Z Gallerie Continues to Sell Out of Sugarluxe Art Giclees

Ya know what?  I never get tired of hearing stuff like this:

Your in store art signing was a huge success! Managers commented the event brought in new customers and that you were delightful.  We had a good Sugarluxe weekend in other stores across the nation…some stores just received their stock last week and it sold out over the weekend! – D.D. - Head Buyer, Z Gallerie Stores

And this recent picture of two Sugarluxe pieces in the display window at Z Gallerie?  Well, it really does bring a tear or two.  Sniff. Sniff.

The flip side of this AWESOME news is that people need more information.  We receive emails daily from customers who’ve discovered the Sugarluxe Brand in Z Gallerie stores and many are asking specific questions about the line.  

It’s here that I hope we can provide more assistance and answer some of your most Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  What is a Giclee?

A giclee refers to both a category of collectible fine art and the process of reproduction. Utilizing the latest technology, with the guidance of meticulous printmaking standards, our artwork is reproduced to museum standards.  Although many people are throwing around the word giclee these days to represent any reproduction methodology…it doesn’t mean that every reproduction print is actually a fine art, archival giclee.  Numerous examples of true giclee prints can be found in museums throught the world including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Art and the British Museum.

Q:  Why doesn’t Sugarluxe currently sell original works of art?

My original paintings are kept in a secret safe place – away from my studio.  Holding onto the originals and making reproduction prints available to customers is a winning combination for everyone.  Sugarluxe customers get a gorgeous, signed and numbered piece and it’s affordable too.  Plus, as an artist, it’s smart because keeping original artwork and selling Limited Editions can greatly increase the value of the artwork in the future.

Did you know that in 2002, a record was set for pop artist Roy Lichtenstein when his original work – Happy Tears (pictured above, left) sold for $7.1m at Christie’s in New York?  The 1964 work, depicting the artist’s trademark comic-book style, was bought by an anonymous bidder. It broke the record for a Lichtenstein that had been held until 2002 by his work, Kiss II (pictured above, right) – a piece purchased for $6m in 1990. Happy Tears was part of Christie’s sale of post-war and contemporary art.  BBC News

Q:  Why do the Z Gallerie stores carry such a limited selection and supply of Sugarluxe Fine Art Giclees?

Great question.  The truth is, I really don’t know why they maintain such a limited supply.  I think they should keep more in stock and they should buy a bunch at a time!  But they did purchase two main works with exclusive rights to distribute.  That means I won’t sell these pieces to any other major retailer…but we can sell Artist’s Proofs direct to you (or if your Z Gallerie location is sold out and hasn’t yet received new shipments.)

Q:  Why can’t I find the Sugarluxe pieces on the Z Gallerie website?

Recently, the head buyer at Z Gallerie informed me that they want and plan to post Sugarluxe artwork on their website, but they simply haven’t gotten to the site udpates yet.  I wasn’t given at ETA…but will come back here to post any new info. 

UPDATE:  ZGallerie now sells select Sugarluxe Giclees on their website.

 Q:  When will the Sugarluxe site begin to offer Giclees?

Very soon!  We’ve been working for about 4 months to complete a new, dedicated section on our website which features a variety of images, sizes and framing options for our customers.  We want to make sure that we make it as easy as possible to buy your art online and to allow you the most versatility in choosing your special Sugarluxe piece. 

UPDATE:  We now sell Sugarluxe Limited Edition pieces and Artist’s Proofs online at www.sugarluxe.com.  Every piece is hand signed and numbered (with a special note on the back…because that makes it even sweeter!)

Q:  What if I bought a canvas from Z Gallerie, but I didn’t get to come to one of your art signings, will you still sign my piece in person?

I will always sign your piece in person, if at all possible.   Also, all of the associates and executives I’ve met at Z Gallerie have been GREAT.  Let them know next time you’re in your local store so that the POWERS THAT BE over at the Z Gallerie headquarters can decide when/where they might book another event.

Q:  Are you really rich now that you have products in all these big stores?

Licensing as a visual artist is tough business. I’ve experienced bitter disappointments, so much so, that sometimes it seems unreal.  But I guess that’s what makes the small victories so much sweeter.

The Suits (as I like to call them) stand to make the most money off of any successful creative, aka The Talent.  The business is quite similar to that of the music industry.  Basically, the goal for both is to put out multiple best-selling hits. 

If you don’t do that consistently, no matter how great your first big chart-topper, your life in the limelight could very well go the way of Chumbawumba.  And who would want that?

Z Gallerie Unveils Exclusive Sugarluxe Collection

I can’t believe it’s been less than 3 years since launching Sugarluxe from my small loft.

Having already outgrown two studios and earning my stripes as a real risk taker (trust me I have the entrepreneurial scar tissue to prove it) – I’ve arrived at a marker in my career that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

This particular dream started when I walked into Z Gallerie.

Over a decade ago, my mom discovered this great home decor store and thought it was the perfect place for me to find things for my first home. By nature, I tend to be pretty eclectic, so she knew I’d love it. The moment I walked in, it was more than love. I was overcome with a feeling, that to this day, I can hardly describe.

I muttered to my mom, “My stuff will be in this store someday.” After all – born July 22nd, I’m on the cusp of Cancer & Leo, which might explain why I thrive on the duality of business and art.

But the feeling, or vision, or whatever it was that day has remained crystal clear.

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