Commissioned work

I just realized that I can finally post this. It's a commission I did at the end of '07 (a Christmas gift for my client's wife). It was fun to work with, and I was able to choose from a number of photos. I tried to pick the one closest to my personal aesthetic, just in case I wanted to use it in my portfolio. (this painting is 9x12 inches, oil on masonite)

Great Art

In this week's "Deep Thought Thursday" article, Alyson B. Stanfield raised the question "Is all risky art great?". At first I was inclined to just answer that question with a simple "yes" or "no", but then it made me think. On one hand, to the artist who took the risk, any "risky" art they create is great, because it took some degree of guts and creativity to produce. Hence why it was a risk. On the other hand, a lot of contemporary art is touted as being risky, a word tossed in to proclaim its immediate brilliance. Plenty of "shocking" or "risky" art gets attention, but does this make it great or memorable? But going back to the individual artist taking a risk, not knowing if the experiment will work, or if the gallery will accept the piece, or if the piece will sell if it is accepted. Even if the artwork falls short of being "good" and is ultimately rejected, the artist at least learned something new from creating it.. There was some bit of information that could be carried over into the next piece, or maybe not at all. So, I suppose I'm split down the middle on this one. If "risky" is being used as a trendy word to tell me that smearing poo on glass is great art, then perhaps I disagree. However, if risky describes the artist's struggle to grow and develop themselves, then yes, all risky art is great (despite a good or bad outcome). Either way, I think Alyson's question is a fun one to consider. :)

Studio setup

Last year one of my goals was to move into a space where I could have enough room and natural light for painting. When Albert and I got engaged, we needed a bigger place anyway, so I attached my requirements to the deal. Having a studio separate from an apartment is too costly, and I didn't want to waste time commuting. We were used to living in studio apartments already (single room), so moving into a one bedroom we split up the space; one room for living/sleeping, and the other exclusively for work. (We just recently moved this desk in and set up my office.. At some point I plan to get a cork board for over the desk) While I don't work with oils very often any more, I wanted the option available. I also needed an area to make a mess and cut mattes, not to mention photograph my finished artwork. All in all, it's nothing fancy, but it's exactly what I need at this time. My primary objective was to examine my work habits, and set up something where I would have no excuse to slack off (good light, plenty of space, no commute, no additional costs, and no need to be home for dinner). It's exceptionally easy to squeeze in a final two or three hours of rendering into my day. Now I just need to find time to organize my studio's closet space. :P

Happy 2008 New Year!

Albert and I just got back from visiting with family, and I already have a nice long to-do list of things that need doing (including the prep work for my long awaited Senior Show at the Academy). With it being the New Year though, I took a look at the things I accomplished in 2007, and I made a fresh list of goals for 2008. Last Year (2007), I accomplished these things: -Graduated with my BFA. -Got married. -Moved into a better / bigger studio space with sunlight. -Remodeled website (twice over). -Got an art-related job (two, actually). -Started painting and sketching on a daily basis. -Began formulating a mailing list. -Won one award from a juried show. -Got into an emerging artists gallery. -Was in 10 group shows. -Produced over 30 new drawings (and a few paintings - including a commission). For this year (2008), I want to: -Remodel and organize my studio space for studio visits. -Have an Open Studio. -Get into a more prestigious gallery. -Publish work. -Free up more time for production (work less, paint more). -Show more locally (in San Francisco). It's a short list so far, but I'm having trouble verbalizing some of my goals. As it is every year, I want to push myself to create better art. Part of that will be freeing up my time, and I also need to stop looking at trendy things (and thinking about whether or not my work is trendy). What else it entails, I'll have to wait and see. Other things I have a jump start on (fixing up the studio), and I'll post about them in the next day or two. :) P.S. Got a new camera for Christmas.. nice little Elph 1000 I can throw into my bag. I'm looking forward to snapping some references during my lunch breaks; optimizing time is a must right now.