Observing It All Come Together

One of the best decisions I have made was to leave the world of media production and become a functional artist. I don't say that lightly. Or live it lightly. I live it mentally full time and physically part-time.

I recently started a new job at the soon to be open Terzo Piano restaurant located on the third floor of The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Modern Wing is the new home to the Art Institute's 20th and 21th Century art collection. It opens to the public May 16th. The building is energy efficient, constructed from recycled and environmentally safe materials and water is recycled. 264,000 square feet of space for me to get lost. Very, very exciting.

"Naturally 'Mazing " Box
13"x4"x4"
Wood, Acrylic, texture paint, polyurethane varnish

I have observed the exterior progress of the construction since 2005. Now that I am actually inside the building, learning security procedures, navigating and dodging all the internal construction still going on, I am progressively seeing it ALL come together. The less than glamorous side to the soon to be chaotic and rewarding side.

Especially at Terzo Piano. With 4 days under my belt, I have seen a white canvas, literally as the restaurant is very white, very open, begin to transform itself into a contemporary masterpiece. I have seen the Director and President of the Art Institute, the restaurant designer, the building architect, building maintenance, electricians, engineers, art installers, the Executive Chef and his staff, restaurant staff, and media, all come together dedicated to creating and making something fantastic. With a deadline.

"Fame" Buddha Box
Wood, Acrylic, texture paint, Chinese coin, non-toxic polyurethane varnish

As I observe all of this coming together, I also see how by changing my direction, living my values, and persevering, I have created exactly what I wanted. And I will be surrounded by people and an environment that will nurture my decision. So I guess I can say I'm sitting, or standing as the true case will be (I'm a host),
pretty happy.

P.S. Thank You Paul!!!

Fulfilling Some I O U's

I Owe You Some Personal Observations

When I decided what my function and content would be for this blog, I chose showcasing my work and others along with highlighting the rewards, challenges, and lessons of pursuing my passion. Also included were inspiration and personal observations in this process. This is an opportune time to address the last two areas. First, because I need something to write about as I am behind in my "once a week" entry goal. Secondly, I recently experienced what is, and should have been, an exciting and rewarding recognition of my work and fulfillment of a goal . Instead it has left me feeling a little less so.

To provide a brief history, I began 2009 technically challenged when it came to marketing on the internet. One of the areas was blogging. I am proud to say I have since learned, grown to enjoy it and have received many accolades thus far. I visit and read many artist blogs for style, content and inspiration.

One of my absolute absolute favorites is Created by Hand. This blog, which also goes by the name onlyhandmade, features talented artists of diverse mediums, styles, backgrounds and countries! A different and terrific blog to introduce and expose your art to others. Three examples of the chosen artist's work are shown and links to the artist's website and blog are provided. The brilliant woman behind this blog finds and personally selects the artists herself. She does not take solicitation and writes about them using information from the artist's website, blog and supplemental information (translation: personal) provided by the artist. New artists are introduced every three days.

I mention this because I was featured on Created by Hand May 2!! bringing in the month of May. I said in an earlier entry I was ready to blossom. Only 4 months out of the blogging gate, I got my wish. I also just said I should have been enthusiastically ecstatic and that I wasn't quite feeling it. I will now share why.

I was notified Saturday morning via email that I was "UP." I immediately went to the blog. I read it. My personal life, (another translation: singledom) took dominance rather than the art, my influences, my creative process. At least to me. As soon as I read it , I felt uh oh. I did not think like an artist with the personal information I provided. I had a single moment instead. AND I KNEW IT! So did the creator of the blog, inside truth be told :)

Can you get a second chance to make a first impression? I hope so. I know so. Technically speaking, let this be a lesson to me as I continue to navigate, learn and respect the wonderful world of blogging and online ART marketing. Personally speaking, of course.


To Nancy, the grand creator behind the Created by Hand and Every Photo tells a Story, Thank You!!