New York is the art market in the world, and it is a real adventure

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments consist of?

My name is Houben Tcherkelov and I am a painter. People say that I paint money. My work has two aspects, the first and most important is creating works of art. The second is in communication with gallery owners, art advisors, and everyone else in the chain. The goal is for the work to reach the audience. Since I do not have enough time for everything, I turn to specialists in the respective field.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I have been living in New York, USA for 25 years. I decided to settle here because New York is the art market in the world and one must be close to it if they want to develop. That's how it is in the 21st century. It matters for the legitimization of the creative process and career. My studio is near Times Square.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

The lack of professional contacts with art dealers. This is particularly important and takes a lot of time to gain trust and self-confidence. Of course, I had a very good idea of what was going on, and this did not prevent me from focusing on my work. But for serious business, it requires accumulating many components to work.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

In visual arts, the language barrier is not important. Of course, it is advisable to be good with languages. I usually use Google translate in Asia. But my paintings speak for themselves; that is the nature of the profession.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

In 1996, I came to America through the ArtsLink program, then I also did a residency at the Santa Fe Institute of Painting and completed the Artist in the Market Place at Bronx Museum in 2002. But there is no manual for what will happen and how. Art is largely a gamble; luck is also needed.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

Art in Bulgaria is based on amateur principles and has always been so. Everyone says whatever comes to their mind and exhibits as they see fit. Not to mention professionalism; the artists who pay taxes from their art are few. There is a “Planned Economy” and initiatives beyond state control are not looked upon favorably.

In America, there is a real art market, there are museums and galleries, people love it and are willing to pay for it out of their own pockets. The difference is huge.

What workplace values and practices impressed you the most?

The fact that in the world of art, there is a place for everyone if they have the talent to say something different.

In America, people work a lot. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s important to keep in mind, work ethic.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have hindered you?

It is always very different in a foreign country, but artists of my generation are not so culturally different. Movies, music, or Western art, the value system, pop culture is very close. I have never felt like a foreigner in New York. Especially before social media took over communication, there was an active artistic life.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

I have always been involved and developed in the field of art and I have accepted that an artist will always be a student, who is open-eyed to the world. Now there are also many things online. We need to be curious, to remain children.

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

Of course, at every step. I no longer pay attention because in New York everyone is from somewhere and the competition is fierce. You get used to it.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

To carefully assess their possibilities so as not to be disappointed. There are many paths, and each one can be the right one.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

I was chosen by art, not the other way around. And I have no other professional qualities, so the path had to be taken and walked. In the end, I have accepted it as an adventure.

What do you miss most about your homeland in professional and personal terms?

In personal terms, friendship, family, and the lack of responsible behavior, but in professional terms, absolutely nothing.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

I have not thought about returning. Here I get a lot of inspiration to continue working, and I have so many more ideas to realize.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

This is exactly what I deal with as a painter, and I think that money is that sixth sense without which the others have no realization.