Art Fix

Eat your greens

2011-06-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is a vector illustration I did in inkscape. I didn't like veggies when I was a kid. I spent many nights sitting at the dinner table long after everyone else was gone, trying to wish away my broccoli. Thankfully, those days are gone and I love my veggies!

Illustration Friday: Asleep

2011-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

When I saw the topic for this week, I immediately thought of a drawing I did of my youngest son last year when he was asleep. I wanted the challenge of a fresh drawing so I did this one last night with both of my boys asleep. I scanned the drawing and colored it in gimp.

Illustration Friday: Beginner

2011-05-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this late because I was out all day away from my laptop on Friday. This is my first time participating in illustration friday. I think this will be a good way to come up with fresh work and try out new styles.

About yourself in fewer than 18 chars

2011-02-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

3 Reasons why you want to fill in your bio on twitter

For someone who might tweet once a month, I'm certainly not a twitter expert in any way, shape or form.
But one feature I like about twitter is the bio section. It's your small little space in the twitterverse that distinguishes you from all the other tweeps. So why don't some people fill it out? I'm sure they could come up with a zillion reasons, but here are my reasons why you should:

1. Look me up Just about the entire world is tweeting at any given time. How do I know that you're the only one who makes plush clocks?

2. A-list baby! I love twitter's list functionality. It allows you to categorize your followers into themed lists and you can tweet specifically to those list. This is a good way to see where you fit and who is interested in what you have to offer.

3. Characters = Clicks More times then not, I've clicked on someone's blog or store link because of what they wrote in their bio. Many artisans and artists alike, swear by twitter as a way to increase visibility and sales.

Here are some bios I found especially interesting

space-time transcendah - nerd surfer - writer - filmmaker http://surfnerds.blogspot.com/

painter. turf/street/hh ballerina. teachN & getn my PhD fB: /mindsprinterhttp://www.curvedspacegeometry.com

Zen guy, creative mind, social media maven, Apple fan boy, tech geek and most importantly, husband & father. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.  http://edgehopper.com

Artist & entrepreneur. Interested in financial literacy & wealth creation. Living to control her own destiny. Staying positive to fuel her creativity!http://www.inspiremi.com

A revamp is underway

2011-01-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

I've been deliberating about this for a few months now and I've finally decided to change the direction of my blog. I started this blog as an outlet for my artistic musings. It became very personal and it was great to get feedback on my art and also hear that I'm that I'm not as crazy as I once believed. Now, it's time to move on. I will still be posting my musings and artwork, but I want to branch out into what's going on in the art world, where I get my inspiration and perhaps some random things here and there. I think this will give me more to write about and appeal to a lot more people. I thank everyone who has been reading and commenting and hopefully you'll stick around. There's lots more to come.

The creative process

2010-12-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

If you visit often, you'll notice that my etsy showcase to the right has been changing lately. I'm on a creative frenzy. This time it's digital illustration. I have the tendency to become obsessed with a medium and then drop it once I feel I've squeeze every ounce of inspiration out of it. I never know when that's going to be. This tendency has often been criticized by well-meaning family and friends, but I'm wondering if maybe I should feed this monster and see where it leads me.

A goal revisited

2010-11-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

after realizing that I hadn't tweeted since September, I read my old tweets and realized that I'm utterly boring. It was weird seeing all the things that I had picked up and dropped. All the straws I was pulling at. The only thing consistent about my twitter persona is that she is inconsistent, or at least it comes across that way. And worse: Dispassionate.

Why am I saying these things? Because examining my tweets kind of helped me to see myself in as close to objective reality as one can get while looking at oneself. There were no filters or forgotten words or situations. It was all written by me and it was all an attempt to connect in some way. Although, there were times I thought I was really putting myself on the line, I really wasn't. I thought I was really sharing, but I still wasn't letting people in. This block is another thing consistent about me. Its fear. And that brings me back to the goal I made in January 2010. To build an art career in one year. Was it fear that stifled me or was it circumstance?

A few months ago, I connected with a local artist here in Atlanta via a neighbor. He is making and selling work and has an ambitious, but achievable goal or exhibiting at MOMA. I told him about my relationship with fear and excuses. He told me to just let it go. To be transparent. To educate myself about art and prolific artists. He told me about his research and creation cycles. Learning and acquiring and then putting that knowledge to work on the canvas. This was another piece to the puzzle, but I still wasn't ready to let go. To stop asking for permission to be myself and to stop blaming my circumstances.

Each day I send myself an email reminder through google Calender. It's a "Stop doing list":

Stop making excuses
Stop beating yourself up
Stop feeling sorry for yourself
Stop settling for "functional, okay, not-so-bad"
Stop apologizing for yourself
Stop waiting for things to happen for you or to you
Stop trashing your work

Perhaps, it's time to make a "do list". 1.) Feel the fear and do it anyway

Growing as an artist

2010-08-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog, my intention was to chronicle my experience in building an art career. I imagined that would mean talking about exhibits, shows, sales and new work. I predicted that my beginnings would be humble, but that slowly and steadily I would forge some resemblance of an art career. I gave myself a year to accomplish this. A few months in, I started to feel stuck. I hadn't made any real progress. I was still broke and unable to get proper supplies. Things just didn't seem to be happening for me. I started to question whether I had chosen the right vocation. Maybe I wasn't really an artist. I didn't have anything profound to say, my work wasn't cohesive. Yet, I could not put my brush down, so to speak. I just needed to create more and let things flow. Just make what I wanted to make without concern for whether or not it looked good. Just create and then refine. Refine, refine, refine. I'm now starting to develop a solid body of work that says who I am as an artist. Who I thought I was as an artist, is not who I've turned out to be. And I'm still growing. So, I guess this is growth.

Abdi Expires me

2010-08-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Every week, Bravo's reality series, Work of art had me glued to the T.V, drooling over art supplies and studio space and imagining what I would create if I had a 30 minute drive through New York City as my inspiration. There are plenty of not-so-great things to be said about the show, but I'll let another blogger conquer that territory. I'm just here to sing Abdi's praises. Where shall I start? His technical ability was off the charts. Who knew he had classical drawing ability as well as cartooning until he made that awesome drawing called, "Baptism." of his own likeness floating on water? And need I say anything about the pieces that won him the title of the "next great artist"? David Lachapelle was moved to tears and so was I. He was also one of the people who seemed to get along with everyone and he has a great head on his shoulders. He has this hunger and excitement about art. He's not afraid to push himself.
Abdi is my new art inspiration. Every week he approached each challenge with the same positive energy. Jerry Saltz's tried his best to put him in a box with the rest of the people who draw really well, but have nothing to say. There is no box big enough for Abdi to fit in. I'm so glad he won because I get to see what this phenomenal artist can create without the time constraints of the competition and the financial freedom that recognition brings.

Must an artist choose?

2010-05-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

When you tell someone you're artist, it always seems the next question has something to do with the kind of things that you make. What is your medium? What is your style? Perhaps, what is your message? We're always having to state what exactly it is that we do or create. Some artists have a signature that cannot be denied and others have a loose style that seems to leave its mark regardless of the medium.

But, must an artist choose? Must we settle on a medium style or message? Is it possible to continue to explore techniques and for those things to constantly show up in our work and be a successful artist? Perhaps there is a balance between playing with technique and not messing with your 'style' too much.

One of my goals has been to find my voice as an artist. To find what I do or say better than anyone else, or perhaps clearer than anyone else. The answer has not come so clearly, as I would have liked. However, it doesn't surprise me. It is a direct reflection of my restlessness and constant doubt in life. I guess, in a way, I am leaving my 'mark' on my work.

Dilemma-2, by James Hogan

2010-05-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

dilemma-2, originally uploaded by TheArtUpstart.

To change things up a little I want to start sharing artists that I find inspiring. I found James Hogan on twitter and was really impressed with his work and his drive to make his dream of being a well established artist come true. If your goal is like mine, you should take a look at what he's been able to accomplish ArtUpstart

Blue canvas sneakers

2010-05-11T00:50:00.001-07:00

Blue canvas sneakers , originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

A new drawing in the shoe series!

Chunky Wedges 9x12 colored pencil on paper

2010-05-09T17:26:00.001-07:00

Chunky Wedges 9x12 colored pencil on paper, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Well, I'm taking a talented artist's advice and doing a series of the shoes. I really enjoy drawing them too.

My Etsy Shop

2010-05-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

I finally posted some of my new work to my etsy shop. I will be offering prints there soon.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/springflowerchild

The Walk

2010-04-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do a multi-media series on solitary walks for months. I don't know why I didn't do it, but yesterday it occurred to me as I was thinking about why I felt stuck again, that I wasn't really being open enough. I think being an artist is about connecting with your audience and sharing more and more of yourself. I didn't realize how difficult this was for me. Maybe it's fear of rejection that's keeping me from taking bigger and bolder steps. This short film is one of those personal art pieces I am reluctant to share, but I'm also interested to see where this series goes and how getting outside feedback will affect it.

Maria, colored pencil on paper

2010-04-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

Maria, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I had to use about 4-5 different colors to achieve this skin tone. I didn't want to overwork it, even though I saw some more things I wanted to fix or some things I wanted to try. I will save my ideas for the next drawing :)

Yellow shoes colored pencil on 9x11 paper

2010-04-13T06:38:00.001-07:00

Yellow shoes colored pencil on 9x11 paper, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes! I didn't have this color yellow so I had to mix brown and orange and yellow. I've discovered I like drawing shoes :)

Black walkers colored pencils on 9x11 paper

2010-04-10T23:30:00.001-07:00

Black walkers colored pencils on 9x11 paper, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I wanted to have a memento of my oldest sons famed black walking shoes, so I drew them. These shoes are going to another wearer who will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd!
I haven't been able to post often, due to being in between computers. So, I have will have pick up on the twitter #draw365 trend once I get my new computer.

Marilyn Monroe Drawing #2 9x11 pencil on paper

2010-04-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

Marilyn Monroe, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I definitely don't think I got a true likeness with this one. But again, it's a first attempt. This face is too thin and she had more wide-set eyes. So, I've decided to do the drawing a day thing that artists are doing on twitter. That would make this one drawing number 2.

Audrey Hepburn

2010-04-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

Audrey Hepburn , originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

This was my first attempt using some techniques I've been learning in a old drawing book I got from the thrift store. I love Audrey Hepburn. She was such a classy lady and still quirky. I don't think I got a true likeness, even though I worked from an image. I'm still trying to train my eye.

Jasper, the curious kitty

2010-04-01T22:19:00.001-07:00

Jasper, the curious kitty, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I don't usually draw animals, but I have always loved cats. This one is loosely, very loosely based on a photograph of a real cat :) in the folk/naive vain. This drawing is up for auction on ebay right now http://bit.ly/cHDurL

The life of an Artist

2010-03-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Dear aspiring artist,

You have just embarked on a long voyage to a far away place. Hopefully, you have packed well and are prepared for the tempestuous journey ahead. You will need heaps of passion to drive you forward and a measure of confidence in your abilities, to keep your ship afloat. Do not forget to use your compass by being true to who you are and always keep a map in hand to remember your goals. Your binoculars will serve you well to spot opportunities for exploration.

Welcome visitors, but never let anyone else captain your ship!

You will have more questions than answers and more doubts than assurances. You will feel lonely, desperate and at times, lost. This is the life of an artist. We choose to live on the edge, because on the edge are where the most possibilities lie. Now, let's make some art!

"Soon"

2010-03-22T12:41:00.001-07:00

Acrylic painting on cd holder, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I went to the storage unit and found some paintings I had forgotten about. This one was done in 2008 when I was very pregnant with my last son. I thought these cd holders I had would be great as a surface for little paintings. It serves as a frame at the same time.

I'm featured artist on Artsy Shark this week

2010-03-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's not an easy feat to carve out an relevant existence for yourself in the art world. I read artist's interview the other day and when asked what the problem with the art world was, the artist responded, "There are too many artists." It can be really tough for emerging artists. That's why I love what Carolyn Edlund is doing at Artsy Shark. Each week, she features an interview with a new emerging artist. This week I was privileged enough to be featured artist. Visit the site to read my interview. Thanks Carolyn!

Anyway 9x12 Ink on paper

2010-03-08T09:37:00.001-08:00

Anyway 9x12 Ink on paper, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Another sketch I did while watching T.V. :)

Dream Land 9x12 ink on paper

2010-03-04T08:35:00.001-08:00

Dream land 9x12 ink on paper, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Just a sketch for fun that I did of my 14-month-old while he slept.

Open

2010-03-01T06:20:00.001-08:00

Open, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Another digital painting I did in photoshop. I've been working on this one for about two weeks on and off and I'm still not sure if I will do more to it or leave it just the way it is. What do you think?

The Day After

2010-02-26T09:14:00.001-08:00

The Day After, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Another digital inspired by some video footage of the Haiti quake aftermath. So many people, including children, are now amputees because they were unable to get proper medical care for fractures and broken bones.
All of the amputee children I saw in this story had this distant look in their eyes. Some of them had also lost their families. The mind has a way of protecting itself by making a psychological separation.I've heard stories about victims of abuse picturing their bodies floating above them. Even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, We still try to survive and even have hope..

Blue, Acrylic on canvas 16x20

2010-02-22T08:54:00.001-08:00

Blue, Acrylic on canvas 16x20, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

This is a self-portrait I painted from a photo and looking in the mirror.

Fly

2010-02-19T13:42:00.001-08:00

Fly, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

This was a mixed-media commission. She wanted me to use a shell shaped like a butterfly, that she found on a walk on the beach. I used a lot of different materials including flour and food coloring.

This moment (Lighter background)

2010-02-18T09:03:00.001-08:00

This moment (Lighter background), originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I just put a layer of soft color over the existing background.

This moment

2010-02-17T09:56:00.001-08:00

This moment , originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Digital painting. I used the oil brush. This is one of two paintings inspired by the tragedy in Haiti. I'm not sure if i will do any more. I've been thinking about possibly removing the background to make the figure stand out more. What do you think?

The walk home

2010-02-15T22:21:00.001-08:00

The walk home , originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

Another digital painting just completed. I'm doing a series of pieces about solitary walks. This is the first. Nearly crashed my hard drive, since I wanted to make this high resolution so I can make large prints.

Sunrise

2010-02-15T11:38:00.001-08:00

Sunrise, originally uploaded by Springflowerchild.

I've been working in photoshop, due to my lack of space and it's just easier to work while my kids play. When I need to give them attention, I just close my laptop! I'm still experimenting a lot with this medium. This is "painting done in photoshop using the "dry brush".

Tell me what you think

2010-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start posting some of my work for your feedback. Tell me what you like and what I can improve on. Thank you in advance for taking the time!

Inside, looking out. Mixed-media, wood, cardboard, paper and found objects and ink

This moment

2010-02-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

I doubt myself a lot. I guess I'm like most people. Especially, most women. It's okay for us to celebrate and admire others. To support, facilitate and nurture our loved ones. But we somehow leave ourselves outside of that circle.
Many people don't know that I am now on the other side of a depression that lasted for many years. I hid at home, cried to myself and felt I would die of loneliness. No one really knew. It wasn't my place to ask for help. During this time, I read many things that encouraged self-care. What do we have if we don't have ourselves? What can we give if we are empty on the inside? I was not able to give. Rather, I was taking. Grasping at anything that would make me feel whole.
None of us have the ability to change time. To move it forward or to go back. But each of us have the moment. This moment is yours. You can choose what you will do, think or feel in this moment. But once this moment is gone. You cannot change it. Once I realized that I could grow just a little bit moment by moment, I started to feel more in control of my life and more importantly, the way I felt about my life. Now, when I doubt myself, I choose to change my mind... If only for a moment.

Act like an Artist

2010-02-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

I've been reading, "Letters to a young artist", which is a wonderful and inspiring read. Julia Cameron writes from the perspective of an old and seasoned artist who has seen the many joys and pains of living as a Creative. You follow the correspondence of these two artists, at opposite ends of the spectrum. The young artist is concerned with the "appearance" of being an artist. The stereotypical life style that leads to overdose or emotional burnout. The minimalist furniture, basic black and philosophical banter. This kind of artist, Cameron insists, often has a blank canvas or page. They walk around with novels in their heads, waiting for inspiration or mental space to put it all down. It is much better to act like an artist, then it is to look like one. The veteran artist repeatedly urges to younger artist to create. To just make something, even if it's bad. You have to make bad art to get to the good stuff. Set aside time each day to write, sketch, etc. your hand will become steadier, your perspective stronger, your vision clearer.

Who does she think she is?

2010-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I missed my Art mama's meetup. I just joined and was doubtful about being able to make it. I had shopping to do, without a car and two energetic little boys in tow. But isn't the purpose of this group to support mothers who are also artists? Oh the irony!
Last night, one of the ladies posted a comment about the meetup and also posted a link to something that might interest us moms who struggle to balance our need to create with our need to be with and care for our children. "Who does she think she is" is a documentary chronicling the experience of MIAs (Mothers inhabiting art).
I don't know why it never occurred to me that we are a special breed. We give all to our children and we want to give ourselves to our art too. I've spent many nights on art projects with a baby in the sling and I still spend many nights trying to type or do a digital painting with a baby cradled in my arms. Sometimes I feel ideas rushing into my consciousness and I feel like I need to work on something right at that moment. But invariably, one of my children will need something and I have to put it down. Somehow, my attention always seems to be divided. And even more so, my heart.

Where have I been?

2010-02-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'd like to report that I've been super busy attending exhibitions and making art, but that's unfortunately not the case. However, I'm not sure how unfortunate it is. Just my reality. I am a mom of two little ones, ages 4 and 1. My husband is a full-time business major and we live a very simple life in terms of material comforts. We don't own a car and our apartment is just big enough to do little more than sleeping. This is not so bad, as it serves as a motivation to get out. Additionally, my health has always been somewhat fragile. I have had epilepsy all my life and developed chronic fatigue syndrome when I was a teenager. This has been a large part of my drive to build a career in art. I've never been able to hold a steady job and this has had a huge impact on my life. I feel like I've missed out on a lot. I tried very hard for years to fit in and do the 9-5 like everyone else. Eventually, I hit a wall and realized that if I didn't do something different, I would not have any real control over my life. I would not be able to follow my dreams.
Why do I mention all this? To say that I have a lot on my plate, but I have not forgotten about my dreams. They are clearer than ever in my mind, since I decided to tell the world. Well, the few of you who read my blog, anyway. I am not sure I view these things as obstacles. This is just my life and when I look at how people suffer all over the world, I know that I am very fortunate and should count my blessings everyday.
I will be writing more about my experience with epilepsy in the future. But please go ahead and do your own research on it. You would probably understand someone you know just a little bit better.

http://www.epilepsy.com

The problem of making a living

2010-01-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

The lazy artist-type who sleeps on their friend's couch or lives in their mom's basement is a popular cliche, but I don't think most of us who want to be professional artists fit into this mold. I believe most of us are industrious, but we march to the beat of our own drum. We want to support ourselves and our families. But we also want to do what to do what we love.Making sure you have enough money to eat and having the time, focus and energy to create consistently great art seems to be a constant dilemma for aspiring artists. This leaves many of us feeling discouraged and relegating our art to hobby status. But this doesn't have to be the case. I came across these videos of talks given by artists who make their living with their art in alternative ways. Especially if you are savvy online, there are many things that you can do to keep yourself afloat. Maybe you won't be able to quit your day job just yet, but you'll have more money for supplies and perhaps you may be able to scale back to work part-time.

Ten Habits of Successful Artists

2010-01-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

A week into my journey and I've already reached some internal road blocks. Questioning my talents and abilities, but mostly having trouble organizing and making a solid plan. This is generally due to my ethereal nature. I don't own anything that resembles a watch!
Are you like me, struggling with organization and planning and attacking the business side of art? If so, this article will help clear away some of the brush. The Ten Habits of Successful Artists is not just a list, but it actually explains why these are good habits for any career artist to keep. Personally, I noticed at least 6 of the habits involved connecting with other people in some way. In other words, successful artists are not sitting at home waiting to be 'discovered'.
I like what Farrah Gray, a business prodigy who became a millionaire at the age of 14, says: 'It's not about being at the right place that the right time, it's being everywhere all the time.'

What makes great art

2010-01-04T00:32:00.000-08:00

I know, a question like this could spawn a debate into the next century. Being a self-taught artist, I often wonder about this question a lot. Many times I find myself just playing around with techniques. Or I have some object that I really want to use and I build everything else around that. I hate to admit that there is hardly any planning that goes into many of my pieces.
But, because my goal is to build an art career, I want to break myself of these habits. I've heard over and over again that successful people do the things that others don't want to do. Could this also be true for great art? I believe so. Great art takes planning and some understanding of color and composition. A commitment to an art career is a commitment to lifelong learning and experimentation. I have no problem experimenting and learning, but I have been known to be just a little impatient. Needless to say, I have much work to do in this area!
What I've been looking at:
A great introductory article on color theory at emptyeasel.com
How to create a body of work at about.com

What you need to start building your career as an artist

2010-01-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

I think most people view making art as self-expression. Maybe this is why it's difficult for us artists to come to terms with making a living creating art. But if this is your passion and this is what you're best at, why should you put it off any longer? If expressing your vision or evoking emotion or teaching lessons through art is what you do best, don't shrink into a corner and hide. Recognize your gift and share it with the world! If you haven't already, please read the Career Artist's Manifesto in the above post.
So what do we need to get started? We already have the passion and the determination to make this our career. According to a lot of successful people, we're half-way there. There are loads of practical steps you can take, but passion and drive is the fuel that will get you there.
I'm at square one, besides selling a few small pieces on Ebay over the years. I do not have a B.A., neither am I wealthy or well-connected. After reading and listening to success stories in different arenas, not just art, what I surmised is that my first step should be to get a mentor. Someone who is where I want to be and is willing to offer their time and advice so that I can be successful at accomplishing my goal. What's after that? It depends on who you are and what exactly you want to do. No two people will have the same path.
I've had this song in my head since yesterday. My credo for 2010, "Keep on movin' "

Build an art career in 2010

2009-12-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

All my life I've only wanted to be one thing: An artist. There were always enough people around to remind me that this was not a practical career choice because 'There was no money in it', even though there have been artists in every era who have managed to carve out an existence doing what they love.
Granted, most working artists will not have their works exhibited in MoMa, but there is a very large and varied market for art. Yes, you can have an art career. Admittedly, as I am writing this I have almost no idea how to make something like an art career happen, but the thought of waking up each morning knowing that my job is to express my vision is so delicious, I just have to give it a try.
So, when I came across Betsy Lewis' blog about how to build an art career in one year, I decided to put a 365 day cap on my own goal to bring it out of the cloudy, ethereal wishy world it has resided in all my life. Why not? We all know what concentrated and focused effort can do. Interestingly enough, the first blog post I encountered on her site was one about not apologizing for everything. Now I refer to this as the career artist's manifesto:

"I will not apologize for my art.

Not one bit. Not for the subject matter, the style, the framing, the medium, the technique, the pricing, or my marketing efforts. I will not offer up my insecurities to my viewers in any way, shape, or form.

I will not find sneaky ways to apologize either. I will not make jokes that diminish my work. I will not use the phrase, "shameless self-promotion." I will not respond to comments about my art with qualifiers and disclaimers. I will not back-peddle. I will not make excuses. I will not point out imperceptible flaws only visible to me. I will not turn sheepish when asked for prices. I will not seek therapy to explore the psychological roots of my compulsion to apologize -- I will just simply not do it."

The fact that Betsy highlights an internal conversation as a prelude to embarking on a successful art career, speaks volumes of what we as artists tend to do to ourselves. This has nothing to do with the market or the recession or whether or not people "get" us. The things we say to ourselves and the things we believe about ourselves can be our biggest obstacle to success. So, be aware of how you speak to and of yourself.

Tomorrow marks the countdown! will you join me?

Why we make art:

2009-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

I create art because I need it like my lungs need oxygen. Chances are
if I need so badly to create it, someone else out there needs to
experience it.

Lauren Williams
www.laurenwalkerwilliams.com

Art creates me.
Stacey Geyer

www.colourfantasy.com

I make my art because no one else has or ever will do so. I make my art because I have desire to create that I just cannot ignore for some reason. I make my art because it is fun.

Ryan Perea

Making art gives me the opportunity to explore my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. While I have my thoughts, feelings, and ideas out in front of me I can confront them, express them, and deal with them. Making art is a very liberating and empowering adventure through the senses.

-Jonathan Wolloch

i make art because i can.
i make art - so what? i also breathe.
i make art because you need me to.
http://www.ismaelcavazos.com/

I make art to give myself and others a thrill. You can see all my work at: http://www.michellekaufman.net

I create because my soul demands it.
www.taracochrane.com

My answer is simple. I make art because I love it.

I'm too old and too selfish to do anything I don't enjoy.

It's great when people say they like it and gratifying when they are willing to pay money for it, but I would do it even if no one liked it and/or no one bought it.

Nancy Nuce

Michael Jackson to me...

2009-06-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Andy Warhol

I was a child of the 80's. I wore jellies, played Atari and adored Michael Jackson. Yes, back then he was a heartthrob for tweens like myself and a roll model for how to be cool. No one could pull off the Jheri curl like him. Although, a few tried.

We all wanted to dance like Mike. He was the standard by which dancing ability was measured. Who didn't try to moonwalk or do his signature tip-toe move?
If you were fortunate enough to have seen Michael Jackson in concert, you had bragging rights for life and quite possibly your children's lives. I never got to see Michael Jackson in person, but I remember watching the Motown 25 performance over and over again, marveling at this figure who seemed to defy physical laws that the rest of us were prisoner to.
During a decade of outrageous fashion, Michael Jackson definitely made his mark. Taking a page from the book of 1950's teenagers, he made too-short pants and white socks with dress shoes cool. And how about jackets; rolled-up sleeves and gaudy decorations of what appeared to be military regalia. Mysterious shades always had to be part of the ensemble and a fedora just added to the coolness factor. And I'd be remiss, if I didn't mention the infamous glove.
And who could forget the Pepsi commercials? Only Michael Jackson could have pulled off the mini movie that had us glued to our TVs.
For me, Michael Jackson defined the 80's. Few, if any, have had the cross-over appeal he had. Drawing audiences from rural Africa to Beverley Hills. He will be missed, but his imprint on pop culture is here to stay.

Art on tape: Interview with Erika Iris Simmons, aka iri5

2009-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Where did you grow up?
I grew up mostly in Orlando, FL. I've lived in many cities across the US, in the UK, and in the Virgin Islands. I live near Atlanta at the moment.

When did you start making art?
I have always made collages and painted. My first job was as a face painter at a theme park. I didn't start making art with the intention to sell it until about two years ago.

Do you have an art degree?
I never studied any formal art in school. I was more into math and science. I got my degree in Russian.

What inspired you to make art from old cassettes?
I was very poor growing up and I have always been fascinated with people who can make things out of strange stuff. When I decided to try to make some money selling artwork, I wanted to use what I had around the house before spending money. lol. I had put some cassettes on top of a blank canvas near my door. Everyday I would glance at the pile as I came and went to work, waiting tables. Then one day, lightning struck.

How long does it take to create each piece?
Every project is different. Some pieces take a few days, but most take around a week. Some take months.

How would you categorize your art?
I say that my work is conceptual art. Some of it isn't "pretty" but I try to always communicate an idea through my work. At least that is what I hope to do. I don't know enough about art to be able to give a knowledgeable answer!, lol.

What do you want to say with your art?
I want to say that resources abound. If you approach a problem with thought and intention, great things can happen.

What are your artistic goals?
The only goal I have is to keep working. I would love to teach art to children one day.

Where is your art available for purchase?

I have website: www.iri5.com with a small storefront showing my available pieces, but I prefer commissions. I love using cassettes that people send me, like their old mix tapes, to make the work really special. My email is eisimmons@gmail.com for anyone who has questions, comments, or just wants to say "hi."

Check out iri5' s flickr page for more amazing art made with non-traditional materials