Judging By The Looks of Things

So what if took 3 months, 4 separate photo shoots for the same paintings, 3 photographers, emotional madness, delays, missed deadlines, and additional expense to have my work shown in the best light and image, figuratively and literally, so be it. I have emerged a happier artist. Lemme tell ya....

 

Before -Take 1

Work in Progress shot by Moi

I take most of my own photographs for my blog and my personal Facebook page. I try to use as many professional photographs on my Fan page on Facebook, which you can LIKE by clicking here (PLEASE, if you don't mind my asking) and my website. For alternative marketing and show applications, I definitely want professional photographers and images. I need and rely on their expertise, knowledge and guidance to help me reach the level I want and need to go.

I'll shoot a work-in-progress shot (see Geisha above), an event, or perhaps some test shots myself so I can see where my hot or ugly spots are and where tweaking is needed. I point and shoot with my lower end Canon digital camera. And IF by a twist of fate, luck and light they should come out fairly well, I will use those shots on my website too! The paintings on the right sidebar of this blog are ones I shot. The bracelets and boxes were professionally shot. I have thought many a time about purchasing a better camera and doing this myself, but right now my plate is full.

After - Shoot # 4
Professionally shot:

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

Lighting and angle shots were two of several sources of my madness from both shoots. I use a high gloss varnish which most often results in a lot of glare and "hot" areas. Color was also an issue. I have worked with one of the photographers for nearly three years and we have developed a trust and confident relationship especially where bracelets and boxes were the subject. My paintings were new territory for both of us this time. I mentioned my applications and how I wanted them shot: on a white background and/or a wall.

The very first shoot the photographer and I agreed the lighting was terrible and a new piece of equipment was needed and was ordered.  A new shoot was rescheduled for the following week. We agreed that I would leave my art at the studio and he would go ahead and shoot it in my ABSENCE to make up for lost time and expense. I will tell you now THAT WAS A MISTAKE.  I ended up with shots I couldn't use and angles that did not capture the details of certain paintings.  I take responsibility for taking the gamble. It sounded great at the time.

I do not want sound like or appear to be an Artistzilla (imagine a bridezilla for which I have no experience, for artists), or a control freak (I do have experience at that) nor do I EVER want to be become one during shoots. Sometimes it is necessary. Everybody sees different things. My paintings and personal reinvention are new for me which makes me anxious and excited and I just want to do it right. I am going to be judged in some way based on these images. Right now I'm doing a lot of the judging before anyone else and feeling rather insecure.

 Before Shoot # 2:
professionally shot

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

If you look toward the top of the green stone and also the top right top corner of the inset canvas you may, or may not, notice some exposed glue. I did as soon as I got home and I uploaded my disc. The photographer didn't catch it or maybe he did and just wanted to get this job over with.  The color was off so I tweaked this again at home.  I saw other flaws that I made that the camera picked up. I did not like how I painted the Buddha, there was an ugly spot on the canvas that needed touching up. I know that is what Photoshop, or in my case free and downloadable Photoscape is for, but there were other things.

After - Shoot # 4
Professionally shot 

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

By shoot #4, I just wanted this photographic gestation period done. Up until shoot #4, I had done more research and started reaching out for additional resources online and in the art community which was nurturing and helpful. I studied the photographs of other artists and their websites and asked via email who shot their work. I created two new paintings, tweaked some other paintings a little more and worked on my self-deprecating inner dialogue. It's hard being in my head sometimes.

Long story short, I ended up going back to my original photographer for several reasons. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just the photographs. I stated again EXACTLY what I wanted. I asked to see some of the shots in the camera during the shoot to check on angles and lighting. It worked. The photographer taught me some new things.

 

Marilyn Grad Copyright@2012

With this now complete and my lessons learned, I am ready to confidently proceed and get my work out there. I will know by next week if I got into the Bucktown ArtsFest. Keeping my fingers crossed. I have new copy and descriptions to write for my website. I am also in the process of taking a course in writing a better blog so that I can connect and grow a wider audience. By the looks of things, I shall be splendidly busy. I also hope you won't judge me too harshly after this and will still LIKE me on Facebook using this link.

April Is Definitely For An Altered Approach To Art

March was for Madness. April appears to be taking on its own "A" emotional word too. I'd like it be achievement. There's still time but I'm not there yet. So I guess I will alter my approach and attitude until then and make my "A" be acceptance. Starting with a few recent paintings. 

Last month, I tried my hand and head painting in a minimalistic fashion using recycled work and materials. Clutter will always be in my life in some mental, emotional or physical form. It is a discomforting habit and hard to give up at times so I gave myself an artistic challenge.


Finding a little peace amidst the chaos:

 Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

I have been incorporating healing stones in some of my paintings and the black one you see on top is called Obsidian. Spiritually, it assists in recognizing where one is holding negativity and helps to illuminate and cleanse those negative patterns from Aura. Emotionally, it leads one to an understanding and acceptance of the darker side of one's nature. Assists in breaking emotionally based habits/disorders/addictions. Physically, it helps removes blockages, even CREATIVE ONES. Quite apropos coming off my March Madness. Some of the same visual issues have still spilled over into April. This stone should be useful as I continue to work on achieving the desired results.

Marilyn Grad Copyright 2012

Above the Buddha's head is a Labradorite stone. Spiritually, it increases vivid dreaming and one's capacity to visualize and perceive with the inner eye. Emotionally, it aids in uncovering subconscious belief patterns, helping one to become aware of how their ego effects their emotions. Physically, labradorite helps reveal the patterns that cause illness and disease and can amplify ones healing thoughts and prayers.

So, through all the mental and emotional frustration and delays experienced in my March madness, art once again showed me its healing powers. Quite simply too. So did a quote from the poet Rumi on embracing setbacks:

If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?

                                                                        Rumi

 Gotta love the creative process.

My Very Own March Madness

This is my fifth? (does it really matter?) attempt at writing a post for March.  What started out simple has now taken more days, directions, edits, emotions, frustration and let downs than intended. They deal with delays, setbacks, photographic quality, perfectionism, marketing, my ego, and just stuff before I feel and fall further behind. March Madness has spread off the courts into my head and onto this blog. Or to take a line from The Madness of King George, "Are you mad?" Ah, yeah.

Even writing this post set me back as I was trying something to fix a recurring inconsistent font problem. As I was checking out sample advance templates, I hit something and lo and behold, I lost my original look and spent some time figuring out what to do with the new options in front me. There was no turning back. What you see here is not finalized. I have some more triggers to hit but I am getting closer.

As I organize my thoughts and sensitivities, I will write what I originally intended in another post. There's enough madness in March already. Instead, I will lighten up, calm down and share some of my experiments with decoupage and recycled work. It was and is quite therapeutic as I am not a disciplined journal writer.

 Marilyn Grad @2012

I assembled my wealth of fortunes and organized them in a way that became quite affirming and beautiful. I was starting to see and feel myself in a positive light and enjoyed the narrative taking shape. I will be making more of these to sell on my website and all the other things I want to do.

Here is one more which was actually the very first one:

 

 Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

I don't know about you but I do feel better having completed this post. The madness has dissipated.

Tis the Reason and Season

As 2011 comes to a close, my last post in this space is going to be somewhat of a hodge podge. The reason: this time of year is not one of my favorites. That said, I was not sure  what to put in this space without being a killjoy. I finally decided on some music, some artistic self-promotion, a goal, and some inspiration to take into 2012. 

First, a Christmas carol brought to you by the brilliant cast and writers of Shameless on Showtime (it takes place in Chicago; fun that I got to meet some of the cast):

Next, some new wall art. And with lots more shameless self promotion, I aim to gain more traction and audience in 2012 and beyond:

Marilyn Grad Copyright 2011

And finally some inspiration and a bit of unsolicited advice. I've been reflecting on 2011 and putting together my goals and plans for 2012 (some new, some still to be met). Tis the season. 

I was watching the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors on television this week, which I do every year, and was incredibly moved by every honoree and performing tribute. Artists are a beautiful species. One of this years honorees was cellist Yo Yo Ma. He can move, inspire and motivate with his music, passion, presence and words. There were two things he said in an interview that gave me the courage, comfort and reassuring "me too", "it's OKAY to feel this way", continue on the artistic path, along with a new resolution:

"I'm not brave. I'm actually pretty scared a lot of the time but I must like being scared because I keep doing things that scare me."

"Every day I make an effort to go toward what I don't understand."

                                                                                                                                          Yo Yo Ma

SPEND LIFE WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU HAPPY, NOT WHO YOU HAVE TO IMPRESS.

                                                                                                                            - unknown

WISHING YOU A HAPPY, PEACEFUL, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND ART FILLED LIFE 

IN 2012. 

NOW RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO THE NEW YEAR!!!! HERE HERE.