20 years ago I committed to being an artist in the Contemporary Art field/sphere. Replete with poor technical skills and paltry funds, I embraced a “medium” similar to empirical (spiritual) research. Of this initial, incipient period, a book—now known as James Earl Scones—came about, as did a solo show (Rivington Arms, NY). From there, I continued my research efforts, year in, year out.

20 years downstream, here I am. It’s been a good ride. But I don’t have much else to say about art. So I’m selling my art practice.* Doctors/ lawyers/accountants sell theirs—I’d like to do the same. I’m giving myself until late summer [formerly “mid-July”] to make the sale.†

If a sale: 1) I’m prohibited from being Darren Bader the [C]ontemporary [A]rtist; someone else assumes the position, performing it as they please. 2) My back catalog remains on record under distinct and relatively restrictive self-management (“the estate”). Several available works transfer to new Darren Bader (to be used/destroyed as preferred). 3) I can seek employment as something(/someone) else.

If no sale: I draw a line in the sand and start a new (creative) chapter.‡

Through mid-August [formerly “mid-July”] I’ve picked up where I originally left off: JOURNALing. My 2003-04 journal was the marrow of [what became] James Earl Scones. I’m again finding it a useful form for what I care about as an art-ist.

TESTIMONIALS are just that. Innate Value is a SHOW I’d love to do, bringing 20 years to a fitting close. The BOOK I’m working on aims to have a different fit of close. (Perhaps two close[s] will become one.)

Inquiries welcome via CONTACT link.

Thanks for visiting,

Darren Bader

*For the record, “art practice” is a bizarre term, but I understand its utility.
† I have a legal contract drafted. It can be made available to potential buyers.§
‡ One idea I’ve had is signing a gallery contract (or two) functioning as sports contracts do: x years; trade/loan of artist possible; something similar to injury/training clauses; restrictions/compliance of all sorts; bonus incentives; etc.
§ How much is the practice? I haven’t arrived at a figure yet but expect it would be low 7s to ensure “the estate” can run well enough, taxes be paid, etc.