Noella Cotnam is an Artist. All you have to do is look at her collection of work as you travel around Cornwall and the area to see that. She’s created a rich history in the area that gives Cornwall a shine that many communities could only be envious of. We got to chat last week about her history and the ARTpreneur Conference where she’ll be speaking about adding that Artistic Twist to your Business plan.
She told me about how she started out with her partner Nancy putting ads in local Cornwall newspapers offering to do mail box lettering for $20 back in 1982!
What is it about Williamstown? Diane Sullivan, Noella, the Quilt of Belonging; it’s a hotbed of artistry…
Ms Cotnam told me that what was key for her was connecting with other sign people and artists. How she wrote articles for sign magazines, taught workshops, and her community involvement.
Her work now is all over the world. “Art is a business. If you want to make a living at it you have to learn to sell.” She has learned that lesson well since leaving the Aerospace Industry. It takes a lot of guts and passion to take those kind of steps. Self-Confidence, self-knowledge, and you have to be a bit of a risk taker.
Thursday she’ll share why Artists need a business plan and about the not living on the right side of the brain. Artists she explained “tend to live on the right side of the brain” seeing things linearly and abstract, focusing on images which can help a good Business Plan, but you have to have structure; lines, and boxes too.
“Think balance” Noella told me, and her workshop should be just that. A lovely balance of artistry and skill to help any artist find their way to survival in tough economic times.
Catch Noella’s Workshop at 1:45 PM at the ARTpreneur Conference at the Ramada Inn & Conference Centre, Thursday November 5, 2009. And to see more of Noella’s work or contact her click this L I N K
Conference Registration
Conference registration is now open!
To attend the ARTpreneur Conference, you must register in advance. The fee is $50.00 per participant and includes entrance to all sessions, lunch and many extras!
How to Register
Registration is easy. Simply click and print the Registration form below. Fill out the appropriate boxes and return the completed form to the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre at 144 Pitt Street in Cornwall no later than November 2, 2009.
Registration Form
Click on the following link to open the registration form.
Questions?
Give us a call at 613 932-7925 or ablais@cornwall.ca
