Artist's Book Intended to Bring Hope to Artists

The following article appeared in The Capital-Journal
on 11/5/04

The Capital-Journal


By Phil Anderson

Even in his wildest dreams, Paul Dorrell had no idea his new book, "Living the Artist's Life," would be such a hit.

Dorrell, 47, said he thought his book would have a following in artist and academic circles, but doubted it would go much farther than that.

However, the book has become a national hit, as Dorrell addresses not only how artists can get their works into a gallery and make money, but the even more critical aspect of emotional wholeness that is part and parcel of longevity in this challenging arena, which can be filled with more ups and downs than a Worlds of Fun roller coaster.

"I've heard from a lot of parents of artists," Dorrell said earlier this week in a phone interview from his studio just south of the Plaza district in Kansas City, Mo. "Some of the parents have children who are in their teens, as well as in their 20s and 30s.

"Sometimes, these younger people will get so discouraged or overwhelmingly depressed. They feel rejected at every turn. That's one of the reasons I wrote this book: There's no reason to give up, if you believe in what you're doing. If you're really born to do something, nothing is going to stop you -- except yourself."

Dorrell will give a talk on his book and answer questions at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 6130 S.W. 17th.

Dorrell said he expected a fair number of college professionals to attend, since many are working artists, in addition to their academic pursuits.

At a presentation last week in Columbia, Mo., Dorrell said he answered questions from a University of Missouri art professor who expressed frustration at his inability to get his works into an established gallery in a major market such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.

Dorrell said he offered some pointers on how to approach a gallery and make inroads into a possible showing.

But there are no sure-fire ways that will work 100 percent of the time, and Dorrell makes that clear in his book.

In many cases, Dorrell said, professors and students are in the same boat -- highly sensitive people who are given to a wide range of emotions based on whether their work is well received.

"They're in a very difficult game," Dorrell said. "They have a very hard row to hoe."

Dorrell speaks from experience: He was rejected 177 times over a 25-year period before a publisher finally took a chance on one of his books.

Now, Dorrell invests much of his time and energy as an art dealer. He helps artists find their niche in a highly competitive market.

More than that, Dorrell borrows from his own experience, talking in his book about his own struggles with depression in hopes others will persevere through challenges that are inherent in the creative process.

Because of principles it espouses, Dorrell's book has found an audience beyond the arts community, as everyone from stockbrokers to business leaders to school teachers have responded in a positive fashion.

"It's about a balanced approach to a successful life in the arts," Dorrell said. "To me, it wouldn't be adequate to talk only about how to make money."

A Guide to Growing, Persevering, and Succeeding in the Art World