The Blog

A conversation with artist, gallery owner, and curator Sean Christopher Ward, and fellow artist and founder of Provoke Art, Dana Blickensderfer.

After collaborating on their exhibition at the Hue Gallery of Contemporary Art: Vivid Exhibitions, the artists’ sat down to discuss Ward’s art styles, who inspires him, the art scene in Wichita, Kansas, and how using social media and art fairs as marketing tools has greatly impacted his career as an artist.

“Marketing is 70%, working on art 30%” says Ward, “It’s funny I love online, I love social media and all that, it’s the easiest way for you to showcase your platform with millions of people…it helps when you reach out to your clients.” He has created a 3D virtual experience to showcase his work online for collectors, instead of focusing on pictures so they can have a clearer view of his work. “It also helps when you start reaching out to clients and other artists and all that, because it’s all full circle. Like, if you’re helping out artists, they’ll help you out.”

However, most of Ward’s connections have been found at art fairs. He met Dana at Miami Art Basel in 2017 and they are still collaborating. Being a gallery owner and curator has created many connections and opened doors for Ward that have inspired his own artwork, and helped collaborate with national artists and galleries. “It’s created a lot of connections for me to this day that I am utilizing for my own artwork.” Making these connections, running a gallery, collaborating with other artists, and creating his own work, takes a lot of dedication and time. “It’s not an overnight success,” and Ward is dedicated to expanding his connections and creating art.

For more information about the artist interview, visit ProvokeArtChannel.com