In the world of art, there exists a tiny, unassuming symbol that carries a weight far greater than its size. It’s not elaborate or flashy, yet it has the power to elicit elation, pride, and even a few happy tears. It’s a simple red dot.
A while back I attended an art sale and found myself swelling with happiness over a painting’s title card. Why? Because on that card, there was a small red dot – a symbol that the painting had been sold. The painting in question wasn’t mine; it belonged to my fellow Art of Us friend, Katie Robinson. But in that moment, the pride I felt was just as strong as if it had been one of my own works.
For those who exhibit and sell art, the red dot is more than just a sticker. It’s a marker of success, a moment of connection between the artist and someone who resonated so deeply with their work that they wanted to take it home. It represents hours, weeks, or even months of effort. It’s a reminder that the stories we pour into our art have reached someone’s heart.
The red dot is also a symbol of validation. For artists, who often create in solitude, putting work out into the world can be an incredibly vulnerable act. Will anyone understand it? Will they see its value? The red dot answers those questions with a resounding “yes”.
Katie’s painting, now graced with its little red dot, was a cause for celebration – not just for her but for me as a fellow artist, a friend, and a fan of her work. It was a reminder of what we all strive for: to create something that resonates, something that matters.
Every time I see a red dot, whether on one of my own pieces or someone else’s, it fills me with hope. It’s proof that art has the power to move people. It’s a tiny circle, but its impact is enormous.
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