Thursday, March 5, 2009

Art Movement

Today was exciting for me...I sold AxBw t-shirts this morning and switched gears a bit into my own art world. I love selling my art in the Carribean. The ocean is my home where I am happiest however I have never lived by an ocean...I have sold my work there for over 7 years or so.. details like that I dont keep track. Anyway I have wanted for some time now to have local representation in Austin to sell my work. It is difficult from an artists stand point to find a gallery appropriate for your style of work. Artists must be original enough not to compete with the other artists already represented. I like a high level of standard in presentation, high level of workmanship and professional staff ! not alot to ask ! hahahahah. Anyway I went to a gallery this year with my friend Luis where he is represented and met a lovely owner of a beautiful gallery on Congress Ave. one block from the Capitol. I new this was the one I felt would be a great match if they would agree to carry my work. i kept waiting to contact the owner when my life slowed down but it never did. I realized putting all my eggs in one galleries basket is not fair to me or any gallery. I had an appointment today and the owner was lovely and gracious to take 12 of my Sunset Station musician paintings for the SxSW event next week. She also liked my 3-D piece "Morning Bath" -2 birds in a bird bath. I think this happy work suits their envirionment and current economy...happy work in tense times ! Anyway the gallery is Authenticity on Congress Ave...website is www.authenticitygallery.com. I hope to have more work in there by April . Anyway i am so pleased..how lucky I am to be an artist .

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Arts By Brykerwood AxBW March 12th 6-8pm

Arts By Bryker woods is Bryker Woods Elementary School version of SxSW but better ! Visual Arts from every child are displayed throughout the school. These pieces are made in art class taught by the incredible Sue Flores. She is a gift for any child and the word sings her support , creativity and love for art and children. Students apply to perform and directed by Melody Long. 5 stages are set up complete with risers, drapes, twinkly lights, microphones, amplifier and jell lights that focus on the children their to perform. This is not a talent show but any child grades K-6th are free to perform. This ranges from card tricks, the jokes or amazing performances with every instrument imagined. A poetry workshop is offered and a poetry slam is also performed in a quiet intimate setting safe for budding speakers. The children are given name tags carefully designed by Edie Kemp strung on wild Mardis Gras beads.Students put these on are prouder than a gold medal finalist ! This year a technology stage is opened up with Dee Susong and our technology expert Melissa Tothero. All the kids can participate in this also. The cafeteria is decorated and the 6th grade cooks and serves dinner to over 400 hungry performers and their families. An invitation is designed by Marisol Valdez and mailed out to all families. This is a school affair and magical in every way. We print t-shirts..with the AxBW logo designed from the very beginning Betsy Woldman. This has help brand the event and such a fun way to express this night. This event was the brain child of Melody, Sue and I after years of working on Reflections -a PTA program ...nice but a bit limited. Melody wanted to rid of the talent show so not children were excluded. This has been a fantastic run for me and I have really enjoyed the "Organized Chaos" of the night and to see a child proudly walk off stage or point out their artwork to their parents. wow..it is all worth it.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

March movements

I am sure if you ask anyone 2009 has been stranger than most. Odd experiences, odd energy...an "Edgy-ness" in the air..
Strange enough my artwork has been the easiest and most consistent part of my world. I am always grateful to this gift -that I can pick up paints, brushes and a blank board to add color, life and happiness in hours. Even with a rough beginning of this year I have been very prolific in my paintings. I wanted Gallery St Thomas to have new work on hand..so I worked my tail off to deliver 2 large boxes of paintings and prints to them in February. I also have been working on months to prepare for my 2nd Hyde Park Bar and Grill show (on Duval in Central Austin). This is one person show so I will need around 30 pieces for this show. The next opportunity to show is with "Frames of Reference" owner Diane Graden. She curates a show at the beautifully naturally lit AMPLIFY credit union on Braker and Burnet Rd. This will be the 3rd exhibit at AMPLIFY and I am fortunate to show with fellow folk artist Terry Powell. Terry is a fabulous artist and fantastic guy-always eager to support other artists and a true child at heart. Soooo I must continue to paint paint paint and keep my work as unique to my style with quality high enough to hang next to my artist friends. My Hyde Park show will hang April 19th for 6 weeks while the AMPLIFY exhibit will go up April 20th hang for 3 months. I will send out notices soon of both shows. I will meet with a local gallery here this week for local representation. My work in the Caribbean has been a success however not all work I create is appropriate for the islands. Cross your figures !
I saw "Anything Goes" at McCallum High School today. i was there to support the Tothero women..all 3 are amazing ladies. The play was fantastic, funny, entertaining and I am always whisked away in a wave of talented performers. Bravo Sierra and Lauren.