This week we spoke with Michael Joseph, the vice president and publisher for Artblend—an award-winning art gallery and publisher near Oakland Park in Fort Lauderdale.
Artblend provides a full-service experience for artists in South Florida, both new and established, by offering assistance with every step in the promotional process—from marketing to staging exhibitions. The brand’s success can be attributed to a multitude of backgrounds: Michael and his wife, Elaine, both began as promoters in the music industry. Combine that with Michael’s experience with fine art photography and the couple launched several successful arts businesses: Ocean Wave Media, the Ocean Wave Gallery and Artblend magazine. All of those entities are now united under the Artblend brand.
Here’s what he had to say about luxurious living in South Florida:
What’s the best thing about South Florida, in your opinion?
South Florida is a melting pot of mixed culture. I really like that there is a diversity in language, food, style, interest and more. People come from all over the world to be here, start a new life, or just blend in (no pun intended).
You have the mix of long-time, local born-and-raised residents to migrants from the far north, east to Europe, and as far under as Australia. You can just sit and relax and soak up the sun or start a new enterprising business.
What does “delivering a luxury experience” mean, in your eyes?
Our clients insist upon the most exclusive, luxurious opportunities in Southern Florida, and that doesn`t stop with their homes. Florida Exclusive Living wants to help you find the home of your dreams, as well as helping you to find the best restaurants, retailers and experiences in the region. Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties are full of magnificent opportunities and we want you to enjoy as many as possible.
This is something that is defined uniquely from individual to individual. You can’t really describe it, but you know when you encounter it. It’s a lot like the saying, “I am not defined by what I am, but rather, by what I am not.”
Curating fine art can be a competitive field…what do you do to make Artblend a more exclusive experience?
We treat everyone that we meet as if they are the only person that matters. We are very big on providing undivided attention and customer service.
Who holds you to a higher standard…your clients or yourself?
We hold ourselves to the highest level and our clientele takes us to the next. I think the high standard begins with defining “quality.” Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance…are you familiar with the book?
I’m familiar, albeit not through reading it. I’ve heard that the author was rejected hundreds of times before he found a publisher and it paid off. That in itself might make for a hopeful tale for struggling artists, no?
It is an all time “must read” book. It’s not for everybody…but for anybody seeking enlightenment. Or perspective.
Sure, this book, and there are many examples of books and movies that have been massively rejected, and through perseverance have gone on to be epic. That says a lot about the creator. The film Rocky comes to mind.
“You have to lay it all out on the line, every time, if you want to succeed beyond your competition. Your competition as an artist is everyone within three feet of you. Winners are people that are willing to do the extra work that others are not. And the rewards are great, because so few succeed.”
some of her work at Artblend’s Spring Exhibition 2016.
Could you tell us a bit about what we can expect at your upcoming Summer Exhibition?
We are Artblend…we are all about a diverse selection in quality art. Subjects, styles, mediums and price range. These are artists that we have carefully selected whether they are emerging, mid-career or established. They are from around the world.
What do you do to treat yourself?
Being kind to others is the best treat one can give themselves. When you put out peace, love and understanding into the world, it’s amazing what happens…it comes back to you. But if you wanted a more mellow answer, enjoying snacks after dinner with my wife, especially one of her incredible homemade cakes… with ice cream.
What amenity is a must at your home…or one that you’d like to add soon?
We are truly blessed…we have all the modern appliances, electric lights, air conditioning, TVs in every room, computers, phones, pool…seems like every important invention of the past century. I am not quite ready for the robotic or “autonomous” era. Actually, now that I think about it….man, would I love to have a time machine.
Visit Artblend.com for more information its gallery, as well as upcoming events and art fairs.