So I was a bit depressed when I posted this morning. Then I remembered something I read on Twitter last night when someone mentioned "Bent Objects". She tweeted about laughing while reading my book in the MOMA gift shop. The MOMA store might be selling my book? I made a cup of tea and looked at their website. Bummer. It wasn't listed. But I picked up the phone and called the store itself.
The sales clerk who answered said a quick, "We should", when I asked if they had the book Bent Objects. She put me on hold while she went to look. "Yes, we have a copy wrapped in plastic. Should I hold it for you?" My mood was the polar opposite of just 2 minutes before. I happily told her that I was the book's author, and that she had made my day by telling me that they stocked my book. She said that they've been recommending the book a lot, and a quick look at a computer screen showed her that they've sold 35 copies so far.(!)
I've been feeling pretty good ever since that call. We don't need anything nearly this big (it's big as far as I'm concerned) to go celebrate, so you can bet we're going out tonight to do something, somewhere. I know I shouldn't need validation for my work, but you know what? I do. I've said before that since my book is usually stocked in the "Humor" section of stores, there's always a part of me that wants it to be in the "Arts" section, even though it's probably served better to not be. The part of me that struggles to be an artist does feel validated. That part of my brain is very, very happy right now.
35 comments:
It is always nice to find you book for sale somewhere. My book hasn't sold well, but I still get a kick out of looking for it in the computer section at major book stores.
Chris
http://bit.ly/dnnbook/
Terry, that is awesome! You shouldn't be surprised, though. Seriously - your art is GREAT!
Amazing validation! Congrats!
Wonderful! I very am happy for you; have fun.
Terry, this IS huge and I'm so happy for you. If I had a book sitting in MOMA, I'd probably take a trip to go see for myself and have my picture taken with it. Too much? Nah.
Enjoy your celebratory night out!
Your book should definitely be in the art section...and humor as well. Smart merchandisers put stuff in more than one place!
Congrats!!
Now I'm a bummed that I didn't stop by the store last time I was at the museum. Next time I'm there I'll try to snap a photo of it on the shelf.
I would be over the moon with excitement too if my book were at MOMA! :) Congrats!
MOMA! That's a dream come true! In a few years they'll be exhibiting a retrospective of your work!
WOW Terry!!! MOMO!!!! I am so excited for you! (I bought the book a few weeks ago...LOVE IT!)
-Shelly
How exciting! So glad somebody told you about it being at MoMA!
I'm beyond excited for you! MOMA - I'm in awe.
Your book is Art and you are an Artist. Any time you need validation, just ask us, we'll tell you. ;)
I just bought a few copies for gifts myself, and was actually pretty disappointed that it wasn't in the arts section. Sure, it's humorous, but it's definitely art. Congrats on being in MoMA!
Thanks all! I just wish I was in New York sometime soon so I could go in the store to see it with my own eyes.
I live in Helsinki, Finland. I bought your book from a local bookshop. Had to wait almost three weeks but it was worth waiting! Your creativity is inspiring.
That's great news! You have just given my husband and I a good reason to eat dinner out tonight. :o) Thanks! I was trying to figure out what my "excuse" would be and now, I have the perfect reason! No excuse needed. So happy for you and your success!
Dude, that's freakin' aewsome. Congrats!
Congratulations, Terry! I'm buying your book as a gift for Christmas and it's also on my own Christmas list!
Congratulations!
That is cause enough to update your Really Bent Objects!
Sweet deal, Terry! That's amazing as heck. Your book is on my Christmas list.
It would go in the Art section of my own book case, Terry. :) Are you still sending doodled-in copies? I would like one of those...
Cool, congratulations
Just thought I'd let you know that when I asked my local Books a Million where I would find Bent Objects, they told me it would be located in the Arts section, but that they didn't have it in stock at the moment. I had them special order it for me, but the point is, it was classified as Arts! :)
Thanks very much all! We went out that night and had cheesecake and drinks.
Scarf Girl- that's more good news. thanks.
Grace- Yes, still have some books I can send out. Will cost a bit more so they get there on time though ($40).
Hi. I live in Boise, Idaho and I was excited to see your book for sale in a local record store (The Record Exchange. There was only one copy and it was in the "Assorted Weirdness" section but having followed your work for about 2 years and watched the book in progress it was still exciting to me. Sweet book by the way.
Too cool, I love your art!
They always brighten my day! :)
I was actually there yesterday and picked up the last copy. They'll be needing another shipment soon.
I appreciate how you depict everyday life through your art. It makes an everyday person's mind explode. And the aftermath is: neurons rearranging themselves to accommodate such awe-inspiring peek at your world.
Simply put, it's mind-blowing and hysterical. Thanks!
Thanks everyone for your stopping by to comment. I don't always reply, but I appreciate it very much.
It's too bad people think art has to be "serious." Moviemakers and authors have this challenge as well. People seem to go easier on painters, though, for some reason.
I found your book in the cartoon/comic section.
If it's any consolation, I have several RSS feed categories, two of which are "Art" and "Humor." I've always had Bent Objects categorized in the former.
It was inevitable, really. This sort of thing is bound to make its way into museums at some point.
I'll be there in a few weeks...can't wait to see your book!
Have you considered putting your art/books in the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore? I think they would fit in perfectly there. :)
Post a Comment