Vaughn,
This is very good information and very comprehensive!
It is also a good idea, as an artist, when you present your turnings to a gallery, to bring in an information sheet with you. This should give all your background that makes you interesting like when you started, why /how you turn, your direction(s) you've gone or are going, etc. This saves the galleries alot of work and they can use it on their websites. Tells them how serious you are about your work.
Also when you show up at a gallery, dress nicely! This is the public you, not the 'I just woke up and went out to the shop' you!
.
PRESENT your work. I bring mine in a nice box, not cardboard, and each piece is wrapped in black felt. This suggest its worthy to be there even if it isn't what the gallery is looking for. DON'T bring stuff in in a dusty box, wrapped in kleenex that falls all over!
I had one of my pieces sell the same day I brought it in, before the gallery set it out, because of the dramatic presentation which patrons watched.
I make individual cards, business size that contain all the information I have on the piece like, wood type, where its from, finish and any special information I can give. E.G its not FOG wood, Found On Ground, but rather, "I was at ___ and saw this piece of wood which really attracted me and I saw its potential to be ___."
Again, how serious are you about your work.
And yes the galleries are getting a good percentage of the price but for all the reasons you listed!
Great thread. smiley=thumbsup.gif