here in the sculptor’s world. Back in Ukraine there was one main organization – The Artists Guild – if you where accepted there it was your stamp of professional approval. Is there such an organization here in the US? Is there a way to approach an art critic to get once work reviewed?
I mainly worked in the Public Art field. There, in Ukraine, things happened when you could find an architect or a group of architects who “get” your work. What works here? I have been replying to RFQs for some time now, but things don’t seem to move.

Thank you in advance for any feedback/advise,
Luba

PS here is my site http://luba.addr.com

[ironman]

Hi yunay, and a belated welcome to the good old U.S.A.
Over here it's sort of a "free for all".
That means that everything is open to everybody and may the best man (or woman) win!
That's democracy!
You just have to keep plugging away and eventually something will come your way.
No "Artists Guild" here.
Have a great day,
Jeff

[yunay]

Hi Ironman,
thank you, ok, so what about these guys: http://www.nationalsculpture.org
NSS. Do they matter?

[ironman]

Hi, I think all of these organizations matter a little bit, maybe get you discounts on supplies, reduced fees for certain juried shows, a web site to show your work, and other stuff like that.
But, not much beyond that, certainly no more of a chance to get a commission than this group. Which is to say, none!
Have a great day,
Jeff

[sculptor]

Luba:
post some pictures of yer work?

rod

[fritchie]

yunay - First, welcome to this forum. In direct answer to your question, basically jeff (ironman) is right. We have no "in-group" (privileged insiders) in the field of sculpture.

The National Sculpture Society you mention is the oldest professional sculpture organization in the U. S., but until about 10 -15 years ago, people could join only by invitation, and invitations went only to people with great experience, with many large commissions. About that time (roughly 10 - 15 years ago), the NSS changed its policies, and allowed almost anyone with sculptural interest to join in a new category, Associate Member. They also extended invitations for many sculptors around the country to enter their annual New York show. And, a sculptor I know here in New Orleans attended one of their regular sculpting competitions, coming in something like first or second, with corresponding publicity.

However, I have to agree with ironman that membership in that group (or this one, for that matter) is not likely to help significantly with commissions. One possible approach might be to contact large architectural firms near your home or work location about opportunities.

[yunay]

Hi Rod,
The images of the works are on this site: http://luba.addr.com or is there a different way to post pictures on this forum?

Luba

[yunay]

Fritchie,
Thank you! My question was not only about the commissions - back there the Guild was not much help for getting those either. It was more the way to get peer confirmation that you are a decent professional, like a PHD or something.

Luba

[fritchie]

I'm probably being presumptious here, but I'd say the best way to establish your credibility as a professional is to post pictures of your work somewhere on the web (such as here). I tried your URL, and I got only a blank page. To post images here, look at the Attach Files option below the post section. JPG probably is the preferred format, with no higher resolution than about 72 bpi (typical monitor resolution), and preferably no more than about 50 - 65 kilobyes total size.

I look forward to your images

[yunay]

hmm, blank page? that's not good. Is your flash player enabled?
I have one html page: http://luba.addr.com/resume.html is this any better?
I'll attach something to this message as well.

thank you, fritchie :)