The Art of Creative Pursuits and Passions

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Finding Even More Happy In August

I scheduled some much needed time off from work starting today, Saturday, August 27. I mention that because I don't know if I'll finish this post tonight so I want to be honest about my "today." Having just returned from my today, let me tell you it made me more than happy. It made me blissful and blessed.

I chose to start my day attending two of my favorite farmers' markets, greencity Market and another on Division Street, both I now miss due to my weekend schedule. It's a see-good, smell-good, hear-good, feel-good and TASTE good festival. A healthy high.

I bought basil, tomatoes, blueberries, parsley, peppers and honey. I've finally learned to discipline myself at the market because so much of what I would buy ended up getting wasted and pitched. Money doesn't grow on trees or in the ground unfortunately :(

On to another festival: the Bucktown Arts Fest. It is a good show, quite competitive to get into, tried twice unsuccessfully several years ago. I had a mission/intention going to this show. I have not attended many this summer and was feeling it. I felt the need to be around and connect with other artists - those brave souls doing an outdoor show- for inspiration and kindred-ship (is that even a word?)

First stop, one of my favorite artists/heroes, Anne Leuck Feldhaus as she was literally wrapping up a sale! She was unaware that this was even taken. I never want to intrude on any artist at a show with a camera. I bought a small painting.

Another artist/hero , who I recently wrote about, is Melissa Banks. She was also unaware that I took this. But I wanted to visually introduce you to her and her phenomenal jewelry since I didn't before.

And then there is Jennifer Meyer, sistersan, a beautiful and phenomenal sculptor and welder of recycled materials. We met three years ago doing an Architectural Artifacts Holiday show and she is one of the greatest gifts to enter my life from that show. She is richly soulful, spiritual, wise and ridiculously funny. I haven't seen Jen for two years? but we are so connected that the physical didn't matter. Seeing her after this lapse of time was the best! She knew her picture was being taken and didn't want it. She was exhausted from the preparation for this show. I begged. :)

Two bookcases made from recycled filing cabinets. These are jaw dropping in person!!

Talking to her for some time at the show was empowering, touching and emotional for me. We never truly know the impact we have on other peoples lives, be it from our art or being, until your hear or read their words directly. I am so grateful I got to hear those words and take home a piece of her art as well.

Make Room For Clutter

ClutterClutterClutter. I'm surrounded by it at home. Not a source of comfort. Au contrare. However when used creatively, which I am in the process of doing, it can be a source of inspiration.... a new work in progress - mixed media graffiti style painting. It's suffocating just doing it.

In a recent blog post written by Los Angeles artist and Feng Shui consultant Anita Rosenberg, whose entire body of work and life I admire and am awed by, she wrote about the function of clutter. We could all be far more productive by getting rid of the some subtle and blatant clutter of home and surroundings. It really says a lot about us as an individual and what is going in "inside." It could not be more timely. It is wonderful and I would like to share it with you:

http://mylalifestyle.com/2011/08/taming-clutter-monster.html

Clutter has no geographic boundaries. You have to make them. I am aware of the impact it can have on every aspect of my life. I see it, feel it, think it, hear it, live it. I don't even want to imagine what it would taste like. On rare occasions, you can be inspired by it.

I titled this post Make Room For Clutter when in reality it should be Let's Not. For now, I'll finish cluttering up my painting, hence making room for clutter,and really try de-cluttering my home and mind. I am inspired by and making room for both.

P.S.: Did you notice how uncluttered this blog post is? It's a start.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Finding The Happy In August

If I could eliminate one month out of the year, like the 13th floor of a highrise, it would be the month of August. I would still acknowledge and wish all the people I know with August birthdays a Happy Birthday. It just wouldn't be on my personal calendar. I don't know exactly what it is about August that always gives me so much angst. Don't even get me started politically.

In times like these, I gotta find the happy. It's a process:

I reworked and consolidated these stoneware faces from Terra Cottage that I had for eight years and put them on one painted wood panel. Photo did not come out well but I like them and they're fun.

I actually am still on a high from this. Sir Paul and I share the same birthday- June 18th. Other than that.....

I'm not exactly sure IF this would this help me with August. Shows perhaps? I've been a spectator and not a participant with this one. The people doing it seem to be happy. It looks likes fun. Moving on....

I actually have been a participant in this one in the past and almost got certified before I got sick from ingesting dirty Lake Michigan harbor water. I have to start all over again. Art has taken over for now. Alas, I am a spectator until I ingratiate or find my way onto someone's boat. This does make me happy seeing the sailboats on the lake and in the harbor.

What REALLY makes me happy in August so far is seeing my new work in Flourish Studios. I love that I am starting over in a place called Flourish!

I dropped off a few mixed media pieces and bangles last Monday and they were on the floor when I stopped by briefly Friday night for an event. This is not the final display but they wanted to get them out and I am very happy. I will write more about them in a future post. Talk about a feel good place!

I am waiting to hear about getting in a gallery soon and working on new pieces and prospects. There are only sixteen days left in August. A lot can still happen so I'll just keep trying to find the happy.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Why Don't I Do More Shows, You Ask?

One of the many things I absolutely love about being an artist is getting in my safe, secluded creative bubble and creating out of my comfort zone. It doesn't take long before that particular creative bubble is maxed out, along with some finances, when the itch and necessity to venture out, face the public and Internet with my art takes hold. Yep, don my marketing and selling hat and get to the real work. Beret, fascinator, stetson, hard hat, your fashionable choice.

Art fairs and shows are a natural and necessary vehicle for artists to show and SELL their work. Indoor and outdoor. It is the best way to interact and connect with the public one on one, artistically and professionally. You can get verbal and non-verbal feedback about your work, SELL IT direct and build a customer base.

Now that I officially declared my new artistic style as mixed media from functional, it is time to get this new work out there and sell it. No holds barred. It is Show time!

Except.....I have a fear of doing shows and some excuses for not doing them. Let's rattle off three fears: financial-recouping my booth and expenses and not selling my work or enough of it; emotional-EGO/rejection; and physical - I don't own a car and limited residential space to store a tent. I actually sold my new tent several years ago after only two shows to a macro green farmer for farmers' markets in Wisconsin. I have indoor and outdoor show experience so I do know of which I speak. Outdoor leaves me traumatized.

Artists put their heart and souls into their creations and most of all COURAGE into their shows. There is an investment on EVERY LEVEL and I admire and respect their courage for making the haul and going the full distance(s). I'll have what they're having :).

Let me share one example of an extraordinary artist profile in courage and another one of my personal artist heroes, Melissa Banks of Rapt In Maille. She is a full time WORKING (and oh does she) artist and designer of chain maille jewelry and does lots and lots of shows. She posted a recent outdoor experience at the Ann Arbor 2011 show on her blog that left me gasping. I want you to read it too. Perhaps you will gain an ever greater appreciation and insight of and for an artist's show life. Why do they do this?

Please click on the link below, to see what it is and can be like doing an outdoor show:

http://www.raptinmaille.com/blogs/news/3688562-ann-arbor-2011

I would love to again possess what it takes to do what she and every outdoor artist in particular does. I suppose I will some day. I certainly have a reason to do more shows- New Mixed Media creations and old excuses to go with them.

Thank goodness for the artists who help, instruct, inspire, lead, share and are honest with what is it truly like doing shows- Retail, Wholesale, Indoor and/or Outdoor. They are the pioneers and models for me to again GET OVER IT!

Recent read: Ceramic artist Eva Zeisel is 104 years old and still making art. She is introducing a new line of lamps and when recently asked in the WSJ:

Q: What do you want to achieve with your new lamps?
A: I want to sell them.

Ms. Zeisel, that's all I want to do with my new art. Did you do shows? If so, how long did it take to get over the fear?

P.S. I have an indoor show coming up in October-Ravenswood Artwalk! We'll see about more before this year is up. I'm not holding my breath. Definitely 2012.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Mixed Media in Motion

I know it takes time for new sources of creative energy to find their way and take hold. That hasn't stopped me from continually getting impatient and frustrated with my creative process and progress. Juggling a full time job with full time artistic aspirations, dreams, and goals leaves my head spinning. It also produces wasted energy, frustration, and delays.

8"x8" Whim(sical) Mixed Media Painting on wood panel (Marilyn Grad c@2011)

Going through Indiana recently on my way back to Chicago, there are several fields of wind turbines. If you've ever driven through Indiana there isn't too much to look at. It's boring. As a passenger and not a driver, I was observing these supreme functional art sculptures in simplistic and powerful motion. I started thinking about ways I can change my thinking and approach. The answer my friend was blowing in the wind.


Wind turbines in Indiana.

Two ways to officially change an approach is to alter a word and modify a font. And last week I did just that. I went from being "Functional" Creations to "Mixed Media" Creations. You can see it at the top of this blog, on my website and business cards. Mixed Media is so much easier to describe than functional, believe it or not, which saves energy in the selling and marketing process.

Like turbines, it is going to take time and far more effort on my part for my new found mixed media creative happiness to catch on. Naturally. Organically. Creatively. It is also going to require me to get over some of my show issues, and do more shows. That will be the focus of my next blog post.

If all you can do is crawl, start crawling.

Rumi

So next post: a change in approach to doing shows... with some real help from artists that do them and live them. Honest, insightful, and inspirational perspective. (One tease: Melissa Banks of Rapt in Maille)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Taking Advantage of the Summer

New Whim(sical) Mixed Media work in progress; Copyright Marilyn Grad 2011

There is something about Summer that necessitates finding the perfect imbalance between work and pleasure. Because of that, I am taking this moment to tip the scales more on the side of pleasure. It's best to take advantage of it because Summer goes by so quickly. I have workaholic tendencies.

So for the sake of imbalance and me, I write another even more Randomly Speaking post:

One of my favorite things to do is to go to Ravinia Park to hear outdoor concerts and picnic on the lawn. The scenery is so peaceful and serene. I went this past Friday night to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the weather was perfect:

Since my dearest friend Tereza and I both got off from our respective jobs early, we chose to arrive soon after the park opened to the public @ 5:30. This allowed us to secure a nice location, relax, take in the sights and scenery and just unwind. Concert started at 8:00.

I picked up some "easy to transport" food. Some might find some of this kinda boring. I eat very healthy 98% of the time. Not shown, the wine and ice cream. We're gonna need it. Trust me.

As I mentioned, one of the advantages of arriving early is to secure your spot. Once you do, it is easy to become somewhat territorial with your space and surroundings. Twenty minutes after we had staked our claim, this couple decides to position themselves a yard (literally) away from us. SERIOUSLY???? A few feet more and we wouldn't have felt intruded upon. But it was still so early and the park had LOTS of wide open space yearning to be occupied. This gets better or worse depending on your perspective. Soon after and straight ahead, this:

Not exactly the "takin' in the scenery" I had in mind. At this juncture, Tereza and I are looking at each other and around at all our too close for comfort neighbors in disbelief. REALLY??? This close??? I get my camera, seeing material for this blog in the making, and all the while laughing so hard it hurt. Great for the abs, btw. Tears were rolling down my face, unfortunately not blinding enough that I could still see the sight ahead. I'm laughing now trying to I write this.

Tereza between disbelief and laughing too! We decided to strategically place bags around our area so the plumber shot was partially obscured. It depended on whether you sat up or reclined. Anyway, the concert was spectacular.
It was fun.

Next: The DuSable Museum held an African Fine Arts and Craft Fair yesterday. I love African art in addition to Asian and Eastern. I went after work for some new ideas and influences and to see if anything called out to me. It didn't.

Summer Reading: Snow Flower and Secret Fan by Lisa See; next: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Nothing like reading before the movies come out!

A quote:

One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

Last but not least, I saw this engraved in the sidewalk across the street from me. I DIDN'T even do it!! All for the love of wet cement and the name Marilyn. And Summer.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

More Randomly Speaking...Signs of Self Expression

It's time again for Randomly Speaking...random and eclectic things I come across that catch my eye, inspire and provide occasional amusement when I'm blocked or feel a tad stretched aka stressed. I haven't been Randomly Speaking for awhile and I definitely feel like writing. So here goes:

Walking down a well trafficked Chicago side street last week, with my mind and thoughts going in several directions, I saw this sign of the times in the window. Yes, we all can use some occasional help. Some are more open and honest about it than others and are willing to ask for it:

Having recently launched my new website and creations, I am in the process of marketing to rediscover my market and establish my audience. I began that process last Saturday at a fantastic cafe, surrounded by other great artists and so appropriately named:

Some of my new work is on display and for sale here!
4019 N. Damen (Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen), Chicago

Some quotable words of wisdom, especially in the creative process:

Insist on yourself. Never imitate. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never give up on something that you can't go a day without doing. Unknown

8"x8" Mixed Media on Wood Panel

DAY 1 OF SUMMER!!!! IT'S OFFICIALLY HERE TODAY!!
ENJOY IT.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Sending Three Geisha on Their Way

I just said goodbye to Three Geisha via FedEx. This is the first painting sold from my new website. They will have a beautiful new home in Sarasota, Florida. I know they will fit in well and adore their new wall space...and their owners!

No separation anxiety here. Just pride and joy.

A moment... and a toast:

Here's to more sales, more moments and more wall space wanting to be filled with my work.

Thank you Holly!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Full Circle and Down the Pike

China Red 3 piece Bangle Set

My new website is up. Five simple and joyous words that took only 5 seconds to type. The website, on the other hand, took eighteen months of arduous mental preparation and five months physical preparation.

The leap right now for me is putting (okay..allowing) more of Me and my personal influences into my work. It may, and most likely will, draw a different audience than some of my prior work. I don't know for sure. I have to market the "new" and see what happens.

My "plans" are to create more wall art, jewelry and keep a few of the boxes. I'm leaving flex room for different creations down the pike.


"Happiness is Finding Balance" Mixed Media/Collage on canvas

With most creative and technical delays behind me, it's time to personally embark on the "new" and cheer. Spring is here...at least that what it says on the calendar. Regardless, I am ready to put the spring back into my hand and blossom.

I invite you visit the new website: marilyngrad.com. If you would, please Like me on my Facebook page link that is on the website. I would be so appreciative.

There are still a few more things to do on the site but the foundation is built. My excitement and passion are back making this particular process all worth it. I hope it shows.

Art is illusion of spontaneity.
Japanese Proverb

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Letting Go Of Unsold Art

Edit

You are probably asking yourself WHAT IS THIS and what purpose does this serve? I wasn't sure myself at initial glance when I saw it last weekend at the Artropolis show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. As an artist and someone who appreciates art and shows, and for every artist who is making or trying to make a living from their art and passion, this pile actually says alot. Keep reading and you'll understand.

Artropolis is three shows in one: Art Chicago, NEXT and Antiques. Art Chicago is an international fair of Contemporary and Modern Art while NEXT is an invitational exhibition of emerging art. This exhibit/booth in question was located in the NEXT section. (Personal note: I enjoyed Art Chicago but I enjoyed the NEXT portion more.)

At first glance, I was curious, lured, and a wee cynical until I started observing and talking to the artists in this booth. It was mixed media art, performance art, and passionate causal sales pitches all rolled into one. Some of the proceeds from the sold art were going to be donated to PAWS. The more I watched and listened, I got it and it got to me. How long should you hold onto your work if it hasn't sold?

I have earlier work and painted boxes I would love to get rid of as they take up valued space. I would also love/need to sell my new work. (Another personal note: New website is almost done and you will be able to buy from it!) It is so easy to hold on and get attached to your pieces: Personal favorites that haven't sold with the hope they still might; or hold on to see the progress and evolution made. Ha, I sure have improved since 1998. When you take into account the material expenses, time, labor, EGO, rejection, and space it takes up mentally and physically, what are you left with? A sentence ending in a preposition -a no-no.

The artist making his passionate pitch on his work w/ 19 minutes to go before potential destruction.

Should it be preserved, rescued or meet a violent death in front of an audience? You may be able to see alot of picture hooks that once held paintings. Some were sold. There were a few red dots. Many others not. The pile at the top of this post were some of the ones that didn't. This was only a few hours of a 4 day show. Can you imagine? I don't want to.

To all the art collectors: If you connect with a piece of art and can afford it, please buy it. Please don't stand idly by. Time may be running out and it just might not be around. Hopefully it SOLD and has good home.

I'm still undecided how I will let go of unsold work and set up a time line. I do need to let go though, that's for sure. I will recycle and re-purpose when I can.

One last side note: The pile of unsold paintings gets recycled by the artist.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Teasers & Soundbites

A sneak peek of just a few pieces of my new work- not the final versions. Hopefully not too much longer for a total new website unveiling. There's tweaking, cropping, photo enhancing, writing, and some new software to learn in the process. That's always fun. Not really. I'm getting technical help to speed some things up. Then to market to market to sell.

Are we having fun yet? Talk to me.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Painting with Numbers: 3, 7, 21, 711510

Artists Who Thrive. What a concept! It's definitely a personal aspiration. In real and virtual reality, it is more than a concept. It is a resourceful website and Facebook page that helps artists effectively market and sell their art. I LIKE them on FB. And it inspires me. I welcome any and all assistance to grow and remove obstacles in my path.

My de-Obstacle committee of 3: Deities Ganesha, Buddha, Durga.
I have this in the entry of my apartment. My dabble with a recycled shelf I had, mosaic glass tiles, acrylic paint.
The photo doesn't do it justice. Shot it my laundry room. Clean though.

I have not been feeling the artist "thrive." Just the opposite. I am behind in fulfilling the things I said I was "expecting" and said to have done by now. Website, new work created, shot, and MARKETING. I'll share a little well known secret about "expectations": DON'T HAVE THEM. For those who know me and those who don't: yes, I can be very hard on myself.

According to an extensive 2010 survey commissioned by Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) and posted on a recent ArtistsWhoThrive FB page, I came across two statistical findings that gave me a sense of belonging and made me feel less like an "outsider" artist:

Seven in 10 artists hold at least one job in addition to making art.

I have a full time job with a schedule that changes weekly. Last year I had two jobs in addition to making art. That didn't last too long. Hooray.

"Artists who earn less than 21% of their income from their artwork are the least likely to market themselves in any way."

Since my art is changing from what I have done in the past, I haven't done much marketing this year or last. There's the 21. It has taken time for me to fully emerge and solidify. I do have a photo shoot scheduled for next week. A professional one! And there has been offline work on the new website.

As for 711510, that’s the IRS code for full time artists. The ultimate number I aspire to and fantasize about, but don't expect soon.

Whatever, I plan and will continue to be an artist who thrives. That means continue having a full time job, working at creating and marketing new work, and try to control font size when I can (having lots of trouble with this post for some reason -hrumph.) It is a numbers game (and software) and I'm in regardless.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Raghava KK, Ted.com and Me

When I paint, write, ponder my process, or sulk, I tend to have music, television or silence in the background. Lately, I have been pooling more from Ted.com. I find motivation, insight, inspiration from these lectures. I am indulging and sharing one more, even if I do feel quite the slacker compared to Indian artist Raghava KK. It's not always healthy to compare yourself to others. In this case, it's SOOOO true. After this TED in this space, it's back to sharing my new creations. Have more work to do on them before then but getting close.

For me, its the power of his passion, cockiness, confidence, reinvention, enthusiasm, talent, vulnerability, honesty and humor that is SO INFECTIOUS. I have admirable envy. Isn't he Wonderful!!!