Local Manx artwork
Purchasing local works of art on the Isle Of Man or any type of artwork for that matter, probably isn’t in the forefront of anyones mind right now. “Artwork is a luxury item” i hear you all say, and i understand that sentiment completely.
Local self employed artist on the Isle Of Man
I dived straight in last January 2021 over a year ago now. My health made the decision for me and i became a full time Artist. Having lived and worked on the Isle Of Man all my life although i was a self employed painter, decorator and sign writing contractor. I’ve always been an artist but producing artwork full time solely to make a living is really tough let me tell you.
Isle Of Man Arts Council
The reason I’m writing this blog is by way of thanking a couple of organisations for all their help over the last twelve months. In helping me and believing in me that I could go on and achieve what I have so far. I’d like to thank the Isle Of Man Arts Council for their support in helping me purchase valuable art equipment necessary by way of grant assistance. I really couldn’t have managed without their help so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Isle Of Man Government
I also would like to thank the Isle Of Man Government. Because as of twelve months ago I was accepted to go on their Micro Management Business Scheme. For which I attended the Isle Of Man University at the Nunnery to attend and learn the processes of running and managing my own business. I was delighted to hear the news that my business plan was accepted and I was awarded a living allowance grant for 60 weeks at £100 per week. I had to pay my self employed NI contributions monthly and other business costs but this has been a real help and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity.
As I type and write this blog i have two more living allowance payments to come from the Isle Of Man Government. And then I’m on my own to survive from the sales of my artwork alone.
I’m not sure right now if I’m going to be able to carry on but I’m certainly going to give it my best shot as I have done so this last year.
I’m enjoying my full time career as a local artist although things have been financially very tough for the last twelve months. But I couldn’t have done it without their help and support.
Thank you to all my customers and art collectors
Lastly I wanted to save my biggest thank you to all my friends, supporters and customers. If it wasn’t for any of you I wouldn’t have got through the last twelve months. So I also thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I feel very anxious and a lot of panic setting in. But I also feel very humbled knowing that some of my local original artworks have reached global recognition. Over the passed twelve months I’ve had sales locally on the Isle Of Man, United Kingdom, Scotland, Northern Ireland, USA and Australia.
On behalf of all artists on the Isle Of Man
On behalf of all full time artists on the Isle Of Man. That little bit of luxury artwork you purchase from us, no matter how small a purchase it may be. Keeps a roof above our heads, it puts food on our table and goes towards paying our bills.
Thank you so much, wish me luck, best wishes… Isle Of Man artist – David Paul Cowley
“Why did you become a full time artist”