2011-07-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

A few updates

I've been carefully submitting my work into galleries and shows... I say carefully because most submissions of work require between $20-50 just to enter, as if the acceptance and rejection process of your art isn't enough of a risk, they need to put a monetary value on vulnerability. Applying for art shows is actually quite similar to applying for college, just more personal. Searching for venues that will be interested in you and that you are interested in, writing some what of a statement about who you are and what your work means while bull shitting most of the flowery language to fit what you know the curators want to hear, and finally, formatting, adjusting and submitting your work. Afterwards, you wait.

This week I was emailed an acceptance letter from a gallery. My piece will be hung in an exhibition gallery called Altered Esthetics. The building is very similar to the Park Trades Center in Kalamazoo: run down brick, 4 or 5 floors of creaking wood, rooms filled with artists trying to make it big, hanging their work, and attempting to entice the crowd with “new” art once a month.. and if that doesn't work.. well there's always the wine and cheese. The gallery chose a piece from my SIP, it's one of those pieces that I repainted on 3 different canvases before being contempt. The final version took about 4 hours to complete- ironically, the equivalent of an underpainting or a good rough draft.

Now that it has been accepted I have lots to do, revisions, fees, statements... basically creating professionalism from what seems to act as the most unprofessional thing in the world to me. It's weird. The exhibition is going to be held at the end of August and will remain hung for 1 month. More to come on those details and the crowd it attracts soon. I must say I am a bit nervous about the implications of a real artist but also quite excited. Here's the piece

I have also been looking into tattoo artistry.. I know crazy right? but Moe got me hooked on this awful and addicting show called L.A. Ink. and I can't stop watching it.. besides your occasional stupid taco and unnecessary flower design the majority of people tattoo meaning; something that for them has influenced them, that they have surrendered to, that should always be remembered and never forgotten. Somehow permanently branding your skin allows the human soul to find relief in their fears and this to me, is the most interesting of all. I do, in time, want a tattoo, though I have yet to find something like that.

I think taking a needle to someone would be the hardest part.. honestly, it kinda makes me cringe.. but I would absolutely love to do art on people. I have always been drawn to the human body, its form and shape, regardless of size. I'm not quite sure why but there it is, my favorite thing to draw or paint, naked or wrapped, beautiful or destructive, there is unwritten beauty in all human form. So the first step is emailing parlors and asking for an opportunity to apprentice. So far I have received a few responses saying they are not looking for people at this time, so its not going super well but it really takes very little time to send out emails, so maybe i'll get lucky in time. I guess there's a high demand for it.. or something I dunno but thats what I've read.

On a separate note I've realized my passion for education. And kids. They can be stubborn selfish ridiculous little shits but I love em all to death. After going into work with Moe a few times a week I came to the conclusion that being an artist would be unfulfilling. As awesome as being an arteest (insert french accent) would be... I don't think that would be enough for me. I need to give back, I need to teach and to help and to be involved with those unlike myself.. there is only so much learning I can do on my own.. and lets be honest if I was a big shot artist I would live in a studio filled with turpentine fumes that leaked under the door and I would rarely go out. Maybe for food. or water. The neighbors would know me as turpentine lady and thats just not healthy.. for anyone. Anyways I suppose that benefit would be that I am one step closer to figuring out what I want to do. I may go to grad school for fine arts in painting or I may go to school for a degree in education and teaching, I'm not really sure. But thats where I am now.

In the next week or so I will be packing my stuff, spending time at home, and then off to minneapolis on the 4^th of August. w00t w00t!

2011-07-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

So I made a blog. I'm not quite sure why.. perhaps in attempt to stay connected or share some form of frustration and happiness with others or cause I'm bored at the moment. Regardless, here it is. A culmination of all things to be consumed, created, and found. Enjoy and always feel free to comment.

Something about art and tea and life