It's November. The month when the season and spirit of giving revs up. It so happens that it's also the month I'm putting some bubbling ideas into action.
Creating art, to me, is an extension of myself. Distilling whispers of my intuition, insights and unguarded moments of truth and emotion into a bottle of art that's easier to take in.
When my creative flow is happening, it's like riding a wave of pure bliss. Hours fly by, splatters and spills don't matter, music pours through the studio like sunshine through a window. Art created during moments like these is authentic - whether the work sells, or not, is not part of the process. Art created in moments like these is what I want to produce. I also believe that original, handcrafted work is infused with a higher element - call it a vibration, human touch, love, whatever you want.
It's this sense of authentic art that has shaped my views and goals as an artist. Work I create is authentic and original.
A couple of months ago, in August, I was giving myself a lecture on getting motivated to communicate, give and share more about my art. Searching online about online trends, art marketing and such, I stumbled upon Chris Guillebeau's site and art guide (read my post here...). This is a great guide and it gave me two things: 1) a well-done updated take on social media and what's working for other artists. I signed up for Twitter and Red Bubble and 2) a catalyst to solidify my decision to create and share originals - even with the potential loss of sales that is the mantra of print sales outlets.
So, I'll be removing my new Red Bubble account. Any prints, greeting cards, calendars, whatever, will be either original work or handcrafted prints. The only digital art I'll share will be in the form of online files - downloadable wallpapers, tutorials, ebooks, calendars and other fun stuff.
The other half of my 'lecture to self' was about giving and communicating.
To communicate more about my art, process and inspirations, I am making an effort to blog more regularly and send my studio newsletter to my subscribers more regularly. I'm working on a site redesign to update my website and get everything in one place - and I'll keep using Twitter for now as a mini-blog and place for quick announcements and thoughts.
To give more, I found myself waiting to become as flush Warren Buffet so I could REALLY start giving. The need and desire to give more has been bubbling up for sometime and I now realized that I can't wait for that to happen (though I still admire you Warren :). So here's where I'm starting... with my art. My art is what I can give - today. As I stay true to my mission of creating authentic art it is my purest gift that I can offer.
Here's the list:
1) I'll begin with my friends and newsletter subscribers, I've decided to say THANK YOU! by giving away an original painting once each year. At the end of each year, I'll have my little son pick out a name from the bowl and I'll contact the lucky winner with the news. I might even create something new...
2) I DO want to make money with my art, I value what I create in an economic way also. With that said, a big part of my sales from my art will go to charity. Giving locally, nationally and internationally. Helping families, kids animals, earth. My hope is that I'll have to create a foundation at some point. I'll post results of this too.
3) Art Found. Little surprises of original art left in public places for the person who finds it. Inspired by BookCrossing, I've created a set of 4x6 watercolor sketches to hide in plain sight this November. Also, there will be a link for those who find these to post their story and reaction.. to share the feelings and inspire - full circle. Little sketches, bookmarks, handmade books... all on my list to give away. My plan is to do this several times a year.
So that's the latest. If you like my art, sign up for the newsletter so you have a chance to collect a free painting! If you are giving your art in some way, please share your link or stories!
Thanks for stopping by to read this.
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