We had the good fortune of connecting with Fran J Nagy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fran J, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
When we view an artist’s work, we usually don’t consider all of the efforts the artist has taken to present us with their work. If the artwork is exhibited in a gallery or in a booth at a festival, the artist has likely been selected through a juried process. These processes require the artist to make a formal proposal that includes high quality photographs, an artist statement and their biography.

Galleries typically have a 50/50 contract to cover their overhead expenses for marketing, sales and exhibitions. Because galleries have limited space, they are harder to get into than festivals.

There is typically a fee to participate in festivals and the artist has to set up their own shop, market themselves, handle their sales, and the follow up accounting that happens after the event.

As an artist, I have devoted many years to learning about art, business, accounting, marketing, photography, graphic design, website design, and social media. With that experience, I have learned that I’m a better artist than a salesperson. So, I made a decision to acquire gallery representation. I am happy to give 50% of sales to my galleries and let their professional team do what they do best – promote me and my work.

People often ask me; how long did it take you to make this? I usually say about 40 years. That time frame may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, but when I look back on all that I have learned to be where I am today, it really has taken me decades to collect the knowledge I now possess and to grow into the artist I am today.

I hope this article evokes a deeper appreciation for what it is like to be in the industry of artists.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a Jane of many trades and a master of none.

Since childhood, I have dreamed of being a professional artist with my own gallery. In 2005, I took the equity out of my home to open Imagine Clay Studio/gallery on 41st St. S. Avondale, AL. This area of Birmingham was in the early stages of revitalization and my motto then was to fly or fall. I did fly for a few years and in 2010, I fell hard with the decision to close. I had the wind knocked out of me for a few years, but I did not lose my determination. Without the brick and mortar studio, I now had more time to focus on my artwork.

I renewed my painting interest several years ago and once again had the feeling that “I can’t believe I get paid to do what I love!” I am drawn to materials that have a connection to the earth, especially materials that have been affected by the elements, e.g. leaves, wood, metal and feathers.

People tell you to get a real job and not be an artist. I haven’t met anyone who can explain how not be an artist. Using the hands to make art gives the mind and the soul a voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dine at Gianmarco’s, then off to the Lyric or Alys Stephens Center for a concert.

Picnic at Oak Mountain State park, bike, hike to Peavine falls, play 18 holes of golf and then stop at Creekside BBQ near the park’s entrance.

Have breakfast at Another Broken Egg and stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

Visit the Grand Bohemian Gallery, take a wine blending class and dine at Habitat Feed and Social.

See a track event at Barber Motorsports Park, visit the largest Motorcycle Museum, and have a meal at The Backyard in Leeds for Saw’s BBQ or Neighbors Pizza.

Catch a Baron’s Baseball game after a craft beer at Good People’s Brewery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give my grandmother, Mary Radcliff Johnson credit for recognizing my “call” to be an artist. In my eyes, she was talented and enjoyed painting with oils. As a young child, she would provide me with art materials so I could experiment. We would sit for hours while she painted, I would sketch, paint, cut and glue as we talked about life. She had six sons and many grandchildren. She remembered everyone’s birthday with an original work of art birthday card. She was my 1st cheerleader and a true inspiration for me. 

Website: https://franjnagy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franjnagy_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hapapotter.frannagy

Image Credits
Fran J Nagy

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