Time for rejoicing and hopeful thoughts!
I have procured myself an Etsy marketplace to help sell my reproductions and originals. I am slowly working on getting more inventory up on the site. And as each item I post costs me $.20 I'm not putting up a whole lot right at once. You can find my shop at kathrynscollages.etsy.com
You can either purchase items through that website or you can send special requests through email. Through the website would be easier for me because it have Paypal all set up. I am of course down at the Boise Farmer's Market and that will be cheaper for you all around because I include the tax in my prices there as well as there is no shipping cost when you buy from me locally.
Oh, yes and I will have select work available at other locations locally on consignment. I will post more information soon. But for now, go check out my shop!
kathrynscollages.etsy.com
July 29, 2009
July 20, 2009
No Market this Weekend
Just wanted to let everyone know that I won't be down at the Farmer's Market this weekend (the 25th) selling my art & reproductions. I will be traveling far and wide to the eastern part of the state for a wedding.
I will be back for the following weekend have no fear.
I will be back for the following weekend have no fear.
July 12, 2009
Printing Greener
When I started my art & design business I decided to donate 5% of my profits tot eh National Wildlife Federation. I didn't do this because it's a trend or to make myself look better. I did this because I have always been an environmentalist. I grew up watching documentaries about nature on The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. I watched a lot of veterinarian shows because I had planned on becoming one when I was younger. I also donate a portion of my profits because I realized that designers have a lot of power in their hands. My thesis in college was about that subject and that because of this power to convince & sell that we should use this ability to create a positive impact upon the world. My thesis was called Design for Social and Environmental Improvement, and that is why my main website domain was named that. My art is now in its own domain at kathrynscollages.org. In my business I don't do work for those that I feel have a questionable motive or for those that care very little for anything other than making money. I give my skills to those that have something good to give to the world.
In this theme I've finally managed to score myself a green printer for a good price. I'm getting my business cards through Greenerprinter.com now. They offer paper that is exclusively made up of recycled papers. They use (also exclusively) soy and vegetable inks that are low in Volatile Organic Compounds. Because they focus on printing in this fashion they can keep the costs down - unlike printers that print on whatever paper and use whatever inks they feel like unless you specifically request the recycled stuff (which will have their own special price and that's generally going to cost you more). They are 'Operating as a carbon-neutral business via carbon offsets of shipping emissions and investments of Renewable Energy Credits to offset emissions from operations.' There are many more things that are supremely awesome & green about them but I won't bore you with those. If you'd like more info about them visit their website found at http://www.greenerprinter.com/.
Because I've just finished my new website dedicated to my fine art I've needed to make new business cards specifically for it. Plus I need new cards for the Farmer's Market & it was a good opportunity to take advantage of this green printer. The basic design in the same as my last one but it updated with the new website address and title. Oh, and I have my special 'I donate 5% of all profits to the National Wildlife Federation.' shpeel on the back of the card along with the printers info about the paper ('Printed on 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waster, processed chlorine-free paper by greenerprinter.com'). I'm happy with the design and happy that my cards aren't going to be one more thing to hurt this place that we live in.
In this theme I've finally managed to score myself a green printer for a good price. I'm getting my business cards through Greenerprinter.com now. They offer paper that is exclusively made up of recycled papers. They use (also exclusively) soy and vegetable inks that are low in Volatile Organic Compounds. Because they focus on printing in this fashion they can keep the costs down - unlike printers that print on whatever paper and use whatever inks they feel like unless you specifically request the recycled stuff (which will have their own special price and that's generally going to cost you more). They are 'Operating as a carbon-neutral business via carbon offsets of shipping emissions and investments of Renewable Energy Credits to offset emissions from operations.' There are many more things that are supremely awesome & green about them but I won't bore you with those. If you'd like more info about them visit their website found at http://www.greenerprinter.com/.
Because I've just finished my new website dedicated to my fine art I've needed to make new business cards specifically for it. Plus I need new cards for the Farmer's Market & it was a good opportunity to take advantage of this green printer. The basic design in the same as my last one but it updated with the new website address and title. Oh, and I have my special 'I donate 5% of all profits to the National Wildlife Federation.' shpeel on the back of the card along with the printers info about the paper ('Printed on 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waster, processed chlorine-free paper by greenerprinter.com'). I'm happy with the design and happy that my cards aren't going to be one more thing to hurt this place that we live in.
July 10, 2009
Little Jewel
Little Jewel is the name of my latest piece. This gem has the dimensions of 10inches by 13 inches and currently is completely colored pencil. I have not yet decided if I'm going to doing any collaging to it, pressed flowers or paper being the options. I'd probably do pressed flowers but I think it might be strong enough to stand on its own without it. To me this piece seems very strong in an illustrative style. A friend says that's to be expected because it's done with colored pencil but some of my other pieces are definitely far more photo realistic - the Division of Semblance piece for example.
This piece isn't available in reproductions as of yet. Give me a few weeks.
Little Jewel
Colored Pencil (may be collaged later)
2009, 10"x13"
There is a fun story behind this piece. For those of you who have a love of all things outdoors you will enjoy this me thinks. Those of you who don't like bugs may not. Just pretend this Little Jewel is made of jade or emerald.
This grasshopper was seen outside of my back porch sitting in a red/orange lily for days. I would try to remove him and he would return to this same spot. One flower would die and he'd move to another one. Finally one day I went out and he had changed color to a light tan and had grown wings, later that same day he disappeared.
I'm amazed he didn't get spotted by a bird. This is a colorblindness piece in the sense that the grasshopper had no idea that he stood out so strongly against that red lily.
The original photo of this that I took I'm thinking about entering into the NWF photo contest. The deadline for that is the 20th of July for those who are interested in photography.
This piece isn't available in reproductions as of yet. Give me a few weeks.
Little Jewel
Colored Pencil (may be collaged later)
2009, 10"x13"
There is a fun story behind this piece. For those of you who have a love of all things outdoors you will enjoy this me thinks. Those of you who don't like bugs may not. Just pretend this Little Jewel is made of jade or emerald.
This grasshopper was seen outside of my back porch sitting in a red/orange lily for days. I would try to remove him and he would return to this same spot. One flower would die and he'd move to another one. Finally one day I went out and he had changed color to a light tan and had grown wings, later that same day he disappeared.
I'm amazed he didn't get spotted by a bird. This is a colorblindness piece in the sense that the grasshopper had no idea that he stood out so strongly against that red lily.
The original photo of this that I took I'm thinking about entering into the NWF photo contest. The deadline for that is the 20th of July for those who are interested in photography.
July 8, 2009
Shocking! aka No Books for Me
So in my last note I mentioned that I emailed that book publisher about how many books I'd be getting for free if I participated. They actually emailed me back this morning and this is what they wrote (minus names and formality greetings):
'Thank you for contacting us. The $40 entry fee does NOT include any books. The books will retail for approximately $39.'
Shocking. I already knew the answer before I asked but I wanted to confirm my suspicions. Not even a discount for those that are featured in this book. Amazing.
Not that I want one, not with 200 artists cramming their work together in a 400 page book. I can't hardly imagine that could possibly look nice (graphic design class talking here) or do the artists and their work any proper justice or representation at all.
I do hope that this note and my last one will find their way to other artists who might be considering this and to think long and hard before taking part in this type of thing. The lure of becoming a 'published artist' or the awesomeness of being in a random book should absolutely not overshadow what these people are actually doing. This does not help an artist at all, it's a waste of money and in my book (that I'm selling for $40, j/k) is very dubious and might as well fall into the realm of scams.
Don't fall into the trap. No one will be impressed, especially not gallery owners. Write your own book, teach classes, apply to galleries, get online (beware artist website scams also), get into shows and competitions that are reputable, and participate in farmer's markets if you can. Even sell your stuff on eBay, just don't participate in a Vanity Press or a Vanity Gallery. It's bad news.
'Thank you for contacting us. The $40 entry fee does NOT include any books. The books will retail for approximately $39.'
Shocking. I already knew the answer before I asked but I wanted to confirm my suspicions. Not even a discount for those that are featured in this book. Amazing.
Not that I want one, not with 200 artists cramming their work together in a 400 page book. I can't hardly imagine that could possibly look nice (graphic design class talking here) or do the artists and their work any proper justice or representation at all.
I do hope that this note and my last one will find their way to other artists who might be considering this and to think long and hard before taking part in this type of thing. The lure of becoming a 'published artist' or the awesomeness of being in a random book should absolutely not overshadow what these people are actually doing. This does not help an artist at all, it's a waste of money and in my book (that I'm selling for $40, j/k) is very dubious and might as well fall into the realm of scams.
Don't fall into the trap. No one will be impressed, especially not gallery owners. Write your own book, teach classes, apply to galleries, get online (beware artist website scams also), get into shows and competitions that are reputable, and participate in farmer's markets if you can. Even sell your stuff on eBay, just don't participate in a Vanity Press or a Vanity Gallery. It's bad news.
July 7, 2009
An Opportunity for Vanity
'But then you'd be published!'
This is a quote from a young man that I chatted with a few weeks ago when he came and saw my art booth out at the Edward's Greenhouse evening market. Is that, being published, the height and aim of an art career? Is it a stepping stone to becoming well know and filthy rich? Perhaps for some it gives the feeling of validation, of having another item for their Artist Resume, of being able to proudly proclaim to gallery owners that they are a published artist and obviously deserve the respect of their work that they so desperately want.
Or, perhaps being a 'published artist' isn't all glory and power over galleries some might think.
I recently was contacted (by email) by 'Best of Artists and Kennedy Publishing' and they were very excited to tell me that I've been selected (make that pre-approved) to be included in the Best of Worldwide Charcoal, Pastel and Pencil Artists Volume I art book competition. Evidently they went to my website, and decided they like two of my pieces - Lanterns and Objectivity. They then go on to say that 'If you choose to enter the competition you have been juried in and are guaranteed a TWO PAGE FULL COLOR LAYOUT of your artwork (a total of 2- 4 images) plus your contact information and /or gallery representation in the book. '
Pretty sweet deal! What else do I get...
'You will receive a TWO PAGE FULL COLOR LAYOUT of your artwork (a total of 2-4 images) in the beautiful Best of Worldwide Artists Volume I book, your contact information in the book, you will be listed in a special international section in our new on-line US Visual Art Guide (www.usvisualartguide.com), a permanent listing on Bestofartists.com (BOAA), inclusion in the online PDF copy of the book viewable on BOAA indefinitely and a preview jpg of your pages prior to printing. Also your artwork will be in the running for the front and back covers. Our previous books have sold thousands of copies in the United States and abroad and have been used by artists to promote their work to galleries, collectors and museums.'
Wait, I thought I was suppose to be printed in the Charcoal, Pastel and Pencil book, now I'm getting in this other book? Which book am I going in? And both of these are a volume I? Interesting. Lots of things, I must be feeling flattered at this point and ready to shell out some cash. And it's not that much cash either...
So there's a 'competition fee'. With that 'fee' you can enter up to 10 high res images, the two they liked that they mentioned before plus 8 others. Entry fees are normal for competitions except that as they stated - I've already been juried in.
It turns out that fee is used to publish the book. Wait, what? Don't legitimate publishers absorb all of the publishing costs, marketing, printing, editing, and so on AND then pay the author for using their material? Publishing companies make their money by selling books, not by *printing* them. Why are they telling me that I'm paying to get this printed? And on top of that they make no mention of me, who is giving them the PRIVILEGE of including my work in their book, of getting any books for free to give out perhaps to gallery owners or to have at shows. No, the book costs another $39. And you can only order it from a very select list of vendors. And you can guess that doesn't mean anywhere anyone goes to buy books.
This is what they write in the email, and I will give them credit for being honest and upfront about it, even though it is misleading:
'Why the entry fee? Despite our unique selection process we are still a publishing/promotion company hosting competitions. We also must incur all the creative, editorial, layout and design costs that go into the publishing, distribution and promotion of a beautiful two volume book. '
As it should be, except they don't pay for it at all, they make their authors pay for that. They say that it is about a 400 page book and if every artist gets 2 full pages and each pay a minimum of $40 plus another $39 to just get their hands on the book? I think you get the idea. I think I do too.
They are a Vanity Press and using one does no favors to anyone (except the 'publisher') and most definitely not the authors who publish through them. In fact legit publishers will be quite cautious, not that they aren't all ready overly cautious when choosing book to print, when considering you when they know that you've gone the Vanity Press route.
After I got the email trying to sell me on the idea I went and looked them up to see what I could find. There are forums asking about these people and their Best of Artist books and the consensus that I'm seeing is that these types of books are a bad idea. Agents tell their artists that these books will not result in sales, other say that you can spend your $40 in a much better way to advertise yourself/your work, and that these people (who knows if this is a scam) will have a bunch of high resolution scans of your work to do with as they please. And note that copyright doesn't mean a thing to some people, I've heard of people using books like that to get 'inspiration' where they basically steal your work and change it just enough so that you can't take them to court over it.
I had another reason, now what was it?
Oh yes, I also went and looked at their websites for the Best of Artist people and for the books themselves and those websites I can tell you are *very* template-y. As in it looks like they spent 5 minutes grabbing a template off a template-mill site and propped it up and pretend like it's a legit site. Very dubious about that. Not professional or respectable looking at all and I know what I'm talking about having been making websites since I was 12. I also went and looked up this publisher this afternoon and they talk about how you can get anything you want published for a fee. They don't come out and say it of course but that is a classic Vanity Press. They have been in existence since 2005, or so says their website. I doubt very much that they are respected in the hard-core art world, or by gallery owners. One other thing someone brought up in the forums was the question of 'who is going to buy these books?' And it's not like we the artists, who are basically the authors here, are getting any royalties for letting them use our work. These books aren't on Amazon, or any other big retailer where any normal human-being is going to be shopping. No, you basically can only order them through the publisher's website and you can bet that most of those sales are going to be from the artists themselves that are featured in that book.
It's like those 'Who's Who of America' books they try to make you pay to get your name in.
At least someone figured out how to make money in this economy. Kudos for that. Just not with my money, thankyou. I'm afraid becoming a 'published artist' in this manner doesn't interest me at all. Oh, and I sent them an email tonight asking how many free books I'd get if I participated in this. Stay tuned to see if they even respond. Which they probably will and tell me that I can get a book if I give them more money.
And if you don't believe me go look up the definition of Vanity Press. Or just go to this link: http://www.answers.com/topic/vanity-press
This is a quote from a young man that I chatted with a few weeks ago when he came and saw my art booth out at the Edward's Greenhouse evening market. Is that, being published, the height and aim of an art career? Is it a stepping stone to becoming well know and filthy rich? Perhaps for some it gives the feeling of validation, of having another item for their Artist Resume, of being able to proudly proclaim to gallery owners that they are a published artist and obviously deserve the respect of their work that they so desperately want.
Or, perhaps being a 'published artist' isn't all glory and power over galleries some might think.
I recently was contacted (by email) by 'Best of Artists and Kennedy Publishing' and they were very excited to tell me that I've been selected (make that pre-approved) to be included in the Best of Worldwide Charcoal, Pastel and Pencil Artists Volume I art book competition. Evidently they went to my website, and decided they like two of my pieces - Lanterns and Objectivity. They then go on to say that 'If you choose to enter the competition you have been juried in and are guaranteed a TWO PAGE FULL COLOR LAYOUT of your artwork (a total of 2- 4 images) plus your contact information and /or gallery representation in the book. '
Pretty sweet deal! What else do I get...
'You will receive a TWO PAGE FULL COLOR LAYOUT of your artwork (a total of 2-4 images) in the beautiful Best of Worldwide Artists Volume I book, your contact information in the book, you will be listed in a special international section in our new on-line US Visual Art Guide (www.usvisualartguide.com), a permanent listing on Bestofartists.com (BOAA), inclusion in the online PDF copy of the book viewable on BOAA indefinitely and a preview jpg of your pages prior to printing. Also your artwork will be in the running for the front and back covers. Our previous books have sold thousands of copies in the United States and abroad and have been used by artists to promote their work to galleries, collectors and museums.'
Wait, I thought I was suppose to be printed in the Charcoal, Pastel and Pencil book, now I'm getting in this other book? Which book am I going in? And both of these are a volume I? Interesting. Lots of things, I must be feeling flattered at this point and ready to shell out some cash. And it's not that much cash either...
So there's a 'competition fee'. With that 'fee' you can enter up to 10 high res images, the two they liked that they mentioned before plus 8 others. Entry fees are normal for competitions except that as they stated - I've already been juried in.
It turns out that fee is used to publish the book. Wait, what? Don't legitimate publishers absorb all of the publishing costs, marketing, printing, editing, and so on AND then pay the author for using their material? Publishing companies make their money by selling books, not by *printing* them. Why are they telling me that I'm paying to get this printed? And on top of that they make no mention of me, who is giving them the PRIVILEGE of including my work in their book, of getting any books for free to give out perhaps to gallery owners or to have at shows. No, the book costs another $39. And you can only order it from a very select list of vendors. And you can guess that doesn't mean anywhere anyone goes to buy books.
This is what they write in the email, and I will give them credit for being honest and upfront about it, even though it is misleading:
'Why the entry fee? Despite our unique selection process we are still a publishing/promotion company hosting competitions. We also must incur all the creative, editorial, layout and design costs that go into the publishing, distribution and promotion of a beautiful two volume book. '
As it should be, except they don't pay for it at all, they make their authors pay for that. They say that it is about a 400 page book and if every artist gets 2 full pages and each pay a minimum of $40 plus another $39 to just get their hands on the book? I think you get the idea. I think I do too.
They are a Vanity Press and using one does no favors to anyone (except the 'publisher') and most definitely not the authors who publish through them. In fact legit publishers will be quite cautious, not that they aren't all ready overly cautious when choosing book to print, when considering you when they know that you've gone the Vanity Press route.
After I got the email trying to sell me on the idea I went and looked them up to see what I could find. There are forums asking about these people and their Best of Artist books and the consensus that I'm seeing is that these types of books are a bad idea. Agents tell their artists that these books will not result in sales, other say that you can spend your $40 in a much better way to advertise yourself/your work, and that these people (who knows if this is a scam) will have a bunch of high resolution scans of your work to do with as they please. And note that copyright doesn't mean a thing to some people, I've heard of people using books like that to get 'inspiration' where they basically steal your work and change it just enough so that you can't take them to court over it.
I had another reason, now what was it?
Oh yes, I also went and looked at their websites for the Best of Artist people and for the books themselves and those websites I can tell you are *very* template-y. As in it looks like they spent 5 minutes grabbing a template off a template-mill site and propped it up and pretend like it's a legit site. Very dubious about that. Not professional or respectable looking at all and I know what I'm talking about having been making websites since I was 12. I also went and looked up this publisher this afternoon and they talk about how you can get anything you want published for a fee. They don't come out and say it of course but that is a classic Vanity Press. They have been in existence since 2005, or so says their website. I doubt very much that they are respected in the hard-core art world, or by gallery owners. One other thing someone brought up in the forums was the question of 'who is going to buy these books?' And it's not like we the artists, who are basically the authors here, are getting any royalties for letting them use our work. These books aren't on Amazon, or any other big retailer where any normal human-being is going to be shopping. No, you basically can only order them through the publisher's website and you can bet that most of those sales are going to be from the artists themselves that are featured in that book.
It's like those 'Who's Who of America' books they try to make you pay to get your name in.
At least someone figured out how to make money in this economy. Kudos for that. Just not with my money, thankyou. I'm afraid becoming a 'published artist' in this manner doesn't interest me at all. Oh, and I sent them an email tonight asking how many free books I'd get if I participated in this. Stay tuned to see if they even respond. Which they probably will and tell me that I can get a book if I give them more money.
And if you don't believe me go look up the definition of Vanity Press. Or just go to this link: http://www.answers.com/topic/vanity-press
July 6, 2009
Artists are Nuts
If you know me personally you know why I titled this note in this manner.
I would rather hang out with engineers than with fellow artists most of the time. A lot of the people I took classes with always took their 'art' into the political realm and I'm really not interested in going down that route. I'm not interested in discussing political art all that much either. Some of the movements entertain me but for the most part I look for skill in the art I like. I am hugely impressed with people who have the skill to make photo realistic paintings/drawings. That takes talent, skill, and a good eye. It's so much more than cutting out slogans and pictures and ripping on the latest political leader you hate. I want people to enjoy my work because it's beautiful. I don't want people to have to think hard about something I create in order to like it. There should be an automatic 'WOW' factor right when they see it because that's what I want to do with my work. I want to bring beauty, not more sadness or anger to the world... I'm fairly certain we have enough of that everywhere else.
Anyway, like I said Artists are Nuts. I say this specifically, and respectfully BTW, because this last Saturday I had a long conversation with a very intense, and probably a tad crazy, artist. He was 63 and worked in abstract painting mostly. He really liked my work, and said that I was underselling myself and that if my work was in New York it would sell easily for $10,000. I regretfully didn't get his name because if everything he told me was true he might be a good referral to a NY gallery (whenever I decide to go down that road). He was very intent on me understanding that it is a complete waste of time trying to get into galleries that aren't in the major big cities back east. He said that there's no point in being in one of these 'mom & pop' galleries around here or even in California or Seattle or Portland. Chicago, NY, Miami and others in that area are the only ones you should try for according to him.
He also asked me how I handle rejection. And in all honesty I've pretty much gotten into every show I've ever tried for. There's only been once that I didn't make it into a show I applied for and that didn't really bother me at all. I think the people who have a hard time with rejection are the ones that take it as more of a personal rejection rather than one of your work not being appropriate to where you have applied to, or perhaps the style you are working in just isn't sell-able. It's one of those things where you have to distance yourself from the art, because you aren't the art even though you put a lot into it.
He also said that I should 'go underground' for 2 years and just paint the entire time, 'go home and paint. Don't clean, don't' work on anything else. Drop your friends. I promise you'll feel better for it.' And that last part I entirely do not agree with. I want a life outside of what I do. I'm not the most sane/normal person, I'll admit that strait up, but I'm not completely NUTS either. I'm not one of those people who likes to alienate themselves from the world, I like my friends, even though I don't see them nearly as often as I should, and I'm not one that can live and prosper long in squalor.
He then went into asking me that if I had to choose between buying paint/canvas or buying Gucci shoes which would I buy... Now that's a tough question. Or not. If you know me you might also remember that I have a money complex where I seriously hate spending money and especially when I feel like I've wasted it. Pretty sure I'm not going to be buy Gucci shoes anytime soon, if ever.
So yah, he was very intense and slightly nuts. But what can you expect when you're talking about an artist? We're all nuts and eccentric, it's just easier to see in some people than others.
I would rather hang out with engineers than with fellow artists most of the time. A lot of the people I took classes with always took their 'art' into the political realm and I'm really not interested in going down that route. I'm not interested in discussing political art all that much either. Some of the movements entertain me but for the most part I look for skill in the art I like. I am hugely impressed with people who have the skill to make photo realistic paintings/drawings. That takes talent, skill, and a good eye. It's so much more than cutting out slogans and pictures and ripping on the latest political leader you hate. I want people to enjoy my work because it's beautiful. I don't want people to have to think hard about something I create in order to like it. There should be an automatic 'WOW' factor right when they see it because that's what I want to do with my work. I want to bring beauty, not more sadness or anger to the world... I'm fairly certain we have enough of that everywhere else.
Anyway, like I said Artists are Nuts. I say this specifically, and respectfully BTW, because this last Saturday I had a long conversation with a very intense, and probably a tad crazy, artist. He was 63 and worked in abstract painting mostly. He really liked my work, and said that I was underselling myself and that if my work was in New York it would sell easily for $10,000. I regretfully didn't get his name because if everything he told me was true he might be a good referral to a NY gallery (whenever I decide to go down that road). He was very intent on me understanding that it is a complete waste of time trying to get into galleries that aren't in the major big cities back east. He said that there's no point in being in one of these 'mom & pop' galleries around here or even in California or Seattle or Portland. Chicago, NY, Miami and others in that area are the only ones you should try for according to him.
He also asked me how I handle rejection. And in all honesty I've pretty much gotten into every show I've ever tried for. There's only been once that I didn't make it into a show I applied for and that didn't really bother me at all. I think the people who have a hard time with rejection are the ones that take it as more of a personal rejection rather than one of your work not being appropriate to where you have applied to, or perhaps the style you are working in just isn't sell-able. It's one of those things where you have to distance yourself from the art, because you aren't the art even though you put a lot into it.
He also said that I should 'go underground' for 2 years and just paint the entire time, 'go home and paint. Don't clean, don't' work on anything else. Drop your friends. I promise you'll feel better for it.' And that last part I entirely do not agree with. I want a life outside of what I do. I'm not the most sane/normal person, I'll admit that strait up, but I'm not completely NUTS either. I'm not one of those people who likes to alienate themselves from the world, I like my friends, even though I don't see them nearly as often as I should, and I'm not one that can live and prosper long in squalor.
He then went into asking me that if I had to choose between buying paint/canvas or buying Gucci shoes which would I buy... Now that's a tough question. Or not. If you know me you might also remember that I have a money complex where I seriously hate spending money and especially when I feel like I've wasted it. Pretty sure I'm not going to be buy Gucci shoes anytime soon, if ever.
So yah, he was very intense and slightly nuts. But what can you expect when you're talking about an artist? We're all nuts and eccentric, it's just easier to see in some people than others.
July 2, 2009
Art Source Gallery Juried Show 2009 & More
I must apologize for not writing for so long, sometimes I lack inspiration or motivation for these things. Anyway, on to the fun stuff...
Some of you know that I entered a couple pieces into the Art Source Gallery's Juried competition for this year. Well, West Highland Way got in! The reception for the show opening was tonight. A good day for an opening since it was also First Thursday where lots of people come out and the local businesses have music and food items for people to enjoy.
There were a ton of people at the gallery. There was a musician playing a piano and singing. There was also a table with goodies where I unfortunately picked up a coconut cookie without realizing it. >.< I am not a fan of coconut. I did not have any problems with the strawberries or the crackers, luckily.
After a while they announced the winners, they had four winners where all of the prizes were the same as well as the title of the prizes. There were no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd places, just four selected pieces that they liked the most. They won cash awards, and unfortunately I was not one of them but I am satisfied with just being accepted into the show.
The work for the show will be up the entire month of July and those of you who are in the Boise area should go down and take a look. There are a lot of nice pieces.
On a different note I should mention that I went to the opening instead of doing the Thursday Market. Evidently they forgot that I told them this and when I was walking down through the booths to see a friend (who sells herbs and natives) we ran into each other and they said that they thought I was going to show up tonight. They don't seem to be the most organized people in the world, but I'm sure they have a lot of details to juggle...
Next First Thursday I may or may not be at the Market depending on if I can get set up at one of the little shops down town for that evening.
I have also decided not to do the Edward's Market since when I was there two weeks ago I sold *one* thing, and that certainly doesn't cover the rent for the booth spot. I did make a good connection with a framer who had someone bring in one of my pieces that wants to do some consignment with my stuff, but other than that it's really not worth it.
I'm sure there's other things I'm forgetting to write about. Mostly just about the Refugee Festival the week after I was stuck in the corner behind the stage. That has been the best Saturday for sales so far. Last Saturday they put me in a different spot, out in the midst of the main grove but that didn't seem to give me more sales than in my original location. I think I like my original spot more, at least at this point I do.
Oh and at Edward's Market a bee tried to land on my tulip (Fire & Ice) print. The photo didn't turn out right because it was on the wrong setting, but it you get the point.
Some of you know that I entered a couple pieces into the Art Source Gallery's Juried competition for this year. Well, West Highland Way got in! The reception for the show opening was tonight. A good day for an opening since it was also First Thursday where lots of people come out and the local businesses have music and food items for people to enjoy.
There were a ton of people at the gallery. There was a musician playing a piano and singing. There was also a table with goodies where I unfortunately picked up a coconut cookie without realizing it. >.< I am not a fan of coconut. I did not have any problems with the strawberries or the crackers, luckily.
After a while they announced the winners, they had four winners where all of the prizes were the same as well as the title of the prizes. There were no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd places, just four selected pieces that they liked the most. They won cash awards, and unfortunately I was not one of them but I am satisfied with just being accepted into the show.
The work for the show will be up the entire month of July and those of you who are in the Boise area should go down and take a look. There are a lot of nice pieces.
On a different note I should mention that I went to the opening instead of doing the Thursday Market. Evidently they forgot that I told them this and when I was walking down through the booths to see a friend (who sells herbs and natives) we ran into each other and they said that they thought I was going to show up tonight. They don't seem to be the most organized people in the world, but I'm sure they have a lot of details to juggle...
Next First Thursday I may or may not be at the Market depending on if I can get set up at one of the little shops down town for that evening.
I have also decided not to do the Edward's Market since when I was there two weeks ago I sold *one* thing, and that certainly doesn't cover the rent for the booth spot. I did make a good connection with a framer who had someone bring in one of my pieces that wants to do some consignment with my stuff, but other than that it's really not worth it.
I'm sure there's other things I'm forgetting to write about. Mostly just about the Refugee Festival the week after I was stuck in the corner behind the stage. That has been the best Saturday for sales so far. Last Saturday they put me in a different spot, out in the midst of the main grove but that didn't seem to give me more sales than in my original location. I think I like my original spot more, at least at this point I do.
Oh and at Edward's Market a bee tried to land on my tulip (Fire & Ice) print. The photo didn't turn out right because it was on the wrong setting, but it you get the point.
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