And How Do You Take Your Art- Fine or Craft?

When you don't enjoy making the art you once did, don't like having unfinished or unsold box inventory around, can't succinctly sell it, and/or you lost some or all of your artistic passion, sage advice is take a break. All signs point to a new direction and a new approach. I am now appreciating and seeing the importance of taking my uncomfortable hiatus from making and marketing art this year. Thinking and working outside the box literally applies to me.

Two of my boxes showcased at the One of a Kind Show Chicago in 2008.
Served as a great ego boost. It still does.

Doing the recent Ravenswood Artwalk and the OOAK in 2007 & 2008 challenged me. It raised the bar for me emotionally, artistically, and creatively. It also left me soul searching as to what kind of artist I am, am I really?, and what I want to be. A TBD identity label or classification does not lend itself to effective marketing.

That's where the hiatus and doing RAW helped. It allowed me to create and introduce new work and ideas in a new setting. As a result, I feel more excited about my work. I have a bit more clarity, creative freedom and a renewed commitment. Attending the wrap party and listening to show and artist feedback also helped me to define my next steps. I'll still be functional but with a twist.

Frankly, I do not see myself as a Fine artist. Very beautiful, trained and disciplined like ballet. Instead, I do see myself continuing to create mixed media,colorful, eclectic, inspirational pieces but less crafty. A modern dance, which is more free flowing, less restricting. I'd like to hone my craft with less "craft." It will also guide me as to what future shows I apply to and where I best fit.

Last week, I went to an artist workshop to help with the "elevator" speech. We began by someone demonstrating and teaching us how to juggle, which indeed is an art with 3 or more balls.The workshop was okay. It reminded me how important it is to continue looking up. And take a break.

"Whatever you are, be a good one."
Abraham Lincoln