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Esteban Sabar Closes
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Theo Konrad Auer
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Last Updated on August, 28 2008 at 06:54 PM
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| This week, Esteban Sabar Gallery, the art space that was always quick
to get a nod from the local media, quietly closed its doors after a
two-year run. It was as notable for the good press it received as it
was for the controversy it generated by being the first commercial art
space in the well trod art murmur corridor of Telegraph and 23rd Street
in uptown Oakland. |
This week, Esteban Sabar Gallery, the well known art space that was always quick to get a nod from the local media, quietly closed its doors after a two-year run. It was as notable for the good press it received as it was for the controversy it generated by being the first commercial art space in the well trod art murmur corridor of Telegraph and 23rd Street in uptown Oakland. I didn’t usually care for much of the art that graced the walls of the gallery, even though there were many others that did. But the owner, Esteban Sabar, earned my respect with his disarming charm and the sort of unabashed honesty one rarely encounters regularly in the art world, whatever corner of it you find yourself in.
OakBook had the opportunity to get the last word on Esteban Sabar Gallery from the man himself. This Wednesday, I sat down with him to discuss the business of art, gallery layout and future farming.
T.K.A.: How did Esteban Sabar Gallery begin?
E.S.: I am married to an artist who is very brilliant and talented and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life at the time. My main goal initially was to exhibit his work, and based on my background as a psychologist I started marketing it. As we started work on the gallery, ours plans had grown so much that at my grand opening we exhibited more than twenty local artists. Since then it has become, I wouldn’t necessarily call it established – it is unimaginable for me as an Asian-Filipino gay guy, what could be considered a disability – for me, it was an amazing achievement as a minority, because I did not use that to market the artwork even though art is a subjective matter.
T.K.A.: You were striving to appeal to everyone, not just the typical art audience...
E.S.: For me, presenting artwork has to be based on quality and the sense of connection evoked for the collector buying the art. So, that’s what’s happened and…I had a great time!
T.K.A.: How did find the artists you have shown?
E.S.: At the beginning, I used Craigslist because, as I told you, I never had an art background. My foundation in art is based on loving my husband’s work and talent. If he is an artist who at one point couldn’t get his work into a gallery – then I am sure he is not alone. Our gallery has grown by giving those artists who are striving to get into galleries. Our goal was to give them as at least a stepping-stone to continue as is their nature as artists -- to keep going and to give them shows at least once a year.
T.K.A.: So you were looking for emerging artists?
E.S.: I was, at the beginning, but if I am to continue doing art business in the future – I cannot do the same thing.
T.K.A.: How did sales or any other financial considerations factor into your decision to close?
E.S.: Yes, about 50/50. I would not say the gallery (had a problem) when it comes to sales, because last year I tripled my sales. (But) even on first Fridays with its big huge crowds – I don’t make many sales then. Actually, I sell most pieces through word of mouth.
T.K.A. The FecalFace Dot Gallery makes most of its sales through the Internet, not in its physical location.
E.S.: See, it is not really the show. The opening show is just really to launch the art works. It’s often so crowded you cannot see the artworks anyways.
T.K.A. So what is the other half of the 50/50?
E.S.: I could keep the gallery going longer if I wanted to. The problem is not my gallery, it is my house. To make a difference in the world – which is what we believe – we must start at home. My inspiration is all of my husband Marty (McCorkle)’s paintings. Now with the mortgage crisis and the stress of payments, he cannot find the inspiration to make new work. It’s about juggling the money we get. The money coming from the gallery goes into the household, and no money is coming from the household. I want Marty to continue being an artist because he has galleries expecting new work. To do that I need to take him to where there is a slow pace of life: the Philippines. We are moving to a farm there.
T.K.A. What inspired your galleries unusual labyrinthine floor layout?
E.S.: Well, the word “gallery” means a “hallway of pictures” in Latin. My gallery is not traditional and I wanted to offer accessibility through a more intimate gallery experience.
T.K.A.: If you had to share some highlights of your time running the gallery?
E.S.: My favorite artists I had displayed after Marty, are Martin Webb, Patricia Gillespie, Scott Hove…and the figurative work of Clay Cahoon.
T.K.A. What would be your response to those who criticized your space as being crassly commercial or for selling “bad” art?
E.S.: First and foremost, I needed the criticism whether it was constructive or calling me names like “Esteban Satan”. Without those people who noticed me, the gallery wouldn’t be what I had imagined it to be. I thank them for having their own opinions, because of those opinions being heard, I got more publicity. Hey, in the articles that came after the controversy they spelled my name right!
Esteban (right) with Marty McCorkle.
T.K.A.: What does the future hold for you?
E.S.: When my husband Marty stopped painting, he asked what do I want for myself as I started the gallery for Marty. All I wanted growing up is to do farming. Plus in a rural farm in the Philippines, there will be less distractions and Marty can paint well. That said, you have not seen the last of me yet! Let’s just say, that our vacation is not indefinite. |
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