Art and Business

I recently spoke to artist Helmut Koller about his work and his best advice. Helmut is mainly known for his colorful, bold and festive paintings of animals, which are collected on four continents - America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Helmut: Well, how did I get here? It was quite a journey! While I am rather gratified about the stage of my journey, it has by no means ended. I don’t think we learn much from our success, but it’s the failures from which we learn the most. Especially because artists get their share of invalidation and rejection. At the beginning of one's career, walking into a gallery cold, with the goal of being exhibited, takes courage. I have about a three-inch-thick folder with rejection letters.

Sticking through with your goal, no matter what, is the easy answer and road to success. But by God, is it hard to actually live it. Not too long ago, I’ve realized, I could have saved myself a lot of blood, sweat and tears, yes tears, if I had believed more in myself. Though I am hardly consumed by self-doubt, nor have I ever been, as I know so many artists are. I see them sometimes paralyzed by their insecurities. They will never make it, but among the blind, the one-eyed is king. Just never lose sight of the mountain top you are walking to. There will be pebbles & giant rocks in your way, I promise, but eventually you'll make it. 

Adam: What steps have you taken in your life and career to foster your creativity and ability to innovate? What advice do you have for others on how they can best tap into their creativity?

Helmut: On the business side of being an artist, I make decisions by statistics. Quite a while back, I made a grave mistake by applying statistics to my art. I had hired a friend to call all my collectors and clients to find out what they liked about my painting and get suggestions on how I could approve my work. A few weeks later, after I read through and listened to dozens of opinions, I found myself crouched in a corner of my studio, having just slashed 3 of my canvases and crying like a four-year-old. What had happened was all these opinions I received were invalidations, and you cannot help but pay attention if everyone tells you how to change your style. A style by which I have arrived with integrity, by trusting my own gut feeling, and by working it out over several years. But back then, I did not understand how unique it was and unmatched it really was. What threw me off was not having enough sales at the beginning, so I've doubted my “product.” Patience, therefore, is a major ingredient to success. Since then, I operate on the principle of “divine despotism.” There is only one expert, regarding my paintings in this universe, and that expert is me! I do not allow criticism, especially the one that is packaged as constructive criticism. It’s criticism, nevertheless. Artists who paint at my level, or higher, would never, ever voice criticism. And others are in danger of having their heads torn off. So my advice is, when it comes to your art, keep your own counsel, and do not allow anyone to invalidate, put you down, or criticize you.

Adam: In your view, what are the key elements to a great artist? What are the key elements to great art?

Helmut: A work of art, and especially, a great work of art, has to be able to trigger emotions and memories. A while back, I was in Florence, standing in front of Michelangelo’s "David." There was a group of what looked like Italian farmer women, and a group of American students. Both speechless and in awe of what they were seeing. WOW, bridging that cultural divide, is divine, in my book. So, great art has to do something to you!

Adam: What would you like everyone to understand about your art and about art in general?

Helmut: I would want them to know that I understand art, as in the form of communication, far above the spoken word. I paint iconic portraits of sentient beings, supreme beauties, without a reference of time and space, esoteric manipulations of nature. Don’t let the esthetics fool you! These paintings are powerful symbols, for not agreeing with how things are. And that, I am the creator, leader and only follower of my own art movement. Disciples need not apply! Since I always had such a hard time explaining my style, I had to make up a word: KOLLERISM. It is defined by the realistic representation of the form and the abstraction of colors. 

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Helmut: I am afraid that I am going to use worn-out words that define a great leader: Notwithstanding, he/she needs to be dreaming of a better world, have vision, passion, courage and being driven by helping others. It is vital to be an outstanding communicator. 

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?

Helmut: These groups operate on a different level, to artists. I have no advice that could be of any help to them. Just one example. An entrepreneur better operate on the Economic Principal. However, that is totally opposite of what makes a great artist. 

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Helmut: Actually I got two: Always be present in time and always be yourself!