Quote

The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.  ~Tennessee Williams

photo by Maia C on Flickr

The Administrative Artist (or the beautiful life)

photo by maessive on flickr

There is a book titled "I'd Rather be in the Studio", and it is a highly recommended tool to have for artists. There is another book titled "The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love". I know what the general perception by the public of artists is- people who get to play with paint/marble all day and have no adherence to the rigors of what the rest of our society has constructed to be a normal productive life (no 9-5).  So, here I was, a sundress wearin' croissant munchin' artist with paint up to my elbows, surrounded by flowers,  and a dreamy view of the world, when it really started to sink in.... there is a business side. There is a marketing side. There is an administrative side.   Uh oh.  Trouble in Shangri-La.

photo by angelalachan on flickr

No, not really... it sort of crept in every week. Blog. Check. Online website. Check. Submission forms for shows (with submission fee). Shipping arrangements for shows across the country. Inventory list (keep track of what paintings are where). Free online portfolio pages (to increase traffic). Marking things in the calendar with alarms (that pesky memory thing). Supplies log/ordering. Art Association memberships. .... 

This past week, though, it has been about business and post cards. One must have business cards. Postcards are also helpful to leave with artwork, just in case anyone has any questions about the artist or would just like something to hang on their refrigerator/cubicle/inspiration board.  So, I set out to design some. And then I had to find companies that would produce them (good quality for a reasonable fee). There is too much involved in something so simple (and my brain injury wasn't helping).  So, I made sure to order a lot, because I don't want to run out anytime soon, and start the whole process again (this may be a misstep, not sure yet).

photo by timmygunz on flickr

Yesterday, it was shipping and submission forms. Later on today, I am going to figure out how to get to a hardware store and get a hanging solution for a storefront. Tomorrow I have to deliver paintings, postcards, and a release form. After that, there is an art commission meeting. Sometimes, I am at stores (thrift, antique, grocery), looking for new objects to include in paintings.    I "work" on art all the time.  Just not solely on paintings.   

One of these days, I will figure out a schedule to relegate administrative duties to. The alternative plan is to get so fabulously well to do that I can hire an assistant. Wouldn't we all like assistants? 

Well, this is odd...

I have a google alert set up for "HMCraig". This is what I found in my inbox this morning.  HMCraig hairstyle.        ???      The best part is that not only am I included, my dogs apparently have nice hairstyles, too.


What to do?

Virginia Katz

Virginia Katz, Momentum, strips of accumulated paper, 50"x36"

According to her website, Virginia Katz "takes her cues from her environment".  The piece pictured above, Momentum, was made using found strips of paper.  There are also pieces in which trees and the wind participated in, because Katz attached a pen to a branch ... which yielded beautifully moving results.

In the body of work entitled "Atmosphere", she constructed pieces concerning "The web of air traffic over the United States and Europe, within a 90 minute period, was downloaded and charted."

Virginia Katz "Form and Function (Country Interaction) Euro air, May 23, 2004, 8-10 p.m."
Oil on Matte Acetate ,4' x 3', 2004

" Form and Function ..." detail

Madame Blue (Across the Universe)

HMCraig, "Madam Blue (Across the Universe)",  about 20", acrylic on canvas panel

This was the only piece I finished in 2004.  Yes, I should have been painting more.

Music- Ukulele

Queen! On Ukulele!  ... and then she starts talking about the classes she's taking.

Butterfly For My Sister

HMCraig, "Butterfly for My Sister", 16x20, oil on hardboard panel

I think this was the first oil painting I have ever done. Coming from an acrylic background, oils were a bit tricky to work with. There was a lot of wait time for the paint to dry enough that I could add another distinctive layer, and not turn the whole project into what's known as mud. 

Kind of a funny little story about this piece... I was working on it for my sister. When I was getting close to finishing the painting, G walked in and exclaimed "I really like that one".  While he is really supportive of my painting, it's rare that I get this kind of reaction out of him.  I hung my head and sighed. The butterfly already had a destination, and it was not to be on our wall.

The reason for me sighing..  A few years ago, I was working on a painting for a friend. The subject was a woman, in a very Klimt inspired environment.  G walks over and says... "I really like that one!". 

It seems he only likes the pieces that already have a specific destination (again, on another person's wall).

This will probably play out again when I work on a piece for my brother. And I will hang my head again. And smile. Maybe chuckle a little.