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

Taking In the Ravenswood Art Walk

Sharing some highlights from my recent RAW aka "GETTING BACK OUT THERE" show:

Central Gallery

Our first stop: the Central Gallery. Participating artists had the option of showcasing a piece of their work which allowed attendees to preview work in a gallery setting. The artist's name, medium and venue location were provided. I did and the gallery setting was an absolute high for me.

Moi in the Central Gallery soaking in all this magnificent art and supporting my piece.....
someday it better reciprocate!!:

Three Geishas No. 1

Mixed Media on Canvas

Now let's move on to my venue location. The signage on the door is something I aspire and will continue to visualize and work toward. We were located on the second floor...in a gym. Location and environment make a difference on how art is viewed and displayed not to mention impact sales.
Just wait. You'll see.

Up two flights of stairs and you shall see the talented and fun artists who shared this space with me:

Suzanne of nomadic ant jewelry

Denise Handwerker of Feltwerker

Oh, take a guess. You can see I did not get a wall. So the brick or wall was not an issue or option.
I didn't request a wall when applying. Lesson learned.

Photographer and angel extraordinaire, Jeff Phillips

Oil and Pastel artist, Joan Minsky :)))
Oh she's hysterically harmless!

Acrylic Painter, David Rhodes, davidrhodesartist@gmail.com
I'm a huge fan of his work and laugh.

Kristina Gosh, interdisciplinary artist

Last but not least...Puppetbiker. He/They are performance artists in the city who can put a smile on your face in no time flat. No age limit. It was fun to meet the mastermind behind this... that's him talking to the puppets.
They let him out of the box.

With this show now over and under my belt, I am beginning to feel empowered again. My strengths were reinforced as were some weaknesses. It all comes back. I definitely know what needs work. The big question: What kind of artist do I want to be? I'll continue to work at it, mix things up a bit, experiment, network,surround myself with fantastic people, and just get out there.

Next show: November.