The Art Blog

Even if you are not a writer I recommend watching this thoughtful and inspiring interview with Marie Forlio and author, Cheryl Strayed.  I guarantee this is time well spent. The topics discussed translate to any creative field or endeavor and as I watched,  I was replacing the word "writer" with the words "artist" and "painter".  This is empowering for those of us in creative fields and especially enlightening if you are waiting for permission to live out your creative life!  Watch this NOW!!!!  

Is there a secret to success? Yes! And I'm about to let you in on it. It's one of the best known secrets for achieving success as an artist, (or writer, musician,  photographer, maker…you name it)! It's surprisingly simple really.  The big secret is this... Seriously…that's it! Show up! Show up for yourself,  for your craft and  for your own success. Show up everyday and do something that will impact your creative goals. I f you only have an hour…then devote that entire hour and d o nothing but focus on your project or goal during this creative time. ( see my tips below for help with this ) Obviously the more time you commit to showing up for yourself the sooner you will see results. You will be surprised at how quickly your time compounds into real progress…and how progress can translate into success.   Make it a priority to show up  in your studio and produce your art, compose your music or write that novel .  Sometimes you'll mak...

We all need a little push now and then so I put together this list of tips that have helped me stay motivated and perhaps they can help someone else too… 1.  Show Up : This is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your productivity in the studio. Get in there. Even if you are just making phone calls, sorting out your brushes or organizing your supplies. Simply spending time in your studio will get you into the habit of creating. Daily time spent in your studio will improve your productivity. 2.  Set Goals : Set goals for yourself and break them down into smaller categories: Long Range, Short Term and Immediate. Example: I am going to paint 5 pieces this month, 2 paintings this week and prep 1 panel this afternoon. 3.  Dress the Part : Put on your favorite work clothes for motivation. I have a great pair of funky old shoes (see photo) a beautiful scarf and a paint-encrusted smock that make me feel super creative the moment I slip them on. Discov...

Ok...so it's just a little teaser from the studio but I can't wait to share more of these images with you as the work unfolds. The finished paintings will be on display in April 2012 as part of my next solo exhibition at the Pacini Lubel Gallery . In the mean time...I am shining the spotlight today on collaborative artists, Aparna Rao and Soren Pors. They use technology to create interactive works that are ingenious and humorous. My favorite is the installation called Pygmies. W atch the video below to see how this playful piece reacts to sound. For an explanation of this and more works by the high-tech duo check out the TED Talks presentation too. View more work from Pors and Rao in this TED Talks video... May you also be inspired...

It’s a brand New Year and 2009 sounds so futuristic to me. I feel very optimistic about what lies ahead this year despite the dire economic predictions. I have a solo show slated for November at the Pacini Lubel Gallery and several more group exhibitions throughout the year. At the very least it will be a productive and creative 12 months. I posted the photo above because the number nine ties into the year of 09 so neatly. I did this painting several years ago but it is uncanny how it has predicted the year ahead. I have been focused on the pod and cocoon forms and they will be featured prominently in much of my new work. The cocoon dress forms I mentioned in my last post are evolving into some really interesting pieces. I am working on these today and will post some of my results this week. Wishing you all a PEACEFUL, PROSPEROUS and INSPIRING New Year!

Altered Slumber - encaustic w/mixed media 2008 I have been wrapping up a lot of loose ends in the studio this week. I just finished this pod-like cocoon for a show and wanted to share it. I am going to the opening of my friend Marita Dingus tomorrow at Francine Seders Gallery . I'll try to snap some images to share in my next post. Her work is always interesting and very unique.

Installation "Woman as the Creator" Marita Dingus 2002 Detail from "Woman as the Creator" Marita Dingus 2002 Face with Pink Flowers by Marita Dingus, 2008 - Photo by Richard Nichol Latticework Baby with Corks by Marita Dingus 2008 The Arty Girls group met this weekend for a little creative communing. I mention them in Tip #4 from my last post on motivation . One of our members is artist, Marita Dingus . She is a fabulously creative woman and her work will be on display at the Francine Seders Gallery in Seattle from Dec. 5 through Jan 4th, 2009. If you are in the area don’t miss it. Her work is very inspiring. I'll see if i can get work samples from more Arty Girls to share so stay tuned for that.