 Debra Schott |
Seven years ago, a handful of artists selling on eBay were tired of trying to compete with Chinese sweatshop art and mass produced posters and prints from famous artists being listed on eBay. First, they started using the names of artists with whom their work had an affinity, ala if you like Warhol, you’ll love my stuff. EBay shut this down pretty quickly as “keyword spamming.” But California art professor John Seed had the inspiration to come up with a unique keyword that would forever change the eBay landscape. He chose “EBSQ” (short for e-Basquiat, one of those famous artists with whom this early band of artists had an affinity) and EBSQ was born.
Things have changed radically in the past seven years. John Seed handed over the group to me 6 years ago, along with his original mission to support all living artists, regardless of style or education or even talent. The website as we know it was born 5 years ago thanks to another great idea, this time from my darling husband, Bill. We’ve moved well beyond eBay. You can find EBSQ artists on Flickr. Etsy. Squidoo. Artbyus. Imagekind. Deviantart. Art.com. We’ve infiltrated the blogosphere, too. We have shown together in groups out in the brick and mortar world. We have thrown baby showers for each other. We’ve sent flowers in times of loss. On 9-11, after checking in with my family, this is where I came, as did so many of you. The evolution of EBSQ has been nothing short of amazing.
Thank you, all of you, for believing in our vision and trusting us with your art. It’s been quite a journey so far; I can’t wait to see where we go next!
Amie Gillingham
1 September 2007
Find art. Share art. Support living artists!
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