Tuesday, December 18, 2007

FLOATING INTO THE NEW YEAR


I am looking forward to 2008. And my wish is to stay centered and float gently along towards January, which, in the last few years, has become a quiet creative time spent in the studio. How I love that! It is especially welcome after the extreme extroversion of doing many shows leading up to and during the holidays. I have quite a few pieces that are already begun, and had been set aside when I had to concentrate on doing all the finish work: getting slides and scans done, framing originals, having prints made, making the small versions (cards, magnets, etc.) and then the actual show preparations of updating the mailing list, planning the announcements and all of that. In fact, I still have an original painting from late summer that I never did get framed for the previous shows. I'll have it at my Open House---tentatively planned for sometime in February.
I like having something that's already in progress to work on when I start back into the studio after doing other things. Somehow it seems easier to get going than starting a piece from scratch, unless I have one of those burning desire ideas that's screaming to come out & practically paints itself!
Alyson has a lovely process which she talks about in her Art Biz Coach.com newsletter---she is taking time on this Thursday morning to go over, list & CELEBRATE her accomplishments of the past year, and has invited others to join in. She offers a list of questions and guidelines to help you formulate your list. I am going to join in on this process--it seems to be a very positive and useful practice!
So here's a toast to all my artist friends--acknowledge your past year's progress, and may you be abundantly creative and prosperous in 2008!
Image: "Floating" original gouache on paper (sold) Giclee prints available

Sunday, December 16, 2007

MORE SHOWS




The last month has just been overwhelming. I did the KPFA Crafts & Music Fair last weekend (Dec. 8 & 9).The prelude would have made a great "I Love Lucy" episode. I tweaked my back as I was loading the truck to go set up---had to buy a back brace, take lots of ibuprofen & apply trameel to the affected area. While I was loading up, my purse got knocked over & my wallet fell on the floor & the phone rang, all at the same time. In taking the phone call, I forgot about the wallet. I grabbed my purse & ran out the door. I had $10 in a changepurse (which got me across the bridge), but I forgot that I also had to pay for parking when I got there. I had to park illegally, run in & find someone I knew (Jane Kiskaddon, my angel of the day) who could lend me enough money for the parking. Then I also had problems unloading & setting up, because of my back. But Gabriele, who was also across from me at the Celebration of Craftswomen, helped me out. Another angel! Once the show started, I did very well, & was able to physically make it through without too much trouble. Thanks to my artist friends!



This weekend was also a little goofy. I hung a show at the Starbucks on Chestnut St. in SF on Saturday. (Images above) Friday night I was getting organized & framing a couple of prints to take, when the power went out. It was out for about an hour & then I was able to continue. I didn't get much sleep, as I was supposed to be there at 5:30 AM, when they opened. I am not so good in the wee hours. I forgot a couple of things, and it took me a long time to hang the show, since I had to use molding hooks & fishing line (ARG!!! What a nightmare!) To make a long story short, I had to make 2 trips into the city to complete the hanging (with a nap in between!) It was an all day affair. But I got it finished & Terrisa, the manager, is such a delightful and positive person---she is a wonder! It looks good (although not perfectly hung) but people seemed to be reacting positively to it. So---onward & upward! By the way, I have 6 originals and 8 prints in this exhibit, which will be on view until Jan. 14.



And, in that same vein.......I have some exciting news that I will share in an upcoming post............stay tuned.

Monday, December 3, 2007

CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSWOMEN







I participated in the second weekend of the Celebration of Craftswomen again this year. I had a good show---saw lots of familiar faces: returning customers, fellow artists, and met some new people, too! Had a great time talking with everyone and I am exhausted. I have to prepare for next weekend, but I thought I would share a few photos for those of you who couldn't be there.