Sight first – China

China Lions Sight First Auction Results update

3 paintings were sent to China to the South China Lions Association for the Sight First charity auction,
fundraising to restore sight to poor blind people in China through cataract surgery.
2 main paintings sold for – 53,000 Yuan or about $10 000NZD.  $3000NZD for Lotus and $7000NZD for Rain Angel.

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We had 2 fact finding trips to China to track down agents and the right people, build strong real relationships and build the right networks. The last trip was two months and had two very successful outcomes. Along with meeting with many agents who were unable to back up their credentials or who may duplicate my art we met with curators, collectors and possible future customers.

All of which gave me great reviews of my art and were confident of good prospects for me and my art in China We also met Mr Xiong an agent with awesome credentials and history in the art industry. Mr Xiong liked my art a lot and said I had something different to say in a unique visual way and showed a big interest in working with me in future and building up my profile in China. He also had many suggestions for our next steps and how to understand the China market psychology and secrets for promotion, catalogue and art presentation. He is in a unique position to be able to generate some enviable connections.

Lots of other people liked my art and stepped up to support me and want the best for my future and continue to work to help me be successful. Through Connie’s network contact Guo Yong Zhang we met with the leader of the South China Lions 381 Chapter, D K Li Cai who showed me the great work they do there in China and the Sight First Lions Charity. I asked if I could help, participate in some way, the conversation moved to an artwork donation. They loved my art and we agreed to do it.  Once back in New Zealand I created the works packed them up.

3 paintings were sent to China to the South China Lions Association for the Sight First Charity Auction. Everybody loved the artworks and wanted to own them. The bidding was a frenzy. 2 main paintings sold for – 53,000 Yuan or about $10 000NZD. $3000NZD Lotus and $7000NZD for Rain Angel.

An unbelievable result, everyone was so surprised and excited. All proceeds to Sight first Campaign charity in China. There were 15 other artists and prices were from 10 000 yuan to 66 000 yuan. The participating artists are very well known including Tian Ci Xie a very well famous traditional style artist.

Raising 900 000 yuan was an awesome result for the event, more than expected as sales predictions were not optimum due to pressures of economy. Even the very famous Chinese artists got 3/4 the value of their work. This is a great result with no promotion and no one knowing me or my history. This means my contribution to the charity helped 59 people get their sight back! I feel great about that.  Mr Xiong said that result is good but in the long term with the right promotion we can do better.

The Sight First lions Art Auction was the 6^th may 2008.Guangzhou Xing He Wan international hall, fundraising to restore sight to poor blind people in China through cataract surgery.

Here is a link to the video made at the auction  – you can see one of the pieces go under the hammer at 7.41.

China Lions – Sight first auction

Sight first – Rain angel

Sight first – Splash the lotus

Sight first – Lost to time