Monday, September 28, 2009

Not Easy Being Green

I made a conscious and financial decision at the beginning of the year to focus on developing a greater online presence and less concentration on applying to shows. Coming off the One of a Kind Show Chicago last December taught me that while I can play and be accepted in the big leagues, I am not ready yet. I have more to learn in booth display, marketing and developing my artistic niche with less financial risk. I have made grand strides with my online presence and technology with more to go.

But that has not stopped me from going occasional GREEN as in ENVY when I attend art shows and fairs and read artist blogs. Not exactly a flattering admission but honest.

I attend a fair amount of art shows and fairs to observe booth display, attendance, see the types of work
exhibited, and talk to artists. I actually planned my recent trip to Portland to coincide with the Art in the Pearl show. In August, I attended the Bucktown Art Fair and the Gold Coast Art Fair with a co-worker and we compared observations. There was some beautiful art and people seemed to be buying. It really hurt. I wanted to be a participant more than a spectator. Same was true yesterday when I browsed through the Lakeview Arts Fest after work. I can be hurt but if I don't try, don't apply, don't feel ready, should I expect to feel different? The same green feeling bubbles up sometimes when I see the number of comments some artists get on their blogs.

My envy is not paralyzing. It's actually motivating. I do have three smaller indoor shows (20-100 exhibitors) coming up in the next 3 months for the holidays. Since I became a color in this blog, must also share that I will not be doing the Local Market Show in November as previously noted. As much as I believe in the concept, I stopped by the show in September when I got back. Same turnout-Horrible. Lots of blue and red faces that wanted to make Green$$. Promptly applied to a different show, and got in. JOY!

I also have been reading
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell to help me with my process. I want to achieve The Stickiness Factor. So I'll continue to tinker, tweak and alter my presentation until my message gains more traction, and my art takes me from Red to Black. Could I become an epidemic? Or contagious?

It's not easy being green in this context but it's all good. Would anyone else like to show their colors?

Please share.







Saturday, September 19, 2009

A Few Sites & Signs of Portland

Mt. Hood from Washington Park

I returned from Portland on September 10th.
I am just now getting back into what I temporarily left behind- blogging.
Here are just a few of the pix I took while there.

I wanted to live the "urban" and experience nature and I did. I traveled by myself, and am pleased to report that I did not get on my nerves. Mission Accomplished.


One of many paths I shot. This lead up to the Japanese Garden. Talk about heaven.


A Few Urban Window Signs - Poignant :


There is humor in this somewhere:




The Bad Karma Newstand on street corner



I saw this quote outside a store window and thought how fitting:
My new painting/work mantra.
That is my reflection in the glass. I'm going vain on you now: I really, really dislike pix of me. I am not very photogenic which is why you have yet to see my picture posted. I promise once one passes my litmus test, I'm there. Go ahead, you can start humming You're So Vain. I can take it.



Classical Chinese Garden


A gentle reminder from the Japanese Garden:




Remembered to stop and smell in the Rose Garden



Am I moving???????????? Is Portland "IT?" I don't know- yet.
I'll continue to visit. I'll stay open to signs.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

8/08/08-Positively Lovely

One day in Chicago where the power of art, creative brilliance,technology and the beauty of community came together:



I have to thank Chicago Contemporary & Urban Folk Artist Anne Leuck Feldhaus ,and one of my personal artist heroes, for posting this in a tweet and me for clicking.