Extraordinary Creatives

Ceri talks with Lisa Cooley, a former New York gallerist turned art advisor. Lisa shares how she went from being an accidental gallery worker to running her own acclaimed Lower East Side gallery for nine years. With remarkable honesty, she discusses the challenges of managing a gallery through a recession, the toll on mental and physical health, and the complexities of artist-dealer relationships. Now working as an art advisor and launching a new podcast called Oko, Lisa gives her experiences and thoughts on relationship building, collecting, and navigating the art world's unspoken rules. KEY TAKEAWAYS Throughout her career, Lisa discovered that running a gallery wasn't just about selling art; it required building genuine human connections that couldn't be scaled or rushed, even as the art world grew increasingly commercial. Lisa developed a unique approach to evaluating artwork, insisting on both an intellectual response and visceral visual pleasure, refusing to compromise on either aspect when choosing artists to represent. After closing her gallery, Lisa learned that being honest about failures and challenges - though often discouraged in the art world - ultimately led to deeper, more meaningful professional relationships. Through difficult experiences with artists, Lisa came to understand that gallery-artist relationships work best when treated as business partnerships, allowing for clearer boundaries and communication. Lisa's experience running her gallery during the 2008 recession taught her that sometimes working harder isn't the answer. When Lisa's health began suffering from overwork, she made the difficult but necessary decision to close her gallery, learning that physical and mental wellbeing must take precedence over art world pressures. As an art advisor, Lisa discovered that building collector relationships requires a 4-6 month period that's less about art education and more about understanding how people communicate and make decisions. Lisa found that small, thoughtful gestures, from handwritten notes to carefully chosen chocolates, often proved more effective in building lasting business relationships than grand gestures or aggressive sales tactics. BEST MOMENTS "Being candid is highly, highly punished, and I think it's only now with a lot of distance where I really feel comfortable trying to share as much as possible." "The gallerist-artist relationship is not a marriage. It is not family. It is a business relationship... A marriage is very different. It's reciprocal. And gallery-artist relationships are frequently not reciprocal." "Sometimes galleries just aren't that supportive..." "You can scale everything in the art world... but you can't scale the human relationships. That's impossible to scale." EPISODE RESOURCES IG @lisacooleynyc www.lisacooley.com www.ask-oko.com PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Artist Mastermind CircleThe Artist Mastermind Circle is a focused group coaching programme for mid-career contemporary artists ready to take their practice and career to the next level. You’ve built a solid foundation, and now it’s time to refine your strategies, increase your income, and tackle new challenges with confidence. This exclusive, application-only programme provides expert guidance from Ceri Hand and the support of a trusted community to help you achieve greater recognition and expand your opportunities.Apply Now **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this special end of year solo episode, Ceri answers questions from her mastermind community members. From exhibition planning and pricing artwork to connecting with collectors and maintaining social media boundaries, she gives her expert advice from her extensive experience in the art world. KEY TAKEAWAYS When planning exhibitions, start with self-reflection about your goals and desired outcomes before engaging with collaborators or institutions. Consider what you want to optimise for, press coverage, commissions, or collector engagement? Price artwork based on market research and ecosystem participation rather than production costs or time invested. Research comparable works and understand that value in art is based on perceived worth within the social system. Building relationships with collectors requires authentic connection rather than direct pitching. Research their interests and engage naturally through shared networks and events. When updating your website during a practice transition, focus on quality over quantity. Edit work to show your best pieces that reflect your current direction while maintaining coherency with past work. Create psychological safety in professional relationships by showing genuine interest before making any asks. Start with appreciation and sharing relevant content before discussing your own work. Exhibition planning needs adequate time for idea development before production. Avoid rushing into execution without proper conceptual exploration with collaborators. Social media should be approached strategically as a tool for community building rather than passive consumption. Set specific goals for engagement and research. Documentation and legacy planning are crucial for exhibitions - ensure high-quality photography and materials that can continue generating opportunities after the show closes. BEST MOMENTS "The art market is such an unusual thing because it's all based on perceived value. It's not like we're breaking down the costs, say with coffee... when it comes to art, the market really is dependent on how many people want that thing." "The worst thing you can do as an artist is to squirrel yourself away in a cupboard and come out with an idea like, ta-da. What do you think? It's really about you having the idea to the best of your ability to a point and then opening up." "Sometimes less is more. So I love asking myself this question: What's the simplest thing I could do that would give me the biggest return on my time invested?" "If you want to be collected by serious collectors who are participating in that ecosystem, then I would encourage you to evaluate what else is being sold at a similar price that you think your work may be being sold at." "Every exhibition is a publishing moment. It's not the only moment, but it's the start of another opportunity coming down the pipeline." "Put the social back into social media, which is really about you being deliberate with what your goals are whilst you're there." "If you want some love, you have to show the love first." PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Artist Mastermind CircleThe Artist Mastermind Circle is a focused group coaching programme for mid-career contemporary artists ready to take their practice and career to the next level. You’ve built a solid foundation, and now it’s time to refine your strategies, increase your income, and tackle new challenges with confidence. This exclusive, application-only programme provides expert guidance from Ceri Hand and the support of a trusted community to help you achieve greater recognition and expand your opportunities.Apply Now **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with polymath Louise Gray, whose creative career spans textiles, fashion, costume, sound, and writing. Louise shares her experiences in fashion, textile design, and education, discussing her bold aesthetic choices, fearless approach to creativity, and commitment to authenticity. Her journey from establishing her own fashion label to teaching at Central Saint Martins, and currently venturing into new creative areas, provides insightful guidance for anyone on their own artistic journey. This discussion explores sustainability, the significance of creative freedom, and the necessity of staying authentic to your own values. KEY TAKEAWAYS Having grown up in rural Scotland, Louise learned to see extreme colours in nature, which later influenced her distinctive colour palette in fashion, combining contrasting hues that both clash and complement She deliberately kept her fashion label small and focused on high-quality, handcrafted pieces rather than bending to industry pressure to make more commercial products or use digital printing Louise views collaboration as essential for creative growth, seeking out artists and creators who challenge her while still maintaining her unique vision and voice Rather than trying to please everyone, Louise focused on creating work that excited her personally, knowing that authenticity would attract the right audience who truly connected with her aesthetic When teaching at Central Saint Martins, Louise rewrote the MA Fashion curriculum to emphasise sustainability and encouraged students to deeply question their identity and values as designers After closing her fashion label, Louise took delivery jobs to fund her creative work, choosing financial freedom over prestige to make art on her own terms She approaches textiles as a feminist practice, seeing it as a way to amplify historically overlooked women's work while pushing boundaries of what textile art can be Louise has learned to separate her sense of self-worth from her creative work, leading to more artistic freedom and joy in the making process BEST MOMENTS "I'm not trying to be you, I'm trying to be me. I'm interested in creating something that I know will talk to other people, because it's interesting." "I've had to really detach my sense of value from my work because I thought that they were the same thing, and since I've detached them, there's so much more lightness to the work that I do." "Joy is about connecting with other people, like true joy is always about other people.” "I'm so grateful that I have chosen a creative path. It is not easy. I didn't need it to be easy. I haven't learned from easy." "I liked making things which had multiple technique fabrics. I wasn't trying to make it accessible to people, I was trying to make the most beautiful things that I could dream of." "Sometimes just saying this is who I am and this is how I want to do it is good." "If you can make work that makes somebody feel something, you've won." EPISODE RESOURCES www.iamlouisegray.com@louisegray__ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Artist Mastermind CircleThe Artist Mastermind Circle is a focused group coaching programme for mid-career contemporary artists ready to take their practice and career to the next level. You’ve built a solid foundation, and now it’s time to refine your strategies, increase your income, and tackle new challenges with confidence. This exclusive, application-only programme provides expert guidance from Ceri Hand and the support of a trusted community to help you achieve greater recognition and expand your opportunities.Apply Now ****Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Lady Skollie, a bold South African artist who fearlessly challenges artistic conventions. From her early days at a specialist art school to becoming an internationally acclaimed painter, Lady Skollie shares her journey as a modern day cave painter and gives her experiences of gallery relationships, motherhood, and maintaining artistic integrity. Her original perspectives on the art world, cultural identity, and creative authenticity make this the perfect episode for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and personal truth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lady Skollie maintains creative freedom by creating physical distance from city centres and setting clear boundaries with galleries, emphasising the importance of separation between artists and collectors. Her work is deeply rooted in her identity as a descendant of the indigenous people of South Africa, reimagining traditional cave paintings on a larger scale. Success in the art world for her, came through strategic support, including a partner who gave her two years to focus solely on art, leading to international gallery representation. Lady Skollie has found that physical fitness and consistent creative practice have been crucial elements for maintaining artistic productivity and mental well being. She challenges the modern trend of artist accessibility, advocating for maintaining mystery and separation between artists and collectors. Her perspective on showing work internationally reveals how art is received differently across cultures, particularly regarding themes of sexuality and cultural identity. She approaches commercial work by comparing potential earnings to what she could make painting, ensuring her time is valued appropriately. Lady Skollie also emphasises the importance of having freedom from financial pressure to maintain artistic integrity and make authentic work. BEST MOMENTS "I've always wanted to be an artist." "If you're going to go for white money, you should go for very old white money." "I'm not someone who draws all the time, but I consistently create... I constantly think about art." "I'm of the opinion if you're not based in a place like South Africa, it's really hard to understand what drives people here." "Sometimes pressure makes diamonds. But I think for me, it just makes lunacy. I need freedom." "Back in the day, I used to be known as the pawpaw and penis girl because I would just paint pawpaws and penises." "I consider myself a modern day cave painter." "If you don't like something, then just look away from it, but you cannot control how other people experience something." EPISODE RESOURCES Guest Links: Instagram: @LadySkollie PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.