BEST RECYCLING IDEA FOR ARTISTS, EVER!

A few years back in school I had the brilliant idea to "reuse" the extra acrylic paint on the palette that I didn't use before cleaning it off or rather not washing it (therefore, drying up and becoming useless - unless chipped off and glued onto/mixed into something).

Before cleaning up-I took extra scraps of paper/canvas/whatever and painted the extra acrylic on as backgrounds for future work! Even as an "ugly" shade - it could be used in a collage of sorts - or a test subject.

Now, to add to this idea - comes treated cardboard, shrink wrap, styrofoam and anything else that can no longer go to the recycling center (or if you can't make it there). They simply become canvases! Or stuff for sculptures or even in place of other things.

A few examples:

When my friend got her first tattoo - we lived in the dorms. We didn't use a lot of plastic wrap and therefore, didn't have any around to protect the fresh body art. I saved the shrink wrap on the little canvases I bought at the school store (cause I HATE throwing things away that I know can be reused) and voila - tat protection!

Now, I'm thinking soap bar boxes for card holders, toilet paper rolls for mini rolled portfolios, microwave diner boxes for actual canvas! Treated cardboard cannot be recycled and people have more than enough!
Not sure about styrofoam, yet - but we have plenty of that, too!
Traditional painters prime their canvases - why can't we do the same with other surfaces? Too brown, you say? Paint it white. Or collage with bits of left over scraps painted similar shades of acrylic!

It's hard to care for the earth when you know you have to use new paper for a studio class or hear how bad oils/other paints effect life. It breaks my heart and if I'm full of cheese - so be it! Feel free to share stuff you do to recycle with art (and supplies) in the comments.

Sure, half of you say, "Well, duh - we do that already!" However, maybe someone is struggling and they may get other ideas just from reading this - that's why I'm putting out there!

More Painted Windows for the Holidays in Hanover

This past Monday and Tuesday I've been busy working for another store who hired me for the same reason as Designer Gold (see previous blog entry).
When I finished up Friday at Designer Gold - I asked Mom if we could stop at Systems Plus to look at something. Somehow - I ended talking about my day with one of the heads of the store and she asked if they could poach me for the contest. I said I had to ask Designer Gold cause I wasn't sure that'd be fair.
After getting the go ahead and encouragement - off the computer store I went to work out designs. The lady at Systems Plus has a special breed of Irish Terrier so we went with that breed showing off Apple products. It was a bit of a challenge to get the dogs to look like the actual breed and they're still not perfect - but close enough!

Monday:




Tuesday:





I added in a bigger tree at the end - to balance out the window in the last picture - that's why it's at the end.

For the record: Window Markers are one of the worst @D miums I have ever had to work with, but it got the job done.

Painting the Windows

That is what I have been doing this week - painting the windows for the holidays at Designer Gold in Hanover, NH. I owe it to Kerry at Newbury Comics in West Leb. - she is a hub of information and very approachable for the most wonderful things - from finding a rare comic to knowing people who need artists-for-hire, like me! Alright - I think some of it was luck but in any case I am painting 2 4ft. glass windows for Designer Gold - a sweet, expensive jewelry store that's run by the nicest people (they have a lovable dog, too)! It's been exaughsting but well worth it to display my stuff!

For those of you deciding to paint windows - you want to use "window markers." We bought out iParty cause they were on sale for 99 cents a piece. Not much in them - I've used maybe 14 already - and mostly squeezing them out and not using the actual marker. How are they as a medium? They look and dry like acrylic (and wash off with soap and water - so they're water based), they can get mushy/messy like oils and they're a pain to layer/blend cause they act like dry erase markers on white board. They will erase when you layer so dabbing is best - that's been the most challenging part of working with this medium.

First Day (Monday):




Second Day (Tuesday): (Ok - I took the reference pic of Paul soldering on the first day)






I go back to finish of Friday. It's been a great experience and hopefully will continue that way! I've been getting many compliments while painting it, too!

Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

Around my home and in my woods. I turned the bird's nest right-side up, being careful not to damage it. These'll make some good reference pics!

Some Sneek Peeks and Bugs

Hey, all! I'm working on a gift for my cousin's baby, Ellyanna - here are some sneek peeks!






Also - I found my camera battery! Which means I get to show this really sweet little worm my mom found in our backyard - which I took from every angle for reference pics!

Exploiting Me!

Ok - really just my work. I'm trying to contact everyone I can for marketing advice on selling my work - locally. As in, who to target, customer-wise and what to focus on for selling. I hate that ART is a business but it's the truth.

I think the most difficult part will be trying to decide on how to and how much I try to copyright. Especially since I'm thinking of doing work for pre-school/kindergarden teachers where the lines of xeroxing and design ownership can become fuzzy.
The second hardest thing will be advertising my work for local businesses' graphics or logos. My twist on their merchandise - I don't want to seem like a pest or a novice but I'll have to just plow through with a polite smile and rehearsed, mental power point.

The endless cycle and catch 22's are becoming thinner to plow through in my grand scheme to become independent and productive and giving me some hope. Look out Hare, here comes the Tortoise while you're asleep!

Cat Talk

Please let me know the expression/mood of this kitty and if he looks like he's like talking.

New Sketchbook

I have taken it upon myself to start a "real" sketchbook. Put in things that inspire me including writing and pictures and also drawing/paint in it, daily. I will use some references but the important thing is to work in it, every day.
I have misplaced my camera's battery and charger therefore, pictures might be through my phone if I decide to take any. I am not happy about it, either -_-;;
Been watching Interior Design "reality" shows. Painting the rooms in the amount of time they give the contestants and then expecting perfect results for finished room is a load of bull. I know they signed up for torture but, man!
Slowly, I find myself creeping out of the ocean to evolve back into a possible former stage of creative being, but still so very far away - I have not been able to balance out with a proper feeling of daily achievement and socializing - two things I realize I need to keep me thinking, "now what?"

I Did It

I commented on Michael Zulli's blog! EEEEP! I mean this is someone who I strive to be like in art style. I feel I am not worthy (though I know I am cause in my world, everyone's equal - at least, I hope so). Wish me luck - he has to approve it before it gets published. It's basically commenting on what seemed like his emotional state on how messed up the world is (mostly, political). It's the way he describes how he feels that I can relate to - esp. about animal cruelty on my end.

On another note, sometimes it's as if I'm on another planet when it comes to relating to my artist friends, these days (but only in the field of art). I know I'm good - but nobody has asked me to illustrate for them and all I see for jobs is editing and graphics (as in graphic design). Believe it or not - I care about font. I care about written word - just as much as visuals. I'm sure this is just a rant but lately - I don't know - I get this feeling that Fine Artists are not wanted. That we think we're "special" or something. Again - I'm probably just imagining things and blowing what I've read out of proportion. It is art-related (even though it's a rant).

Depression Strikes, Again

Ok, so I finally have broadband at home (let me hear you say "YA!"). However, due recent events or lack there of, I have been sinking back into hopelessness. Now, as I understand it - artists work best when depressed - drawing/painting/etc. helps as a kind of therapy. I work just the opposite - I am able to work when I am happy - my confidence is raised enough to tell my brain, "you can do this!"

When things go wrong/don't happen - my brain is bogged down with, "why the hell do I bother - it doesn't even matter how good I am, art is a business, blah, blah, blah."

I am working hard to get the essentials I need to live my life, like a car and driver's license, a studio space (I lost the old one due to cleaning - don't ask) and I'm trying to get on Disability with SSI because this thing called reality keeps reminding me that I cannot hold a steady, regular job to support myself.

Needless to say things have fallen through and I've been playing the waiting game on what's still possible.

I've maybe done two, unfinished sketches and a wash to start my Cousin's baby's b-day present - which is this month. I have lost some of my drawing ability and, as always need to work to get it back. It could take a while. Anybody reading this - I could really use some support, right now. Thanks <3

No Internet for a While

Sadly, I won't be able to update very often from now until I don't know when because I will be returning home - where I do not have internet. On that note: some thoughts about art-related stuff:

Jim Henson desired his shows and programs to be targeted at a general audience but not just to become children's shows. Now, I know many people don't think of Henson (esp. the Creature Shop) as just for children but Jim, he himself felt that's where his audience ended. He had done some experimental pieces early on - one called "Time Piece" and another called "The Cube." The Muppet Show pilot was called "Sex and Violence" and had many drug and adult related references. We know Henson was a genius, intellectual and imaginative - and he has captured the hearts of many adults.
However - my theory is the actual style of the puppets were what made them appeal more towards a general audience. There is a roundness that welcomes the eye - a "cuddle" factor. Even Sweetums with his giant teeth or the goblins from Labyrinth have a softness. The scariest I've seen from him are some of the creatures from The Storyteller series and the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal.
Now - take movies like Gremlins or Tales from the Dark Side. The features on these creatures are much more sharp and angular. I'm sure the visual differences define approachability in age ranges.

Ok - comics. East vs. West: here's what I have to say. Yes, a lot of manga looks the same - big eyes, big-colored hair, all skinny and fit. Ok, I get it. However - the West is the SAME way! All super heroes, melted down have great physique and females have sexy boobs/a tight ass. DC, Marvel, Dark Horse just to name a few. Underground grunge has it's look, too - lots of make-up and darkness/messiness. My point? It's not just manga!

On a personal note, I'm getting scared about getting out there as an artist. Some Chester peeps who've graduated have come up with their own online company and others are making it on their own. I'm trying to advertise but to be careful at the same time - the business end is so scary and frustrating. I've gotta fake it til I make it - and draw in the meantime.

I won't be posting any of my stuff that's for sale until I figure out how to safe guard it on blogger - from people taking a copy offline.
That's it for now.

Loneliness

I find that when I am alone - unlike the cliche, I cannot create. I suppose not alone but rather, lonely. Life takes a holiday and even the beauty of Nature seems to be at the party I wasn't invited to. I am trying to keep in contact with people - hell, I'm not even living on my own, yet so this is scaring me, shitless. Sure- I have projects to work on but my mind - well, I don't know what happens cause the next thing I know, I'll be doing dishes or cutting my nails or sleeping.
I don't even know if it's loneliness. It could be fear. It could be hopelessness. It could be the fact that I'm watching a cat peacefully dream and I'm wide awake - looking forward at nothing.
Sure, we bounce back and forth - the emptiness and I, like everyone. I'm sure I'll perk right up, tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I'm probably going to do the dishes, annoyed that I worry people will think I'm emo if I post much more - or the that they already do.

Ducks Love Rain but How Do They Feel About This Humidity?

Sorry I haven't been on for a while - somebody across the street put a password on their wireless. So, I'm updating from my friend's house. Grandpa's ducks are finished! A couple months on this baby for my Grandpa's 80th even though we weren't supposed to give him gifts. He's done so much for me and like me - he loves ducks:)


I'm working now on little paintings to sell - but I haven't taken any pics, yet.

Done with Puppetry Class. Phew - teaching (even for just a day) can be scary in the wrong atmosphere like say, I don't know - a summer camp? It was cool, though. The kids were awesome and crazy hyper. I eased into a half-comfort zone after lunch - good thing I like the teacher who was giving me the chance to keep my grade enough to ask for help when I messed up the dozens of times while "teaching" about sock puppets and Jim Henson.

There's so much I could talk about, art-wise but meh - I'm proud of my ducks, despite it being "one of the seven deadlies." Please enjoy and feel free to critique.

Pics I Talked About in the Last Post (cont'd) - My Sketch Book

Random- drawn at a concert.
some early "Samson the Cat" for my children's book final and a kiss good night pose from 10th Kingdom.
Yup - I love talking mice!
inspired by Bolto/Brother Bear - may turn into a painting, eventually. Three unfinished cubs with Mom.
I have no idea where these characters came from! I was working on them while watching Mars Attacks, HA!
I try to emulate Michael Zulli's style, sometimes. Not sure how well I do. His sketch book "Noodles" makes me SO happy!
No ink - I guess I was into the fangs.
John Doe. Pose taken from classmate at Chester.
BATS - oh they SO cute!

Pics I Talked About in the Last Post

Pictures from the ocean!

These were brilliantly colored with the water on them. However, the patterns are still visable!
<-----Under water was the most beautiful green hue - this doesn't do it justice.

Groovy (pardon the pun)
Kites and Kiting! Looked wicked fun!

Awwww

I think I scared that poor, baby hermit crab half to death!

Let's Try This, Again

Hey, so I'm back - sorta. Still working with the depression but I've been working s-l-o-w-l-y on some paintings and even some new characters! My default pic is fairly new and painted when I was angry. It helps! I found a sweet site -----> http://www.artcastnetwork.com/

This makes me happy! It means I hope to talk to some people (other than the wonderful Kaetlyn Wilcox) that are trying to do what I want to do for a career!

I'm going to try posting more often with hopefully some work - so I'm posting this link on facebook (eek) for for friends to check if they so desire.

Also:

Crab shells have some of the best granual patterns and baby hermit crabs are the cutest little monsters I've seen as of late. Will try to have pictures up, soon! This is really just to let people know I've started an "art blog" if you can call it that. Check it out - anybody who is interested in my work, habits, methods, motives, dreams, nightmares. silliness and beyond!

The Internet is not a Friendly Place

First of all, I'd like it to be noted that I do not have hardly any internet connection. This is why this blog is getting a slow start and still no pictures - they take forever to upload.

However, I found these tiny mushrooms two weeks ago and took pictures last week. Smaller than my pinky nail and bright red as poppies! A small cluster on a rotting log along the new horse/bike trail I've started walking. Also, a mouse corpse and a spider's home and opened egg sack. I am still not sure how I feel about these things though I considered taking pictures - I did not.

I noticed I love it when flowers and grass spring up and grow between cracks in the pavement. Maybe it's cliche but man, that's a perfect description of me.

I want to start back with painting. I never thought I'd say that - but I miss it so. My sketch book just doesn't seem to be enough these days - the problem is there's no space, right now. Maybe I'll try working on blending colored pencil - that medium needs practice.

Starting a New Blog

I am taking a break from school because of severe depression. Oh, I know - everyone's depressed lately. However, I have no motivation to do things like go outside or draw - this is not good. Drawing is supposed to be my love yet I have no desire to depict anything interesting. I am reduced to doodles inspired by nerdy mini-series I watch on my computer from my bed. I'm starting to lose hope in becoming an illustrator as time passes by.

Anyway, this blog is also going to help break me of my fear of putting my work online. *deep breath* - maybe in the next post (since it's 2:30am).