Hello all,
Hope you're all enjoying your Summer!! Like the title of this post says, this is a RANT!!! If there is someone not interested in hearing my thoughts, please feel free to read any of my other posts :)
Anyway, I've had something in my chest that I need to get out... something about making it in the "handmade" business. Like many of you know I have a little business of handmade goodies called "
Rosa Mexicano". I think it's been two years since I truly invested money and time although I've been crafting since I could hold a brush. When I came to the United States, working on Mexican crafts reminded me of my home country. It bought memories of the countless crafting classes that I attended with my aunties and the many art projects I made as a child. I started selling my handmade goodies back in high school, I would make jewelry for myself and people soon started to make orders! The feeling that your art is appreciated by other people is amazing!
Well, two years ago when I decided to start "Rosa Mexicano" I was very excited to see tons of latino independent stores that said to support Latino artists. I started to knock doors, many many doors. And I came across something unexpected: 99% of the time when they say "we love supporting local artists!" it really means "we love supporting artist friends! but feel free to leave your info and we'll forget you as soon as you leave"... Truth is, the only latino artists/crafters that get the support are the friends of the owners. It doesn't matter if your stuff is good, what matters is who you know. And even though this is pretty much the truth for almost everything in life, well, it really sucks!! How can you say you're all for supporting new latino artists/crafters when you don't even bother to look at their creations unless they're "recommended" by your comadre? How can you be so proud of the dia de los muertos festival you organize every year if the best booths go to your friends? Not to mention that they say to have a "lottery" or "fair selective" application process when they clearly choose they same people every single year! The artists themselves have told me "oh, the vendor application? I don't need to do it! I know the organizers. and by the way, I don't pay full price for the booth either" I mean, WTF!!!! Thanks for letting me know that I just wasted money and time trying to turn in a killer vendor application when the booths are already reserved for the friends... it's freaking unfair!!!
And unfortunately those Latino artists that have "made" it do not support you either. They just look at your art like it's way beneath theirs even though it's clearly that they're overpricing a very badly made piece. And besides, we all buy our supplies at the same stores... I know you only spent $5 of material in that bracelet you're selling for $60. But it doesn't matter because your $60 bracelet is soon featured in all the Latino stores your friends own like it's the best shit ever made!
And no, I'm not jealous... Im just very, very disappointed that there is no support within our community. I'm very thankful that people that truly appreciate my work even come to my front door to buy my stuff. Slowly but surely people are getting to know my work, even if it's just a few of them. And I don't think I'm super talented, there are many, many other amazingly talented Latino artists that do not get an opportunity. I've seen tons of amazing masterpieces on Facebook and around blogs, pieces that deserve to be featured in every single Latino art store. And unfortunately they never will, because they only support their friends. About a year ago I met an amazing Latina jewelry designer selling her beautiful pieces for cheap out of her bag. When I told her that her art needed to be sold in stores and at a higher price she sadly said: "we all know you need to have connections to make it" It is sad and disappointing, but it is the truth.
When I first realized how the "handmade" business really work I decided to stop creating. But I couldn't. My hands needed to create!! I realized that it didn't matter if that super hipster Latino art store didn't even bother to read my email, I create for me. I make art because it nurtures my soul. And I'm glad two or three other people find it good enough to spend their money on it....
Anyway, I'm sorry... I just needed to say this!! It's been saved on my blog as an unfinished draft for almost a year now. I apologize if it bother any of you and promise to come back soon with fun and better posts!
Thank you for your time :)
