Whitmore Boogaerts

Whitmore Boogaerts, operating WB Sculpture Studio in Westport, Mass., brings a lifelong background in the arts and a degree in civil engineering to his work in the metal arts arena. A full-time artist for 11 years, his creations combine structure and balance with a touch of whimsy. Working mainly in welded steel, his creations range from funky and stylish furniture to spirited outdoor sculptures. "The overall goal of the work is to find a way to let nature itself flow through and help design the actual piece," he says.

TCR: How did you first become interested in and get involved in working in your medium? How did your work evolve from where it started to the work you create today?

W.B.: I first started making mobiles after I saw a show of Calder's early, hand-made looking work. I went home and made a mobile. That introduced me to metal. From there, I bought a welder and have not stopped.

TCR: How have you pursued your career? Can you provide a brief timeline of when you got started, and how your career has evolved?

W.B.: About 12 years ago, while working as an engineer, I did the first Paradise City show in Northampton. I was working out of my basement and had put together a collection of work. I told the directors that I would have a large kinetic piece, so they put me in a large area right in front. The challenge was to make a 10-foot-tall piece that came apart.

The people who bought it, Lender Bagels, still have it today.

TCR: Who is the market for your work? What is your strategy for reaching that market? Where can people buy your work?

W.B.: The people who buy my work are from all over. Early on, I wanted to have a large market. With a broad exposure, I have landed all kinds of jobs, from corporate to restaurants to private.

Having printed material, donating pieces, having a Web site, getting free press to being in galleries all adds up to credibility.

TCR: Where does the bulk of your business come from... is it wholesale shows? Direct-to-gallery sales? High-end retail shows? Commissions? How do you make your living from this art?

W.B.: Mostly I sell my work. I like to keep it simple and make a piece and move it. The more people involved, the more time is spent.

That is not to say that larger projects are not worth it. Fine-art, three-day shows and shows at my studio with other artists and open studio tours have proven successful.

TCR: Have there been major turning points in your career? If so describe what they were and how they affected your craft and your success? (This might be an award, some unexpected media coverage, etc.)

W.B.: The reality to success is, first of all, how you look at success. Making a living is number one. Then making the world a better place is next. These both come from hard work, maybe some talent and a passion for what you do. I have had some turning points with articles, pieces and exposure, but there is still a way to go.

TCR: Do you see any business challenges specific to artists who work in your field? How have you overcome these?

W.B.: The thing about being an artist is that you have at least two hats: One for creating your artwork and the other for the business side of it. I can easily sit at my desk and spend many hours doing all the boring stuff, but if I didn't, I would not be sitting here writing this to you.

TCR: What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?

W.B.: The most difficult thing in my work has not been about making art, but cash flow. Cash is like oxygen, it comes in, it goes out, etc. Making it steady is like good breathing.

TCR: What, in terms of business insight, have you learned to do or not to do over the years?

W.B.: Keep the exposure machine working. I remember reading about an artist who had spent 20-plus years in business and wanted things to come to him at that point, but they didn't.

You are responsible for keeping the beast alive. In a way, there is a separate identity, somewhat like a corporation.

TCR: How has the Internet affected your business?

W.B.: The Internet has been great. A Web site is like a brochure anybody can take a look at. E-mail is so fast and can be used so effectively to quickly send photos.

Being a small operation, I like to use my cell phone number as my business number. If I do not want to be disturbed, I do not answer.

TCR: What is the next step for you?

W.B.: The next step is to add some credibility by having work in museums. A friend once said, shows are good for the short term and museums are good for the long term.

I have printed up a brochure and am putting together a mailing list.

TCR: What is your show schedule (if you have one) and where is your work available and through whom?

W.B.: My show schedule is about six shows that I travel to and then about three shows at my studio with 12 or so other artists. There are a handful of gallery shows, too.

TCR: If you would like, please share your personal situation: married, kids, etc?

W.B.: I do have a life outside of work and that is my family: wife and two girls, and friends, and playing sports. Life is about balance.

Contact:
Whitmore Boogaerts
WB Sculpture Studio
Westport, Mass.
(508) 472-4860
www.wb-sculpture.com

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