Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (#123)

If you have ever wanted to shoot the breeze with a gallerist, you
will want to pay close attention to this episode of The Art Biz.
I’m joined today by Jeremy Tessmer, the gallery director at
Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara, California. In our
conversation, Jeremy shares his views of artist’s
professionalism, what he thinks of online platforms, and how he
taught himself art history (and why that was important to him).


Jeremy describes Sullivan Goss as an on-ramp for collectors and
artists—one that connects their roster of local, regional,
national, and international artists. You’ll hear him discuss 3
qualities that he looks for in artists, two of which are
non-negotiable, and how he views the artists in his gallery as a
family. He says that “dealers should have some sense of
responsibility for the well-being of their artists,” and, as you
listen to our conversation, you’ll understand why that has become
so important to him.


Highlights




The niche that the Sullivan Goss Gallery fills and Jeremy’s
role within it. (2:37)




Sullivan Goss is an on-ramp gallery with the aim of expanding
the art world. (7:49)




The different art world need to become more aware of each
other. (10:05)




Jeremy’s journey from writer and tech specialist to art
gallerist. (14:04)




Is it important for artists to be steeped in art history?
(23:34)




Overcoming the anxiety of influence to connect with other
artists. (26:21)




The 3 qualities Jeremy looks for in the artists he
represents. (33:30)




The responsibility a gallery has for nurturing its artists’
careers. (36:10)




The value of understanding the long game and defining your
real interest in an artist’s career. (41:11)




Things an artist should never say or do to gain the attention
of a gallerist. (46:18)




 


Mentioned




Sullivan Goss Gallery




Alfred Stieglitz’s Gallery- An American Place




Milton Avery exhibition at The Wadsworth Atheneum




David Zwirner’s Platform




Harold Bloom’s Anxiety of Influence




Susan McDonnell Art




Sullivan Goss on Instagram @sullivangoss




Jeremy Tessmer Arts on Instagram @jeremyarts




 


The Art Biz Connection


Optimize Your Online Marketing


 


Resources




Show notes, images, and listener comments




How to Price Your Art free report




Art Biz Connection artist membership




 


Guest Bio


Jeremy Tessmer is the Gallery Director and Curator of vintage
American art at Sullivan Goss. He has been with the firm almost
20 years, working in every area of the business, including:
curation, sales, marketing, and design of everything from
exhibition spaces to internal databases and processes. He has
special knowledge of the American Modern movement, especially as
it occurred on the West Coast. He has also been heavily involved
with the gallery’s publication program, helping to produce
nineteen books and numerous catalogs, including those on local
artists Ray Strong and Hank Pitcher.