In the Mind of the Artist
Essay · September 2026
SEE...What had happened was...
I do a happy dance EVERY TIME a piece of mine is collected, because it’s usually right in time to replenish funds that were depleted because of…well….life.
— The SculptressFor many artists there is a battle between reconciling your survival needs against the potential for financial elevation with pricing your work. Believe me, I am EVER-THANKFUL for the kind comments that usually come from social media followers when they ask about prices. Generally, when they hear about my prices for pieces in premier collections. They range from “You should be charging waaaaaaaay more!” to “Girl, they pay for everything else they want. RAISE YOUR PRICES!!”
The piece that inspired this essay
BBBCUP-90 (Flawed)
Twice-fired stoneware. Original one-of-a-kind sculpture. TM Sculptures & Clayworks collection.
But, See… What had happened was… I’m not capitalist-minded, therefore, I don’t want only the wealthy/affluent to be able to afford and proudly display my work. I’m “regular degular”, work a full-time job and commit to creating every second that I can snatch.
I do a happy dance EVERY TIME a piece of mine is collected, because it’s usually right in time to replenish funds that were depleted because of…well….life. I am very interested in people who come from similar circumstances as mine to also be able to say “I OWN A TM SCULPTURE & CLAYWORKS ORIGINAL. IT IS ONE OF A KIND.” I want them, too, to glow from the sense of accomplishment they feel after saving and investing in a fine art collectible. Just as my pieces will look beautiful on a mantle within a mansion; they will look beautiful displayed in a 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment in Anywhere, USA. I make certain that this can happen.
Thank you for every vote of confidence, for every word of encouragement and for every frustration that you may feel because you don’t believe that I’m getting paid in a manner commensurate with my talent. That is truly a conscious decision on my part. Can I price one of my fine art collectibles from the Brushes, Beads & Barrettes series at $2,500. Of course I can! Because, truly, who gon’ check me boo? Will some, or many, pay it? Of course, they will. If I was to do that, I already realize that only one type of circumstance would allow for acquisition. The “regular degulars” existing within the other circumstances, like me, will find themselves yearning for pieces they may never actually be able to possess. That doesn’t make me feel good.
So,
See…
What had happened was…how I COULD price got into a knock down, drag out fight with how I DO price and how I DO price…won.