i didn't pick a structure for my business that's a misfit in the industry; i prefer the 5th Hammer theory. from observation, the small-business process is much smoother when you're basic, aligned to industry norms, a follower more than an innovator. and there can be massive success with that, so seriously, congratulations. i've just been out here living my life, aligned with what feels good and right for me.
recently i checked out the guidelines for APAA (Association of Professional Art Advisors) and as usual, there’s a thing or 2 that keeps me outside of regulation. if i had the procedures presented to me back when i studied interior design (prior to Advertising degree), then maybe i would have made decisions to keep me aligned with the advisors protocol, but probably not. because i've always been a working artist/painter, with an inventory to sell.
now i have a wealth of knowledge that seems to only have its place in the space that i hold for it. welcome to my new website.
in art market terms a self-represented artist isn’t called a dealer. but no one questions a dealer selling cars if they own the lot. people that sell their items in the street are also called dealers. so, when you start from the bottom it’s natural to consider yourself a dealer. only to find out that the term has been adopted by an ecosystem that says to be a Dealer (or Advisor), that you’re not the Artist. since i also have automotive experience, this is interesting to me. and for how i market and sell my work, the vibe is more dealer than not.
“Especially when it's hands-on, profit-driven, or no-frills. When the person is seen as the direct source/seller. Moves product straight to the buyer. It's neutral-to-positive in legit contexts (car dealer, antique dealer.) The pattern: if you're the one people go to for the thing, you're the dealer.” ~2026 research compilation, X, TALISA.ART / DEALER!
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i’m not rebelling against the formal fine art ecosystem and inherited rules. if anything, i’m more of a purist (BUT that depends on the subject). i’m also not a fan of all systems, but i understand structure. i was introduced to commerce as a kid who loved to shop and i decided that i was going to participate in the marketplace, with no formal plan back then. now a lifetime of experience as a consumer, then as an advanced student of 3 colleges and many additional programs. i was an active student in all my majors; i studied and did the work. guessing i earned an average of “A” in my core art classes. i was taught through life and real experience how the general marketplace works. anyone selling stuff directly gets called a “dealer” in everyday language. in the fine art world, “art dealer” historically means third-party reseller of others' work, not the creator pushing their own work. what may appear to be an unusual business model is based on the original intent of the words. ♛ Welcome to a new era. Selling original paintings direct to real people. ~t.
strength + beauty + diversity
