Stumble. Fumble. Mumble. Grumble. From setback to solutions
You’d think that after over two decades as an artist, educator, and someone who’s lived and worked on four continents, I’d have a handle on international art logistics by now.
And yet…
Recently I was invited to participate in a group exhibition at the Medici Museum of Art in Ohio, USA — a Zodiac-themed show that felt cosmically aligned with my latest series of symbolic, hand-drawn works from my recent Zodiac Series. The plan was simple: I’d ship my 12 original drawings from Italy, where I now live, and they’d be framed and displayed at the museum.
Easy, right?
Cue the paperwork, export laws, and a crash course in Italian cultural protection regulations. Spoiler alert: Italy doesn’t make it easy to ship original artwork abroad — even if it’s brand-new and even if the artist (me!) is the one shipping it.
Four of the drawings from the Zodiac Series. Each was created during its respective sun sign’s season and contains symbols and patterns from every continent to highlight the sign’s signature strengths & quirks
What Went Wrong (and Why It’s Not Really “Wrong”)
Let me back up a bit.
I spent the last eight years living in Myanmar and Malawi, where I rekindled my love of fine art after a long stint focused primarily on digital work. When I shipped art to the USA from Malawi, it was surprisingly simple. I wrapped, labeled, shipped. Done.
But Italy is different. Here, even contemporary works may be treated as cultural artifacts, subject to strict export regulations and red tape. To legally ship original works abroad, you often need special export declarations and approval from government agencies — a process that can take weeks or even months.
And I found all this out after making promises, prepping my artwork, and nearly sealing the shipping tube.
sad, bare-walled studio where the drawings used to hang
When Things Fall Apart… Or Fall Into Place?
At first, I panicked. I felt unprofessional. Embarrassed, even. Like I should have known better. But after a few deep breaths (and some generous advice from Italian artist and curator friends), I realized this wasn’t a personal failure. It was a very normal, very bureaucratic reality that many artists living in Italy — expats or otherwise — come up against.
So instead of giving up entirely, I pivoted.
I wrote to the museum with transparency (and a few extra apologies!), offering a few creative alternatives:
- Digital Projection: High-resolution scans of the Zodiac drawings could be projected or digitally displayed — an idea that feels especially aligned with the cosmic theme of the show.
- Ready-to-Hang Reproductions: I also suggested archival-quality prints on canvas, metal, or wood, shipped directly from my trusted fine art printer in California. No framing, no customs red tape.
I sent it a few hours ago, so we’ll see what they say. Just the act of exploring these options has sparked a bigger shift in how I think about sharing my work.
Aquarius Leading the Way drawing from the Zodiac Series
Making My Work as Location-Independent as I Am
Over the past six months — thanks to everything from a postal strike in Canada to proposed cuts in the U.S. Postal Service (not to mention a few holiday-season calendar shipping snafus) — I’ve started re-imagining what it means to be a location-independent artist. The world’s getting trickier to ship through, and honestly, I’d love for my art to travel more freely than I can these days.
That’s why I’ve recently added digital download options to my Online Gallery’s Gift-Shop extension, Makalulu Studio via Etsy, allowing collectors to access and enjoy my work instantly, no matter where they are. I plan to expand this offering in the months ahead, continuing to explore ways to keep my art accessible — untethered from tariffs, strikes, and surprise customs roadblocks.
Because if there’s one thing the last year has taught me, it’s this: art wants to move, and so do I.
Lessons for Fellow Expats & Artists Going Global
If you’re an artist navigating international exhibitions — especially from countries with strict export laws — here are a few hard-earned tips:
- Know the Rules Early
Research your host country’s export regulations well in advance. In Italy, original art can’t just be dropped off at DHL. You may need a “dichiarazione di esportazione” or similar official clearance. - Work With Local Art Shippers
They know the ropes. If I had more time, I would have hired a specialist to handle the process legally and efficiently. - Build in Buffer Time
Give yourself at least 4–6 weeks for international shipping. More if paperwork is involved. - Always Have a Plan B
Think digital. Think reproduction. If you can’t get the originals there in time, what creative alternative still honors your work and the show? - Communicate Clearly and Kindly
Curators understand that things go wrong. What matters most is how you handle it. Be transparent, respectful, and solution-oriented.
Capricorn: Spiraling Toward Greatness drawing from the Zodiac Series
Setback? Maybe. Stopped? Never.
This experience reminded me that even seasoned professionals can feel knocked off their feet sometimes — especially when stepping into new systems and structures. But art, at its core, is about resilience, reinvention, and creative problem-solving.
So no, this wasn’t the plan I had in mind.
But maybe, just maybe, it’s exactly the kind of expansion this work — and I — needed.
Have you faced similar challenges shipping or exhibiting internationally? I’d love to hear your story — or offer tips if you’re planning your first global art adventure. Feel free to pop in your comments below.
I'm an artist and educator who helps unapologetic idealists to create meaningful change through art, design, and education. 