Artists Inspiration - Designer Art Resource

Spring Fever

2011-03-13T11:08:00.002-05:00

We are really getting settled in to the showroom space at 154 Glass St., Ste 101, in the Dallas Design District. We've installed a cable system for hanging art, and have some new artists on the walls. The studio space has gotten a real workout with a purchase order for 54 original paintings. Since all the work tables are on wheels, as is my 16 ft slant wall, I was able to reconfigure the space to accommodate production painting. Next week I will move it all around again, to prepare for painting one large abstract canvas.

I've been so busy, with a painting workshop, then a personal transformation weekend, and frantically painting canvases. Then this morning I noticed that it's warm outside and the grass is starting to turn green again. So I'm heading out to air up the bike tires!

Transition

2011-01-04T07:51:00.002-06:00

I keep going back and forth on moving my photo printing studio from my very cozy home office to my new commercial gallery space in the Dallas Design District. Like right now I'm sitting at the computer in my fleece pjs, already on my second cup of coffee, running a print job. It's the second batch (2' x 3' prints on canvas) and I have several more to go. Since I'm batch printing, once the job is set up I can do other things. Like read the paper, or scan around the internet to see what's going on in the world. Or start a load of laundry and fix some breakfast. Lot's of freedom to this.

On the other hand I have a fabulous work space on Glass St. that I'm paying good money for! I would probably get more work done if I just bit the bullet and moved everything in there. Jeez. What should I do?

Looking Forward

2011-01-03T08:26:00.003-06:00

Usually this time of year finds me looking backward, examining the rewards and shortcomings of the previous year, but I'm not doing that this time. That year is gone, a new one stretches ahead, and I've got interesting things on my schedule.

As always, I'm grateful for the people and things I have in my life, and I resolve to treat them better.

With a new commercial gallery opened in the Dallas Design District, I'll be putting more miles on my car, but producing a lot more art. I'm still struggling with the decision to move my print studio from my house down to the gallery. I work so much from home, and at odd hours, I'm not so sure I want to drive 12 miles to work all the time.

I need someone to set up a network for me - so I can remotely access all my files. I'm trying to keep things simple, but nothing really is.

I learned about QR codes recently, and it really IS simple - so I will be using that new technology as much as possible. Download a QR reader app to your phone, point the phone at the image to the left, and my website will magically appear!

It's such an interesting technology I am looking for new and interesting ways to use it.

I have lots of travel plans for the year. It's my favorite thing to do! Vegas for my birthday next week, Washington DC after that. Looks like I might be making a business trip (photo shoot) out to Big Spring, TX in the near future. Got plans for Paris in April, maybe Italy and Croatia in September. And my photo friend Nancy and I are in the planning stages for somewhere exotic.

Who wants to stay home (in Dallas) when there's a big world out there to discover?

Missing Ingredients

2010-11-16T16:56:00.002-06:00

My studio on Chancellor Row has been packed up for three weeks in anticipation of the move to the new place. But the Glass St. showroom still isn't ready for occupancy. I had paintings due for a guestroom project. I put it off as long as I could, but when I couldn't wait any longer I put up the card table in the sunroom at home, bought some paint, and used what I had around the house to create three abstracts. They are organics, since I used leaves and branches as stencils, and rags and straws and rubber cement and whatever else I could find that would work. Today I took the paintings to be photographed, so prints can be made. I'll get the digitals back tomorrow, process them, and forward them on to the printer. All without leaving the house.

Moving On Up

2010-09-30T07:54:00.007-05:00

It's been so long since I "blogged" I forgot my login! So much is happening now I thought I should post an update at least.

My art consulting company Art-Centric LLC with partner Margie Cabe got off to a great start with the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa project in San Antonio, TX. We provided all the art for public spaces in the hotel, the PGA golf clubhouse, and the Lantana Spa. It was a huge project and I painted a LOT. We completed that in February this year, and took a short break before moving on to projects in Seattle, Portland, Oklahoma, and even in Dallas!

We have been subleasing space from our framer in a huge 50,000 sq ft building which has worked out wonderfully. However, when they announced they were moving we started thinking about what kind of presence we wanted for Art-Centric.

We signed a lease on a showroom/gallery/studio space in the Dallas Design District this week. It's located directly across the street from the Dallas Contemporary museum. We hope that our more public location will bring in some new clients, and make it easier for designers to come visit us.

In other news, I have been on photo shoots in Seattle, San Diego, Wyoming (Yellowstone and the Tetons) and Washington DC. Next month I will be in Acadia for fall color. I have taken on the huge task of cataloging my photo inventory and have over 100,000 images all keyworded. I've started the same process with my painting series so I can keep track and find things when I need them.

I have several new series of paintings, the newest of which is the jazz series (above) for a local restaurant chain. I always said "I don't do people" but these paintings are musicians situated in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I'm having fun with them.

Slogging at the Keyboard

2010-03-05T17:17:00.003-06:00

One of the biggest problems I've encountered in the years that I've been a professional photographer is the issue of how to manage the vast inventory of images that I've amassed. I've tried several solutions, but they all had their shortcomings. I'm heavily invested in Adobe Lightroom now, and it's working for me. I shuddered at the idea of keywording 60,000 photos. Yet if I didn't I would have to rely on (a rapidly fading) memory of where I was when I took a particular photo so I could somehow retrieve it for a potential sale. It's been a nightmare up til now. Three weeks into it, all photos have some sort of keywords, some more detailed than others right now, but at least there is some sort of organization going on.

Last week a client placed an order for an image I presented three months ago. I had the small jpg and that was it. Less than a minute later I had located the original raw file. A month ago I might have spent an entire day tracking that one image down.

Next is cataloging my paintings. I don't have near as many of those but still think creating a catalog is the way to go. I can keyword each one and when I have a project looking for "red abstract" I'll be able to easily find them.

What a relief to get a handle on something that has bogged me down for years!

Time Out

2010-02-01T10:28:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I have to get away -- out of the city, out of the traffic, out of this metropolitan area I live in and into the natural world. So I love it when my friend Nancy calls and invites me to a city where she is attending a conference. We rent a car and take our cameras out into the wilderness. Last week it was Utah. Nancy's conference was in Salt Lake City, so we traveled to Zion and Bryce National Parks. It was cold and snowy, but wild and beautiful. This shot was sunrise on the Virgin River in Zion. We were standing knee-deep in powdery snow, freezing to death, but exhilarated by our surroundings. We hiked as best we could on ice-covered trails, and drove down roads we shouldn't have. Each moment outside filled us with joy. We soaked it all in.

Kolob Canyon, Zion Nat'l Park, Utah

Approaching Holidays

2009-12-19T20:30:00.003-06:00

Every year around this time I promise myself that I won't be so frazzled NEXT year. So far, every year has been the same. Never enough time to cook, buy, wrap, send, visit, hug and kiss. It's getting easier though, since I no longer stress over Christmas cards! Thank goodness for the internet which makes it possible to shop in my pajamas any time of the day or night. Also can contact friends when I think of them instead of waiting for a reasonable hour for a phone call, or days later for a card to arrive. Yes, the internet is wonderful.

2009 has been the busiest year ever for my art business. I have painted more variety this year, and added some new skills. In addition to lots of abstract paintings I've painted quite a few landscapes, and just in the past few weeks, lots of cows. Lots of resin, carvings, castings, and encaustic. I took a workshop and learned image transfer to fresco, but haven't perfected that yet.

I lost a good client this year, by virtue of becoming business partners with her long time employee. We formed a new company in 2009, an art consulting firm, Art-Centric LLC. We were fortunate enough to land a big contract early in the year, artwork for the public spaces of the JW Marriott Hill Country resort and spa in San Antonio, TX. The project is now drawing to a close. It's been a great time, and big challenge for our first year of business. We've been blessed.

It's been a good year for love, too, since I started dating after a long hiatus! We've taken a few trips together, and bless his heart, he's a pilot and flies me around anywhere I want to go on his passes. I hope to take advantage of that a little more in 2010.

I moved my studio out of my house and into a 3,000 sq ft commercial space a year ago, and it was a long transition as I learned to paint in the new space. Now I love it, and have even gotten used to driving to work instead of rolling out of bed into the studio. It's good to have that separation of work and home.

It's been a good year overall, and mostly I have my partner Margie to thank for that. She's a gem, and we complement each other well. I'm blessed, WE are blessed, and I can happily close out this year and welcome the new one.

May each of you source the things that make you happy ~

2009-09-12T06:58:00.001-05:00

I spent yesterday at the keyboard, and looks like I'll be doing the same today. I am developing photo montages for a golf clubhouse. Not something I'd ordinarily do, but it's part of the project and I said "yes".

2009-07-29T10:20:00.001-05:00

Early morning business calls made me forget I was on vacation. It's cloudy here on my first morning in Berkeley, but the blackberries are ripening in the back yard and I'm having them for breakfast!

2009-07-28T18:49:00.001-05:00

After flight delays, lovely to arrive in sunny California. Sorry to leave my partner with stacks of paperwork, but really happy to turn it over to her! Helen is leaving tomorrow for her trip and I'm housesitting in Berkeley for two weeks. YAY!

2009-07-28T06:38:00.001-05:00

Getting on a plane this morning, headed out to northern California. Leaving Debbie to take care of the house and dogs, the vacation will take care of my spirit!

2009-07-25T22:45:00.001-05:00

Played "angel" tonight to a group of people in transformation. What a treat.

2009-07-23T09:42:00.001-05:00

More paperwork today - plus working on a painting mockup for approval.

2009-07-22T12:37:00.001-05:00

Now my new scanner is freaking out -- what's up?

2009-07-22T09:57:00.001-05:00

Technology is getting the better of me today. Outlook crashed and I'm getting "rush" PO's.

2009-07-21T22:18:00.001-05:00

Five meetings before noon today! I thought being an artist meant painting -- leisurely. That only works if you don't want to make a living, I guess.

2009-07-20T12:22:00.001-05:00

Glad to have a cloudy day for a change. I'm processing photos for a hotel project and working on paperwork (yuk) for something else. Got a Neat Desk scanner that promises a "paperless" office. Yea, right.

2009-07-19T08:47:00.001-05:00

Great party last night - thanks Mike! Today I'm printing for tomorrow's delivery, and processing digital photos for submission to a project.

2009-07-18T15:42:00.001-05:00

Went to the gym, then pedicure, manicure, and lunch at Obzeet's. Victor and I are going to a party tonight.

2009-07-18T10:20:00.001-05:00

After a very busy week, going to the gym this morning. I've taken the first step: gotten dressed.

2009-07-16T06:37:00.001-05:00

Heading out to the studio early this morning. I'm pouring some resin, meeting a client, and putting my painting schedule together to order supplies. Then tonight is karaoke with Victor and his LP buddies!

2009-07-15T16:07:00.001-05:00

Left brain, right brain, it's all so confusing! On the days that I paint I can't do paperwork, and when I'm in "office mode" I can't paint. ...sigh....

2009-07-14T07:24:00.001-05:00

Downloading photos from my New England trip, and planning my painting schedule.

2009-07-13T12:26:00.001-05:00

Ordered a Drobo Pro as a storage solution for the thousands of photos I have on five external hard drives.

2009-07-13T12:25:00.001-05:00

Monday morning down time, but busy this afternoon planning my painting schedule which stretches from now til December.

2009-07-12T09:17:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning at home. Making a plan for the busy week ahead. Reading my "Lightroom" book to import last week's New England photos into a catalog.

2009-07-11T12:26:00.001-05:00

Saturday after a week's photo shoot in New England, spending time in the laundry room before anything else.

Where Have I Been?

2009-07-11T12:19:00.002-05:00

Social networking is time consuming! I've neglected this blog terribly, but have been working a lot. Just had an installation of six 40 x 60 paintings at a local residential tower last week. I couldn't attend because I was in New England on a photo shoot with my best photo buddy Nancy. We haven't traveled together in awhile so it took some getting used to -- we were both a little rusty. Consequently we have some great and a lot of not so great photos to show for our efforts. However, I escaped the Dallas heat and and reveled in 65 degree sunny days in Acadia National Park. Lovely!

Keeping Up

2009-05-24T13:16:00.003-05:00

Feast or famine - it's always one or the other in my life. Which isn't surprising since I'm a full time professional artist/photographer. But now that I've taken on a bigger than big project I can hardly sleep anymore. Not time to, and also very difficult to quiet my mind. Sigh. Not that I'm complaining, understand.

In an economic time when many professionals are out of work I'm very happy to to be spending quality time in my studio working on commissions.

I did take a break last weekend and made a quick trip up to Chicago for my boyfriend's son's college graduation. He got a degree in computer game design, imagine that! Since Victor added me as his registered travel companion, it's a lot easier to jump on a plane with available seats and take off for somewhere, anywhere. While we were stuck at DFW because flights to Chicago were delayed, it was very tempting to take a flight to Honolulu instead. Of course then we would have missed the graduation. Next time, though, I'm going to pack for all possibilities.

I have a lot going on in the studio. Four 40 x 60 landscape paintings on gold/silver leaf, one large abstract, two 24 " sq paintings with gold painted leaves cascading down the surface, two 48" and two 36" sqs with raised stencil medallions. That's all for this week. I'm also still processing photos for another job which has deadline in a week. aaack!

I'm pouring resin for a job that was rejected! The resin had bubbles. I've poured two more, and they both have bubbles, too. There is no way to prevent that unless you use a pressure tank, and these pieces won't even fit inside one. It's bubbles or nothing at this point. I'm voting for nothing because I'm sick of the whole resin fiasco!

Going to San Antonio mid week for a photo shoot with a friend. I know I don't have time, but the photos are for a specific project. I hope to work in a short visit with my dad.

I've canceled my June vacation to Italy. Just can't take the time right now. Hope to do it in September, instead. And maybe between now and then Victor and I can take a few long weekends somewhere.

Back in the Studio

2009-05-03T19:27:00.002-05:00

After a long hiatus I'm back at the studio painting. It seems that there was a stronger demand for photography for a good long time. Right now I have orders for paintings instead. Yay! I have to say that it has felt SO GOOD to be painting again. I'm getting the hang of the "new" studio, and putting a workflow in place. I'm leaving painting clothes and dress clothes there in case I have to meet a client or something. It just lets me be more flexible.

I thought that four 4' x 8' work tables was overkill when I first had them built, but they are all covered with paintings now. And the 16' slant wall has four paintings in progress on one side. Just as I suspected, I'm expanding to fill the space! Glad to have the work, especially in a down economy, and so glad to actually throw some paint around.

I have completed two surfaces of gold and silver leaf - in preparation for landscape paintings. Then I have three more landscapes on paper, a big abstract, and a cowboy painting. Must be a project in Texas!

I'll take pictures soon, I promise.

Head Above Water

2009-04-15T17:16:00.002-05:00

Current deadlines threaten to overwhelm me, so why did I decide to take scuba lessons now? Bad timing! Especially since I'm doing my best to keep my head above water. Seems so wrong to breathe under the surface.

I am processing photos for a hotel job right now. They are mostly sepia, so require post processing. I have another project just resizing and processing a client's photos. That's not something I would ordinarily do, but these are unusual times, aren't they?

My pilot boyfriend and I went to San Antonio and the Hill Country over the weekend. It's the week of my dad's 94th birthday so we went for that, but made a side trip to do photographic research for a project. It's bluebonnet season and we expected fields full of blue flowers, plus the red Indian paintbrush. Looked high and low, but it's a bad year for wildflowers in that area. Pretty scarce.

Took my dad up to the Tower of the America's for a birthday lunch. We ate assorted appetizers, and Victor broke from the mold and tried Ahi Tuna for the first time. He liked it! And my Dad liked Victor, so it was a win-win for me.

My projects are all on track, but with a heavy painting schedule for me. I'll be worn out by November when my last project is shipped out. Guess I'll be ready for a dive trip then!

Social Media

2009-03-29T08:14:00.002-05:00

I've had a few emails recently, from people noticing that I am neglecting this blog. It seems that Facebook has been my preferred method of keeping in touch, but I promise to get back to blogging.

Just returned from a week in Florida, where I toured Sawgrass (golf resort) for a golf-related project. I'm a novice, it was all new to me, so I learned quite a lot. First and foremost, never tease a golfer about the game. It's like church, they are serious!

The course itself was manicured to perfection -- lots of water and palm trees, with a profusion of azaleas. Gorgeous! Got in some beach time, even though every time I laid down the towel, clouds started rolling in. But hey, it was still the beach!

Met with a new client in Jacksonville, and hope to establish an alliance with them. Business is off in the commercial art industry, but the one segment that is still strong is healthcare, and that's their focus.

It's Sunday, and not normally a work day, but I'll be downloading and processing photos today. Might even make it over to the studio to work on the two paintings in progress.

Back From the Beach

2009-03-03T09:33:00.004-06:00

I'm easily distracted these days, even with all the projects I am trying to manage. Or maybe because of those projects. It can be overwhelming.

I made a quick trip to San Antonio 2 wks ago, to visit my dad and to preview the site of the large resort project I am working on. It happened to be a rare rain day, so the site was mostly mud. I was denied entrance anyway since I didn't get prior permission to go onsite.

Then I took off in the opposite direction, spent a day with Monica Linville in San Juan, PR before heading to the island of Anguilla for 10 days. Wow -- the beaches are gorgeous. Puffy white clouds everyday, clear azure waters, and warm temperatures, what could be better? Oh yea, pina coladas on the beach! I have tan lines in February. It also was a work trip, since I hauled my photo equipment with me, including the underwater housing for my Canon G9. Those photos aren't great since it was my first time to use it, and it's a little hard to see what you're doing underwater through goggles and the housing. I have newfound respect for divers who produce those great shots.

It's back to work now, and yesterday was mostly spent in meetings. I'm almost ready to get the brushes out again, it's been so long I might be a little rusty!

Settling

2009-02-09T23:25:00.002-06:00

The weather is always unsettled this time of year, with Spring approaching. With the stirrings of new growth in the world around me, I am also infused with a new creative spirit. I have a few new paintings being "born". I've done some sketches, but they don't really come together. They never do until I put paint on canvas.

I've been processing a lot of photos. Photography is still trendy in the commercial design field, and with a database of over 20,000 images, I work on them all the time. When a client calls for particular images I need to be ready.

I'm trying to design a new logo. I'm not really good at graphic design, and once I firm up an idea I'll turn it over to one of my friends who do that professionally. I did my own logo when I first started Art Girls, and it wasn't very good! My friend Gary did the next one, and did a great job. Maybe I should call and turn it over to him now.

I've got three new projects for this year. They are all medical office buildings for the same group that built Texas Clinic last year. It's a great group of people, and we have a good team. They just give me the plans and I do a proposal based on their budget. I'm not really accustomed to doing the complete job with all the framing and everything, but they were really happy with Texas Clinic so this should turn out well, too.

Weather Effects

2009-01-22T08:51:00.002-06:00

Winters are different in all parts of the world, but for the most part they bring temperature changes, winds, rain, or something else that's different than summer. Northern California, where I am right now, has a temperate climate. The first week here in mid January was exactly like the week I was here in August. Sunny, high sixties, deep blue skies. The rains have started now, and unlike the torrents that whip through Texas, they are soft and sweet, gently bathing the thirsty vegetation.

Yesterday I watched the rain from this comfy leather chair where I have my laptop set up. This is my favorite seat in the house, so I also sat here to work on a couple of concept drawings. I'll do some more of that today, since it's not going to be a good day to go hiking, kayaking, or even walking around the neighborhood with my camera.

Distractions

2009-01-19T12:41:00.002-06:00

For the past few months I have had an enormous amount of distractions. First I came out of self-imposed exile and created a new social life. Then I moved my painting studio out of my house and into a commercial space I share with my framer. I underestimated the time and energy involved in socializing (yes, dating!) and my work has suffered a bit because of that. Also, instead of painting in my bunny slippers I now have to get dressed and drive to work. aaack!

Now I am traveling (Berkeley, CA) and there are even more things here that I find distracting. There are a huge number of entertainment options, but above and beyond that is the great outdoors. I've been hiking and kayaking, both, and would gladly do a little of each every day. I'm afflicted with the California dream.

Pulling me back down to earth is a commission that I agreed to do while on vacation! Silly me! But I'm headed out to a friend's studio in a bit to work on that. And I have another friend in town visiting from Dallas, and we're hooking up for a couple days, too. By that time the whole two weeks will have flown past me and I'll be headed back to Dallas. I'm trying to remember why I live there when there are so many other options.

New Year Thoughts

2009-01-07T05:36:00.004-06:00

October 2008 in New Hampshire

This year is completely different than any of the past ten. It seems as if everything in my life has changed. I've added new friends, lost some clients, and established new business relationships that seem promising.

The economy is a huge challenge at a time when I have moved my working studio and am paying rent for the first time in my painting career.

Today is my birthday. Usually I say to myself "oh it's just another day", but it doesn't feel like that this year. It seems monumental.

I am still working projects that have lingered for months, and I'm grateful for that. Apparently once a big hotel project starts nothing can hold it back. Indeed, this particular project won't even open until 2010, and I have this entire year to work on it. That gives me some sense of security.

Artwork has trended toward photography and giclees. I am able to supply both, and I think that helps me in a shrinking economy. I'll keep painting, though. I say that, but I haven't really gotten any paint under my fingernails for awhile.

Today I am delivering 960 prints for a hotel project. Also one emergency print for model room for another project. I say "emergency" because it's a digital painting I created and provided the digital file to my client. They had an agency print one and the colors are completely wrong. I tried to explain that the color is based on the combination of ink, substrate and profile, but what they really wanted was a print that is the right color, so I printed one. It's for a hotel in Boston, one of the few projects that has not been put on hold. Which is just a euphemism for "cancelled".

Saturday Resin Casting

2008-12-13T09:15:00.005-06:00

Now that I'm all set up in my new place, I'm challenging my production layout by resin casting today. I'm afraid I have put this project off to the very last minute and now I'm working on Saturday. I had a new mold made this week, and today I'm making a casting of clear resin with rocks. It's part of the 17 pc 3d installation for a Houston hotel.

I've also got a couple of print jobs running, in response to two new purchase orders this week.

Business has not slowed down for me, and that's a good thing since I'm paying rent for the first time in my 11 year career.

The luxury hotel business remains strong, with projects that have been in place for a long time. Presumably they can't cancel new construction that's incomplete. There has been some scaling back of original art, but that doesn't really affect me, either, since I'm capable of producing giclees of my own work.

I went to a popular art show last night, and business was brisk. Indeed I spent a little money of my own on hand blown glass tumblers. I love to surround myself with handmade items, and these sparkly glasses were just the ticket.

Changing Perspective

2008-12-07T18:44:00.003-06:00

One of my photography groups had a meetup today in downtown Dallas. It was 30 min helicopter photo shoot. I've never been in a whirly bird before, so I was excited and anxious as we left the ground. Once we soared into the air I really got into it. The late afternoon light was yellow and warmed up the glass skycrapers, glinting and reflecting back. We made several sweeps around downtown, then around Texas stadium a few times, banking over the opening to shoot directly down. Wish there would have been a game going on -- that would have made a great shot! As it was, the light was perfect, the experience was thrilling. Now I want to do that everytime I travel to a new city. I took hundreds of photos in that short 30 minute segment, so now I'm downloading, deleting and processing. What fun!

Life Savings

2008-12-04T10:43:00.002-06:00

I saved a friend's life this week. I wasn't especially heroic, just in the right place at the right time. We got to the hospital after his heart stopped, but the doctors were able to bring him back.

The next day I had a terribly unpleasant encounter with a rude client. While she criticized me personally, and attacked the quality of my work, I seethed. Later, once I had put things in perspective, I wrote her an email, as empty of emotion as possible, announcing that I didn't think I could meet her expectations and that she should pursue hiring another artist. Yes, I fired a client.

That all happened a few days ago. My friend is recovering, and I haven't heard from my ex-client, which I'm really happy about!

Life's too short, you know.

Getting the Better of Me

2008-12-01T13:09:00.003-06:00

I'm in a war with technology, and I'm losing!

My office is still located at home, while my entire painting studio has moved. I'm printing three jobs, and can't varnish the canvas prints at home, but have to take them up to the new studio. My computer is outdated, yet I can't get along without it. The thought of disentangling all those wires and hauling the CPU, two monitors, seven external hard drives, two UPS systems, two 44" printers, a 24" printer, scanner and who knows what else is more than I can bear! What if I can't put it all back together?

On the other hand, my new workstation is assembled and awesome! Like one friend said, it looks like an airlines reservation desk.

I've moved things around in the space, and now have the GIANT 16' x 8' double sided A-frame painting wall right smack in the middle so it's visible from the showroom and hides what's behind it. I really need to get a canvas up there and start throwing paint around that sterile surface.

Bottom line, although I'm moved, I still have one foot in the rut that was my home studio.

Empty Walls

2008-11-19T11:06:00.003-06:00

It's more than the walls, it's rooms full of empty! On the other hand, I am rapidly filling up my new 3,000 sq ft space. I bought a used workstation unit to create an office space for my computer, all my external hard drives and all my printers. That was a grand plan until I discovered that there are no electrical outlets on that wall. The electrician is coming today, and until then I've kept my office at home. It's just as well since I am in the middle of a huge print job. 2871 pcs to be exact. It's room art for the resort project in central Texas that I've been working on for almost a year. This is the first stage. Hopefully, with the economy taking it's toll everywhere, they won't cancel any of the artwork in the public spaces. That will be next year, though, and I'm only concerning myself with right now. At least my rent (!) is paid until the first of the year. I won't be doing any marketing during this time, using it instead to get organized and make a plan for 2009.

I'm distracted and anxious, and am rattling around in my house that suddenly has become much bigger. I can't paint at home because I've moved ALL my supplies. I can't print at work because all that is still at home. My house is a wreck from moving, and my new space is a wreck of unpacked boxes. AAACK!!

Yes, I'm taking photos, but just remembered I lent my card reader to my neighbor -- who hasn't returned it.

Space Planning

2008-11-05T14:35:00.002-06:00

In considering the layout of my new space, I find that I have few skills in the area of space planning What goes where? How much space to allow? What about storage? So many questions! I have movers coming tomorrow to assess all the things I want to move. Once I see that price tag I may get more organized!

Long and Winding Road

2008-11-04T12:57:00.004-06:00

Fall in the White Mountains, AZ 2005

I decide I'm on the right path when things flow smoothly.

For the past ten years I have worked out of my home studio, cramming ever-expanding art materials into any available space. My house is more studio than living space at this point. It's been harder and harder to actually work there. But still, signing a lease agreement for a new space gave me a stomach ache! As a commitment-phobic, making the decision was easy, signing a document was hard. I know that it's a great place, a perfect space for me, in the same building with my framer. Intellectually, it makes great sense. It's that emotional impact that's working on me.

That part got easier this morning with the news that I have the opportunity to work on a big new project. So, going forward, I already have a project I might not have been able to complete at home. I will actually need that big space.

See, as things fall into place so easily, it's affirmation that I'm on the right path.

The ten year long road has brought me to this, a 3,000 sq ft space in a great commercial building sharing the same roof with my framer. It's a bigger step than I thought I could take, and right now I'm loving it!

Making Progress

2008-10-25T14:48:00.004-05:00

A rocky creek in southern New Hampshire

A set of circumstances and feedback from friends has created a desire for me to build my business. Those of you who read this blog regularly would be surprised to hear that I've been lazy. I've relied on one major client, and accepted any other work that came my way, but I haven't been marketing or trying to increase the volume of business at all. One reason that has become very evident is that my small workspace makes everything more difficult. With the advent of moving into commercial space, my ideas are growing with the huge size of the new work area. Two clients this week have asked if I can do high volume resin casting for room art. I would have said an emphatic "no!" before, but now that I have the space for it, more things become possible. I'm excited!

I'm busy this weekend. I have printed and varnished eight large canvases for the hotel in Myrtle Beach, and now I'm working on an abstract painting commissioned for a residential client.

Falling for Color

2008-10-23T17:42:00.004-05:00

Fall in New Hampshire

It was my first visit to New England in the fall. Sure, I've seen the picture postcards, but witnessing those colors in person was spectacular. Coupled with a deep blue sky the yellow, oranges, reds and magentas were magical. Apparently the colors don't last long, though. I flew into Boston and saw the gradual change from green to bright reds from the plane. The city was awash in neon colors, as was the lake region of New Hampshire, but two days later in the White Mountains there were few leaves left. One standout was the tamarack, which is a conifer that changes to a bright yellow before shedding its needles. Nestled in with deep green pines, that color popped.

Since the mountains were nearly bare, we headed to the New Hampshire/Massachusetts shoreline, where dark clouds rolled in and sucked the color from the sea grass. Intermittant rain made me reluctant to expose my camera to the elements, but I grabbed a few quick shots.

I'm back in Dallas now, and find that my best client has left the gallery she's worked at for almost twenty years. Since she has been the majority of my income for the last several years, that's a shocker. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

Last week's installation went better than I could have imagined. It was at a construction company and I didn't expect a bunch of hardhat guys to be so enthusiastic with some artwork, but I got hugs from everybody (which was a bonus!). I haven't photographed it yet, but will get over there soon to do that, since they now want to discuss more art for the interior offices.

In the meantime, I am printing six large photo montages for a Myrtle Beach hotel, and quoted a big hotel job today, so I'm immediately back to work, thank goodness!

Managing Change

2008-10-16T06:15:00.003-05:00

This is a series of digital prints on canvas (30 x 42 ea) commissioned for a hotel in Myrtle Beach, FL. They will be printed on canvas and gallery wrapped. The fish photos were taken in the San Francisco aquarium last year. It was such a challenge to get any good photographs in low light conditions with moving subjects. These aren't entirely clear, but they make up for it in character!

As I look around my small home studio and analyze all the equipment, storage, and supplies that I have crammed in here, I can't help but feel good about the new commercial space. There will be room to do everything, and everything will have its place. I need someone with space planning skills to lay it all out for me. What a relief that will be!

I haven't decided about moving my printers and home office. Obviously I will now need two computers, and some kind of network so that I can access my files from home. But just thinking about that makes my eyes glaze over. I'll have to hire that out.

Today I have a 2:00 installation, then I need to get home to pack for my trip to New England tomorrow. It's a photo shoot, and I'll be mostly concentrating on that, but it sure will be nice just to breath the air up there. My friend Helen has given me an itinerary to follow for the best scenery.

Movin' On Up

2008-10-14T08:57:00.002-05:00

I've often complained that I have to travel in order to leave my work behind. As it is, my studio is in my home, and although that's quite convenient, it also means that I'm always at work. It took a new person visiting my studio to point out that the limited space was holding me back artistically.

So with a sense of purpose (and fear) I approached a business owner friend of mine to inquire about subletting space in his building. We are close to an agreement, and as the moment of no-going-back approaches, anxiety and exhilaration are jockeying for space in my heart.

I'm working today, and noticing anew how little workspace I really have. As my projects get larger and more complex, I've been using the back porch and even the driveway. I just don't have room. If I want to change mediums, I have to clean up the whole space so the materials of one technique don't contaminate the next. The new space is large enough to allow each specific process it's own area. Plus tons of wall space for painting. There's a little rehabbing to do. I'll need a new slant wall built in front of the existing concrete block. And I'll need water run so I can have a wet room. Not much else, though.

Wonder what it will be like to actually live in my house?

Change of Seasons

2008-10-12T15:38:00.002-05:00

Today has been landscaping day, when I tear up those spindly summer impatiens and replace them with the smiling faces of fall pansies. I'm doing white this year -- full white flowers, little purple faces, and some burgundy snapdragons as an accent. And red cyclamen. I'm exhausted.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Nita Leland on Friday night, at the gallery reception at Artists Showplace. I bought a copy of her new book "Confident Color" for my friend Dave. He thinks I'm really special for having it autographed by Nita! It's a great book, be sure and check it out. Was also nice to see my dear friends at the gallery.

I have a full week ahead, with a big abstract painting to get started on before heading to New England on Friday.

My new website is being worked on as we speak. It's strictly photography, and I hope to populate it with thousands of images. I've got my work cut out for me for sure!

Catching Up

2008-10-02T07:42:00.002-05:00

I've had so many personal emails asking if I'm okay I thought I should get back on board and blog. The truth is that I'm dating for the first time in ten years and it's quite distracting!

I went to Boston a couple weekends ago. It was my first time and I found the city fascinating. I didn't take my Nikon, which I should have, because the city is very historical, the weather was beautiful, and there were any number of photo ops. Instead, we ate out and had cocktails, and went to vendor parties at my friend's conference. And we bought scalper tickets for second row seats at the Alanis Morrissette concert. It was fab!

I finished a project with huge abstract paintings for a project in Detroit. I'm still in the design phase for a 3d installation for a hotel in Houston. I've designed it so many times without approval, I'm wishing they would just cut and paste it up themselves and I'll fabricate it any way they want! I have the purchase order, but not approval for the design.

I have a corporate job at the framer's right now, should be able to install next week and get that off my plate. It's been a long term project, and I've already been paid.

I've been in negotiations with McGraw-Hill for the purchase and licensing of a Texas landscape painting for the cover of an 8th grade literature textbook. We sealed the deal yesterday, and I've already been paid for the painting (yay Paypal!). It's a ten year licensing agreement.

Mid October I'm heading for New England for a photo shoot. It's a work trip, but I expect it to be a personal feast for my eyes. I've never been up there, much less during fall colors. Can't wait for that!

Power Outage

2008-09-17T09:04:00.002-05:00

Sometimes after a painting or project is completed I experience a power outage.

I'm having one today. Yesterday my client came over to help me assemble a seven piece installation that they will use as a sales tool on presentations to design professionals. I was rushed to complete it, and wanted it to be my best work. I used an assortment of techniques: painting, photography, cast resin, poured resin, photos on metal and plexi, and a new process of frosted plexi boxes holding sticks, rocks, and other natural elements. I would post a picture of the completed design, but I didn't take any! Nor did I photograph any of the elements. So unlike me!

Today I still have some photography to print, but after that, it's basically a down day, where I regroup for the next project. Alarmingly, I don't know what that is, since my schedule seems completely clear.

Good in Every Room

2008-09-09T08:12:00.003-05:00

Since I've moved things around and have more room for working in my studio/house, I'm not sure I'm more efficient, but I can work in more rooms at one time. This morning I have a painting on the wall in my studio, large scale photographs for the Ritz Carlton printing in my office, and photo paintings going through my second printer in my alternate print room. That just leaves the kitchen (which I visit often), and the living room where my paperwork table resides.

Today I'm also working outside -- under the carport this time, since there's a chance of rain. These are large abstract canvases, and I'm trying something new -- with the hose standing by in case of disaster. I'm pouring paint on loose canvas. I'm going for a watery ethereal effect, and I hope I can accomplish it, since these paintings are bound for a hotel in Detroit and the deadline was yesterday!

I'm revisiting a design concept that was returned to me yesterday. At least they starred the things they liked and xxxed the things they didn't! It's hard to present concepts without feedback. So that's a new thing on my plate this morning, which will originate right here at the computer, with the hum of the printer in the background.

Endlessly Tweaking

2008-09-03T16:45:00.004-05:00

If a painting stays around here past it's time, I keep painting on it. That's not always a good thing. Sometimes I regret the "additions" but it's not digital and I can't go back or use the "history brush". Yes, there's a painting in my studio like that right now. The one above. It's still not finished, I have to add one more photo in the bottom right hand corner. They just decided that today. This is for a construction company, and I used photographs of elements in their yard to create the abstract patterns. There are three photographs, but everything else is painted. The eagle in the top left is an award they won. It's a sculpture, and I painted it from a photo I took.

I really need this painting out of here. It's BIG and I need the room. Plus, it's distracting! I can't stop painting on it!

I'm going to have to push back a deadline for six paintings for a hotel in Detroit. I'm going down to south Texas to visit my dad this weekend, and consequently lose three work days. But, hey, it's just art, right? Problem is, I got the purchase order when I was in California, and I'm already late. I'm doing the best I can!

This is one of my photos from California -- such an inspiring coastline.

Bath House Reception

2008-08-31T11:07:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning I spent on trash duty, hiking and cleaning up debris at Spring Creek. There were about twelve of us, some with dogs. Both my dogs came along and had a big time since it was a combination of hiking and swimming for them. We were all tired at the end of the afternoon and I fell asleep on the couch and woke up just in time to get to the reception.

Big crowd at the Bath House last night for the opening reception of Some Like It Hot, an exhibit of encaustic artworks by my local group, Texas WAX/Dallas. There's a concurrent show, also quite good, of women printmakers.

I bought a number of plastic containers with the idea of testing them out as molds for cast resin. I haven't perfected my process and it makes me crazy. Especially when I continue to design installations including cast elements. I'll be pouring samples today to determine what works and what doesn't. I'm not looking forward to it since it's a toxic and messy process. Oh well.

Win Some Lose Some

2008-08-27T09:22:00.004-05:00

How could I forget to mention that I am in a group show this weekend at the Bath House Cultural Center in east Dallas? There are two concurrent shows, one is printmaking, and the other is encaustic wax. I'm in the encaustic show. The two exhibitions compliment each other nicely. Come see if you are in the Dallas area - Saturday Aug 30, 7-9 at the Bath House, 521 E. Lawther Dr., Dallas. It's on White Rock lake.

That's the "win".

The "lose" is that I was not the chosen photographer for room art for the renovation of what used to be the Adam's Mark hotel in downtown Dallas. It has been rebranded to a Sheraton. They are using photography as room art, and I submitted about 50 pcs of which they chose three for model room. But that's as far as I got. There were 4 model rooms, with 4 different photographers. I don't know who was chosen yet, and I don't know what criteria was considered in the decision. Could have been a framing issue, or budget restrictions, or they just didn't like the imagery. Oh well.

Another event I forgot to mention is that I took part in Scott Kelby's (of Adobe) international "Photo Walk" in downtown Dallas Saturday night. Fifty registered photographers gathered together at the West End and quickly dispersed looking for a winning shot. Submitted photos can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/groups/scott-kelbys-worldwide-photowalk-dallas/. Mine are the ones marked "artgirls".

One last thing. I finally succumbed to the pressure, and I now have a Facebook page.

Remaining Calm

2008-08-26T15:29:00.003-05:00

Travel is anxiety producing, whether you're coming or going. I've already been home a week (today) and I had to be reminded that I hadn't blogged in awhile!

I came home to three purchase orders from three different clients. The dates are tight, and I'm struggling, since they are all paintings. Then I got another PO for five new paintings for the Ritz Carlton hotel in Dallas. That project also includes 12 large scale photographs.

I still haven't finished the 8 ft painting that I started before my month in California. Yikes!

Also, the PO for my huge project in central Texas has come through! I think I have til the end of the year to get 900 castings made in China, and print 2700 images for guest rooms. woohoo!

And for some reason I have loaded myself up with extracurricular activities. I'm going to the gym with my neighbor in the mornings (when we both can), I have Belly Dancing class on Saturdays, and I've joined three local photography groups and a hiking group. I'm reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I really took to heart what Scott Ginsberg said about getting out of the house. But since I'm me, I'm overdoing.

My Dallas client has asked me to produce a sample 3d installation piece in a size small enough to take to presentations. I've been doing so many mixed-media pieces that photographs can't capture that they need some samples. And I agree -- but how the heck do I work that into my schedule?

Yes, you, too can have these problems. Here's how. If you are an artist, say yes. In fact, what would happen if you said yes to everything? That's what I'm experimenting with right now, which is one reason why I'm so busy all of a sudden! I like it!

Lightpainting

2008-08-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

Lightpainted Dahlia - outside

I'm still on vacation and surfing around the internet last night brought me to a flickr site of lightpainting. I wasn't familiar with the process and searched around some more for instructions on how to do it. Since Helen has a fabulous garden in the back, I tried it. The weather wasn't good, so much fog that moisture accumulated on my lense -- and a little breeze to go with it, bad sign for a long exposure.

I think the technique has definite possibilities and I look forward to trying it again with another subject. This one is illuminated by a regular flashlight playing around the flower.

Through the Fog

2008-08-16T19:45:00.004-05:00

View of the Golden Gate bridge with Full Moon -- in the fog

After visiting with my friend David Arnone, glass artist, I headed up to the Golden Gate bridge. Last night was the night before the full moon, and since I'm here I couldn't bypass the photo op. I like to shoot from the Marin headlands so the moon rises over the San Francisco skyline and the sun sets behind and lights up the bridge.

Well, that's on a good day.

This wasn't one of those days. The sunny blue sky day quickly deteriorated as I headed south on 101 by Corte Madera. The wind driven fog swept across the highway obliterating most of the light. I perservered, as I am known to do, and headed for Hawk Hill hoping I could get above the fogline. Nope.

Forty five minutes later I was back down in Sausalito, where the fog was above me, and there was a clear line allowing the full moon to glisten down into the waters of the marina. I sat there for a minute and just looked. Totally forgot I was supposed to be on a photo shoot!

I headed home.

Today I've been running around town doing last minute things before my vacation ends. And I've got some clothes washing and house cleaning to do before my friends come home tomorrow. It will be so nice to see them and share stories.

Caveman Principle

2008-08-15T13:14:00.005-05:00

Scott Ginsberg (the nametag guy) describes the Caveman Principle:

Movement? ---> Change! ---> Threat! ---> Respond!

No movement? ---> No change. ---> No threat :) ---> No response.

When I read that it immediately resonated. I knew that my work suffered when I stayed in the studio too many days in a row without a break. I get stale. I can especially appreciate that now that I am on vacation. As I let go of the rut I've dug for myself I am able to let new ideas flow in. I'm feeling creative today -- and I've been inspired by change.

Be sure to read this: http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2008/08/get-hell-out-of-house.html

Breaking Waves

2008-08-14T18:31:00.007-05:00

Northern California beach

I've been on vacation too long -- and haven't accomplished a thing. Oh, you mean I'm supposed to be on "vacation", not hauling my 10 lb camera from here to there and designing artwork on my laptop?

When I left Dallas I had just delivered a 22 pc installation for a hotel registration desk. Apparently it was well-received by the designer, since I have already designed a similar one, and have a meeting set up for a third. I have new ideas now that I'm traveling and refilling my creative reserves.

Sometimes I get lazy, though. Nothing stimulates me more than a looming deadline. In looking at my calendar I see that I have less than a week left here in northern California. With that in mind I went kayaking on Monday, then shooting down in Monterey. Tuesday I went shopping and processed my photos. Wednesday I drove north to some rocky beaches close to Bodega Bay and did the thing that I love the most -- photographed rocks and water with slow shutter speeds. I was alone on the beach, with wind whipping my hair, waves crashing on black rocks and kelp littering the gravelly shore. The sun was low in the sky, plating the water with gold. I took a deep breath and thanked the universe for letting me have that moment.

Dahlia taken with Lensbaby 2.0

Today I returned to the dahlia garden at Golden Gate park with my Nikon, my macro lens and my Lensbaby, just for fun. And on my way home I made a stop at SFMOMA to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit.

It was spectacular. I've been to a lot of museums, lots of galleries, seen more art than most people. This exhibit moved me like no other. I wanted to spend more time in front of every painting, examining each stroke, and empathizing with the emotions shown on the canvases. ...sigh...

Weather or Not

2008-08-12T13:39:00.003-05:00

Point Lobos, CA

When you travel you have to take the weather as it comes. If I was on a photo assignment instead of shooting for myself I'd hunker down and wait for appropriate rays of sun to illuminate my subject. As it is, I took yesterday to travel from Berkeley to Monterey to take what photos I could. I went with another photographer who has plenty of experience in this area, which was very helpful. But it was cold and we were fogged in.

We went kayaking in Elkhorn Slough, an area teeming with wildlife. The seals have been known to launch themselves up on kayaks, and the water was churning with otters, seals, pelicans, and jellyfish, to name just a few. I was terrified of losing my Nikon in the water, so I took my new Canon G9 fully protected in it's underwater housing. Yes, I was a wuss. My friend Jimmy had his Nikon with a 300mm prime lens and a teleconverter, so the quality of the shots he got far exceeded mine. Now I'm jealous.

Even though the weather never cleared, we headed south past Monterey to Point Lobos and hiked around for a bit. It wasn't until we were on our way home that we got out of the fog and into the mid 90s. What a big difference in weather in such a small area.

A client called when I was standing on the cliff above. She told me to get ready, that I was going to be really busy when I got home. That's fine, but I'm here now.

Napa Time

2008-08-10T10:02:00.003-05:00

I've been to Napa Valley twice in two days. The first day I took my Nikon and shot all the "normal" things you'd find in Napa. Grapes, vinyards, terraced hillsides. And me in front of the sign of course. I spent the whole afternoon -- but the light was harsh and even when the sun was low the light still wasn't that great.

Saturday I went again and had a whole different experience. This time I went with a group in a van. It was fun to meet new people. The leader of the group is in the wine business in Napa, and while driving us around gave us some insight on owners and producers in the wine region. Very interesting. We stopped at a couple of wineries but didn't do their full tours - which I may go back for during the week. One of the tours actually included a gondola ride!

We visiting a few art galleries, too, which I found completely inspiring. One was a contemporary glass artist - using glass in entirely new ways. Since I have a background in glass work, I found his studio and workspace completely fascinating. New ideas are bubbling to the surface. I'm remembering the two cases of glass I've saved in my garage for 25 years. Maybe it's now time to get it out.

Point Reyes Photo Shoot

2008-08-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

Point Reyes Seashore

I bundled up all my gear, old and new, and took it hiking. It was foggy, breezy and quite cool at the beginning, but after a few minutes of hiking in sand with a 10 pound backpack plus my 6 pound camera and zoom lens around my neck, and my tripod -- well you can imagine how fast I warmed up. Since the light was diffused it was good conditions for macro wildflowers and seed pods. They create nice abstract patterns when there's a short focal range. The light wasn't much good for anything else, though.

Had I been to the beach at Abbott's Lagoon before I wouldn't have hauled my tripod with me at all. Since it's in close proximity to McClure's beach, I was hoping for rocks, but there weren't any. After making my way (huff puff) back to the car, I realized how close I was to the Tule Elk preserve, and thought I'd give it a look. The road up there travels along the ridge, and it's desolate as can be. The photo above is of the elk. Can't see them? Me neither! I turned around and headed home about 7:00pm.

By the time I arrived back in Berkeley the sun was out, new fog was rolling in and there was another fabulous sunset.

Women Impressionists

2008-08-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

The featured show at the Museum at the Legion of Honor is women impressionists. I am not that fond of old art, but I'm enthralled by Mary Cassatt. I took my time examining her work, and let the crowds flow around me. I was in the zone. Walking out the front door of the museum headed towards the car, my eye was drawn to the line of surf now visible with the clearing of the fog. And there it was -- the deep orange tint of the Golden Gate bridge. I've seen it so many times, yet I'm still in awe.

The Dahlia Garden is in full bloom in Golden Gate Park. There was a handsome young photographer with a tripod setup zooming in on some macro shots, but the breeze stirred the flower heads. We started talking, and long story short, he's a kayaker and we're heading out together on Monday to Monterrey and Elkhorn Slough where there's a large otter population. Should be fun.

The De Young Museum has a Chihuly exhibit, and I've long been a fan of his organic blown glass forms. Some things were reminiscent of his installation at the Botannical Garden in Miami a couple years ago. Actually, I think the gardens were better than the austere interior of a museum to show off his work. Still, I'm glad I went to see show.

The Blackberry as Metaphor

2008-08-05T21:24:00.004-05:00

How NOT to eat a Blackberry.

The sun finally burns through the morning fog on its journey over the Berkeley hills. On its way it sparkles through the thorny vines in Helen's backyard. All my shirts are snagged, since I cannot resist reaching for the farthest fruit, the one fat globule that will either make my mouth water, or gag me.

I know the secret of blackberries, and that is that there is one special moment when the sugars are the sweetest. It's the moment right before it releases from the vine and drops to the ground, and not a minute sooner. It's best to have your hand there waiting. It doesn't help to pull or yank or twist. Those berries are guaranteed sour.

So it is with all things.

Instead of waiting for the perfect blackberries everyday, I'm hitting up the golden plum tree where every one is as sweet as the next!

I've been to galleries, but not museums yet. Been to the Bay but not the beach. I have two weeks left in northern California -- guess I better get busy!

40 Degrees Difference

2008-07-29T12:17:00.003-05:00

It was less than a 4 hour flight between Dallas and Oakland, but wow what a difference in the weather! Brrrr! I left the hottest weekend of the year (105 that day) to arrive to temps in the 50s.

Yesterday I roused myself long enough to go buy some long sleeved shirts, at least. Otherwise, I'm raiding Helen's closet. The dogs that were tiny pups when I visited last are long-legged high energy hounds now. Fabulous!

I've already had my camera out in "Eve's" garden out back. Plucking blackberries and popping them into my mouth, alternating with the sweetest yellow plums you've ever tasted. I have babied my daisies at home to finally get them to bloom nicely after 4 years. Here the front yard is a riot of 4 ft tall full bloomed gems -- right beside the roses that look like they overdosed on fertilizer. What a difference the climate makes.

Helen has left me all her museum membership cards which I intend to take full advantage of. And she periodically sends me info on local events for me to choose from. Lots of choices around here!

In the meantime, I'm bundled up on the couch with a blanket and two dogs -- happy to be taking a break from my artist's work life.

Turning off the Lights

2008-07-25T21:40:00.004-05:00

Middle section of Westin Park Central Registration Desk installation.

I've spent my last day in the studio for awhile. I still have a bucket of brushes to wash out, and things to straighten up, but I'm done with projects.

The installers came yesterday for the pickup of the 3d installation for Westin Park Central. The middle panel is shown above. This is less than half of the project. One thing is labeled wrong, the top right piece is photography printed on plexi, not a box. But it gives you an idea of what it looks like. It installs on Monday, but I'll be in California - yay! They have promised to email me photos.

The same design firm has requested this concept again, they like this one so much. It's another three section 3d installation, but a bit smaller and fewer pieces. It takes me so long to design these. I get the concept and colors from the designer, go through my database of images and paintings, and somehow filter it all out into something new, fresh, and visually pleasing, with a variety of surface textures.

I always love it when I get a PO before a trip -- something for me to work on the minute I get home. Job security!

Gettin' Busy

2008-07-21T10:19:00.003-05:00

Texas Collage, 26 x 26 on paper

Not in the "street" sense, but literally! The studio is hopping as I count down the days before leaving for housesitting in California. I love Berkeley in August! Such a treat to get away from 100 degree Dallas days.

Had a commission from a client in Atlanta for two of the paintings (above). This was from a series of 6" sq collages I did about six years ago. It worked okay as a small image like that, but the new ones were 26" sq. Not so sure it's a good look, but hey. It was a purchase order and I filled it.

Finalizing the layout and installation for the 22 pc registration project. It will have to leave my studio this week if they want to install it on time. I'll be gone for three weeks and know they won't want to wait that long. Besides, it's taking up a lot of real estate in my studio, and I need to get it out of here! I'll be photographing each piece today to create the installation map.

Collaborations

2008-07-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

The more I get out of my studio the more I notice how all things are related.

When I got in the kayak last night for the Full Moon Paddle, the instructor told me to move my hips but keep my head straight. Same thing my Belly Dancing instructor said, and interestingly enough, the same way I paint on a big canvas!

I am in print mode, finishing up several large scale photographs for different projects.

Hope to finish both big canvases I've got going this week, too, because I'm leaving on Sunday for Berkeley. Yes, another housesitting gig in California!

Casting Resin

2008-07-08T13:06:00.003-05:00

Resin continues to be a challenge for me. I've about conquered the poured resin that I coat photographs with, but the casting resin is a different story. Part of the problem is that there isn't a clear formula for mixing the resin with the catalyst. On Friday I tried using the standard formula from the side of the can. The results are above. It cracked to bits.

The formula (drops of catalyst per ounce of resin) depends on too many variables: 1) how many layers, and which layer it is, 2) the temperature of the workspace, 3) humidity, 4) depth of the cast. I am not a scientist and can't figure all this out.

The second casting did better -- when it cracked it didn't go all the way through to the edge. Since I was out of materials, and didn't want to try casting again, I taped off the edges and poured the other kind of resin over the top. It still sunk in the cracks, but it sealed the surface, and gave it a nice shine. And I am going to say that I intended for it to crack -- doesn't it look like ice? (wink wink)

Hey, it's art! Nothing's perfect.

Today I am resin-coating another cast piece to match. Thank goodness there are only two pieces in the project!

Multi-Tasking Holiday

2008-07-05T12:53:00.002-05:00

Happy July 4th! I l0ve this holiday, but historically, it's a day I work. I remember one year back in the '80s when all my friends went to lake, driving past me, honking their horns and waving. I was inside heavy duty overalls with a hood and a safety mask, working on an outdoor etched glass project, temperature in the 100s. Whew!

This year was much better than that. I wore only my swimsuit and an apron while I poured three layers of cast resin for a commission. Nasty work -- smells terrible, and I'm sure it's toxic. But I tempered that with a jump in the pool every few minutes.

And I was determined to be a part of the biggest fireworks display in the Dallas area so I went downtown to Fair Park. After getting directions to where the launching area was located, we headed out with our chairs to get the best seat. Security soon chaperoned us back to a safe area after a huge explosion and blast of color right overhead scared us to death. We still were in the debris area, and I doubt that it was safe, but wow what an experience to hear that boom reverberate off a couple of metal buildings, and the explosive color right over us. woo hoo!

I just got back from my first belly dancing class at the rec center -- much harder than I thought!

This afternoon I'll work a little while on some new digital imagery for a Monday presentation.

Summer Time

2008-07-01T16:11:00.004-05:00

Time moves slower in the summer. Days are long, sunshine prevails, and it seems that I accomplish so much more in a day than in winter. I painted six commissioned paintings yesterday, from start to finish. Not small ones, either, they were 12" x 24" photo paintings. They dried overnight and I rolled them up, stuck 'em in a tube and shipped them off to Ohio ten minutes ago. I couldn't do that in the winter. Too cold, paint takes too long to dry.

And today I've been out at the pool in my swimsuit, sanding a cast resin piece in preparation for painting. This one was cast very shallow, because I'm going to mount it on matboard and frame in a shadowbox. It's another image for Verity, located in Texas Clinic. I got that powder all over me, but I just hosed off and jumped in the pool! And it's no problem since I have tile floors in my studio. I've been going in and out regularly since it warmed up.

One problem I have in summer that I don't any other time of year is my watermelon addiction. There's a big juicy one in the fridge calling me right now. It's best to sit outside and eat it so that when that juice runs down your chin you can jump in the pool to clean up.

Meeting Deadlines

2008-06-26T08:59:00.002-05:00

I have often talked about how deadline-oriented I am. So when I got an email from my client to set an installation date for her project, I accepted the challenge. The framers did a great job on all 30 pcs. Installation was Tuesday and went perfectly. The installers were on time, measured correctly and everything was level. They were fast and efficient, and took the trash out with them. My client is very happy, and that's my main goal, always. I'll have to get back there and take some installation shots.

I have a design meeting tomorrow to discuss a grid painting that I have been working on for awhile. Since it's commissioned I want to make sure to include everything they want and nothing they don't. I always submit digital mockups for this process. Best to get the design approved before the paint goes on. So far I have painted the background only.

Today I am working on another commission for five photo paintings from a new client in Ohio. And yesterday I got a purchase order from a seldom heard from client in Atlanta. Guess the economy is not affecting the hotel market!

Good News Friday

2008-06-21T07:49:00.002-05:00

Historically Fridays are good days for me. My client likes to release purchase orders on Fridays. I did get a PO yesterday, but not from my client. It's from a purchasing company in Atlanta ordering something that I don't even know about. I'll have to get clarification on Monday, but I do remember quoting something for this project. I think it's for photography which will be printed as digital wallpaper. Nobody told me what images, though, and the PO says "HOT! Deliver ASAP!" Nice, but I don't know what to deliver or to whom. Glad to have the work, though.

I had a last minute request late yesterday, to resize and recolor three photographic images. I was deliriously happy to comply when I was told that these have been chosen for model room for a hotel with almost 2,000 rooms. It's a competition -- I don't know how many model rooms there will be, but I'm not the only artist. Sure would love to get this huge project -- and I have a good shot.

Doing by Doing

2008-06-20T09:14:00.003-05:00

When I have a problem with motivation, I've discovered the best thing to do is -- something! Lying around in a state of ennui only perpetuates the problem. Taking action is the only way to create more energy.

Usual a deadline is motivating for me. Lacking that I will often create my own -- with a promise to myself to finish "A" by 3:00 -- or work 30 minutes without stopping -- or don't touch the computer for an hour.

On this summer Friday I'm ignoring my studio and heading out to a local trade show at Market Center. I have no real business there, but it's good to see what's out in the market, and I need a break from my own 4 walls.

Next week I have an installation scheduled for Texas Clinic, which almost wraps up that project.

I bought airlines tickets yesterday (yikes!) for my annual trip housesitting in Berkeley. I'm going in August, thereby missing that intense Dallas heat and the slow art season. My friend in Berkeley is a member of all the local museums, and she tells me there are great shows during that time, including a retrospective of Chilhuly's work, and a Frida Kahlo show. Can't wait.

Slacker

2008-06-18T11:34:00.002-05:00

I've been such a slacker lately! Among other things, some medical problems are interfering with my ability to create.

But in the good news department, a big project that I've worked on for half a year has been approved by the owners. It's the 900 room JW Marriott down by San Antonio, TX. I have five pieces in every guest room: 3 prints of original paintings, one processed photo on metal, and the big carving that I worked so hard on! The carving will be cast in resin. It's good to have the security of knowing that project is on track, and on my schedule.

Haven't heard about the two other very large hotel projects that I have pending. On those I was competing against other photographers. Should be a decision soon about who gets the job, whether or not they decide on the exact images. Mine were highly manipulated, and "artsy" instead of straight photos. I don't know if that will work for or against me.

I would like to hear something soon, though, so I can plan the rest of my year, with some time off for surgery. I'd rather say "time off at the beach" but I don't see that happening.

Big installation next week. 3o pieces for Verity Radiation, a suite at Texas Clinic. Will have two more pieces to finish up for that job. After that there's a photo installation for a long ramp wall that I am designing.

Will have a preview Happy Hour for some designers at my studio next week. They want to see the completed components of a 22 pc installation for a local hotel. I better get busy!

Saturday night is a charity function. I normally wouldn't go to something like that, but I've been trying to get out more.

I haven't kept up with this blog lately, either, but now that I see how helpful it is in motivating me to get in the studio, I promise to be better!

Summer Doldrums

2008-06-09T09:34:00.002-05:00

Something about the warm windy weather calls to me. I want to be out in it, not stuck in the studio. It's a problem since the pool is visible from the studio windows. I'm trying to have it all by working in my swimsuit and running back and forth between the paintbrush and the pool float. Yes, I know I should be swimming laps instead, but hey.

I'm so easily distracted these days! When my neighbor calls to see if I want to walk the dogs I say yes! When my friend calls to go to a movie I say yes! When I'm invited to Happy Hour, I go. What happened to my focus? Aha - maybe my life is becoming more balanced.

This weekend I beat myself up until I finally did a resin pour at 8:00 last night. I planned to do it over the weekend, and waited until the very last minute on Sunday night. At least I did it, it's cured today, and that's another piece completed for the Westin Park Central.

Photography Presentations

2008-06-04T11:40:00.003-05:00

The internet has made a big impact on how I do presentations. Now it's strictly email. I still remember making appointments to show artwork where I would have to (1) bring original art (2) bring food and drinks (3) entertain the group of designers. Those days are (thankfully) over for me since my client base is well developed. We know each other. They call me when they want something they know I can produce. In return, I know what to present because I know what they like. It's a win-win.

For the past two days I have been working on a series of photographs for two massive hotel projects. It's for room art and each project is too much volume for me to print, so I'll be collecting royalties. It hasn't been decided for sure yet, but there will be at least three pieces in each room for both locations. So far I have submitted more than 50 photos. Most of those follow the parameters that I was given, but there are a few that are out-of-the-box. My rationale for that is that if the client has never seen anything like it before (1) they can't reject something they don't know about and (2) they might love it! Experience tells me that commercial designers are always looking for something new and different.

I'm competing with other photographers on this project, so I took a lot of time making sure that each photo I presented was appropriate for the two different locations.

I'm also painting. Seems like I'm getting back into the swing of things since I've been back in town for a couple weeks now. Finally! I've got several commissions I've had for awhile but haven't been inspired. Well, the creativity is finally kicking back in and I'm rocking and rolling.

Summer has arrived in Dallas, with it's corresponding hot weather. I'm actually glad of that since I have a couple of resin pieces to complete in the next couple of weeks. One is cast resin, and that's always tricky.

My dog ate through the outside door in my back studio this week. I have no idea what inspired her to do that since she's never shown an interest in it before, in all her 7 years. There is a metal grid shelving unit blocking that door on the inside, so she knocked everything off the shelf to get in -- was a big mess! And that flimsy sheet of plywood won't last long, I'm buying a new steel door that I'll have installed this weekend. Bad dog!

Delivered and Moving On

2008-05-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

I couldn't have been happier to deliver the 6 1/2 foot long double-sided resin box on Tuesday. I started it before I went out of town so the resin would have a chance to completely cure, and that's what saved me on that project. But the last step was pouring resin on the top, and I'm afraid I got a little cocky since everything had gone so well, and poured too much resin on the top, and it started running down the sides. I cursed loudly while grabbing a roll of paper towels and a bottle of alcohol. I caught it before it did any damage (thank goodness), but I was terrified at that point, thinking how close I came to ruining the whole thing. I was much more careful after that, and once the resin was spread, I closed the room up in plastic, and left it to cure. I applied car wax on it before delivery, and it looked really great.

There were five large paintings for that project, too, but they were photo paintings that I can do with my eyes closed now that I've done so many. Now it's delivered and invoiced I feel much better!

So it's on to the three other commissions I have in the studio. One is a 7' x 4' grid painting for a construction company. I've got the background painted, but haven't finished the design work. There's a second grid painting for a suite at Texas Clinic, it's a little smaller, 36 x 60. And the colors are completely different, as is the subject matter.

The third is a commission I finished yesterday, a 30" x 30" in the Glorieta series, for a law office downtown Dallas.

Also have been working on a lot of concepts for two large hotel projects. Developing new images is really hard. I have to create something from nothing in order to differentiate myself from other artists. I want to stand apart, but in a good way. There's a fine line. But I always love a challenge.

Incompatible Materials

2008-05-22T07:21:00.003-05:00

As a mixed media artist I have tried a wild assortment of materials to create artwork. Some work together and some don't. I try to think it through, but without being a chemist I don't always succeed.

This time it's the resin box that's the problem. Most varnishes work better on a horizontal surface. I found that out on the last resin boxes when I varnished the sides and made a big mess. This time I sealed the paint with a Golden UV polymer varnish, which worked great but did not give me the high gloss shine I was looking for. So I tried polyurethane over the top of it. Wrong! It's mineral spirits based and the surface immediately alligatored. I was able to remove it (quickly), clean with soap and water, sand, repaint, re-varnish with additional coats of the Golden varnish. Whew!

Today all the sides are varnished and dry. Two sides have resin, and the top will get resin today. And I'm done!

Also have five photo paintings with this project, and I'm on number five right now, so I will meet my deadline of next Tuesday with time to spare.

It's a good thing, too, since I have been the victim of identity theft.

Since returning home from three weeks away I've slowly been going through the big sack of mail. I pay all my bills online so I don't usually get anything high priority through the mail. This time I was surprised to find six new credit cards and four letters from credit card companies asking for more information in response to applications. I did not apply for any credit cards, and apparently have really good credit, because the companies happily set up new accounts for me. Yesterday I spent mostly on the phone with credit bureaus, the police, and each and every account that was opened. Also discovered four fraudulent charges on an existing credit card and had to cancel it, too.

I don't see the benefit to a thief of setting up new accounts and having the cards come to me. They sure know a lot about me, and that has me nervous.

Full House

2008-05-16T06:36:00.002-05:00

Travel is such a mind opening experience! On this trip I intentionally set aside my artist's eyes, and enjoyed the landscape and light just as it was. I set aside analyzing and composing that automatically happens in my brain. I quieted myself, and just soaked it all in.

I met lots of great people, and completely relaxed. Even lost a few pounds, always a bonus.

But I returned to thousands of emails, and deadlines that were set before I left town. Immediately, I turned my attention to the studio, and am working on the huge double-sided resin box swore I wouldn't do.

But the most exciting thing was an email from an art consultant in California who I've corresponded with over the past few years, but not actually worked with. She has a project with 300 rooms, and a nice budget for original art for every room. Today I will be focused on creating digital concepts for the project. This is a great opportunity for me with a new client, so the creative juices are flowing!

Stars

2008-04-29T20:11:00.001-05:00

Starbursts of blue on tall stalks greeted me as I entered my cottage. Each time I opened the door the sudden gust of air would cause the flowerheads to collide and jostle each other. As the days passed some could no longer hold on to their lifeline, and they dropped, in despair, to the tabletop. I would sweep them away.

When it became obvious that there was little life left in the remaining blue stars, I gathered them together and laid them gently as decorating a grave, in my own tiny grassed garden. There they laid, and my last backward glance appreciated the symmetry of the prostrate stems.

Next there were only blue stars, carried off by rainforest mist, some ground into indigo pulp on the tiled sidewalk leading away.

Inspiration of the Day: blue

Relaxation Techniques

2008-04-27T11:09:00.002-05:00

I've instructed my clients not to interrupt this idyllic time with anything work related. I have movies, an Ipod full of music and audiobooks, and this laptop. Wonder how long I'll hold out before I go searching for adventure??

Still mellow today, though.

Laid Back

2008-04-26T14:20:00.002-05:00

Ivy creeps up the window and blocks my view of paradise. I am on vacation. All I care about is the sound of the wind, the rustle of leaves, the sun's path across the sky.

I have told my clients not to bother me, and left a message on my studio phone that the studio is closed. I need this time to myself.

sigh

yum

I'm Off

2008-04-22T13:08:00.002-05:00

Now I need to quit answering my telephone. I've already had three requests, for today! One, print a giclee on canvas 44 x 60, come in and sign four paintings, what color spray paint to use to create a deep cherry brown, and a digital file. Now when I answer the phone knowing it's my client I just say "no". I'm off!

I finished a painting in the photo painting series this morning, one of five that I have a PO for, due a week after my return.

I've made sure I have everything I need on my laptop, I'm packed, dressed and ready to head out to the airport. I will have email, but no phone, yay!!!

Working it Out

2008-04-20T07:19:00.004-05:00

After a flurry of activity, and many hours thinking I'd never wrap things up enough to leave town, I'm breathing easier today.

Yesterday wore me out, though.

I've had to clean my front and back studios in preparation for resin pouring. I can't believe I'm doing another two-sided resin box! Not only that, but it's 6 1/2' long! Instead of having a solid box fabricated, I took another route, and made an open box, with the other side separate. This way I can pour resin on both pieces at the same time. It will sit and cure for the three weeks I am away. When I come home, I will glue them together - and voila! That's my last project, and it's under control.

I painted the cast carved sculpture yesterday. My intention was for the fabricator to tint the resin to a dark brown color, thereby eliminating much of the painting process. That didn't turn out as planned, so it was me and spray paint out in the back yard. I like the way it turned out, and hope the designer agrees. I'll know tomorrow. She wanted a "rusted metal" look, and I think I've achieved that.

This one is for model room, so we won't get it back. So, I'll be painting another one today for reference when we get to production stage. There will be over 900 of these.

My project of 22 pcs for behind the registration desk of a local hotel is still in progress, I've worked a little on it every day, but thankfully, I got a deadline extension and it can be finished up when I get home.

Today after the resin pouring I'll be working on the abstract commission. My client is coming to meet me tomorrow, and it would be nice to hand over the finished painting. Hopefully I'll spend at least a few minutes in a lounge chair by the pool!

Mania Sets In

2008-04-18T05:38:00.005-05:00

With six projects all in various stages of production I have run out of studio space, which now includes my living room, dining room, and third bedroom. And when a client calls to ask me to do just one more thing before I leave town on Tuesday I freak out! Too much to do and not enough time.

I went to visit my Dad in Harlingen this past weekend, and we had a lovely time watching golf on TV. Golf has been his passion for many years, and since he can no longer play, he watches. He's lonely though, and I wish we lived closer because I don't see him as often as I'd like.

This morning I am printing three giclees for model room for a hotel resort. Purchase orders will be issued for this job when I get home. I'm printing all three images, with quantities of 900 ea, so I need to get a move on - it will take forever and I'll use both of my 44" printers. Also for this project I am painting the casting that I've had made of the original sculpture I finished this week.

I have struggled mightily to get three good prints on aluminum. I've had different problems with every print, and it has cost me hundreds of dollars since I'm buying pre-treated metal from Booksmart. Yesterday I pulled my last sheet out of the package and it has a big gouge across it. I'm a little high strung right now and fired off an email which was quickly answered by Eric, offering to replace the product immediately, and he helped with the other problems I'd had, too. Thanks Eric!

Spring storms are wreaking havoc here in North Texas. Besides tearing up my beautiful flower beds, the high humidity makes it hard for paint to dry. I'm trying to heed all the cautionary labels that say "do not use in high humidity". Well I can't wait forever!

My medical clinic project is coming along nicely. I love working with Denise! We have all but a couple of pieces picked out.

I have a new project that's a large grid painting for a local construction company. I went to their offices yesterday for a photo shoot, and got lots of really great ideas walking around their back storage yard.

The new abstract commission the Glorieta series (above) is almost done, but it just hasn't told me so yet. It still needs a tiny bit of tweaking. Lucky for me the wonderful woman who ordered it understands the creative process and will wait.

This weekend I'm fabricating another photo box with resin so it can cure while I'm out of town.

With all these things in process, nothing will get finished before I leave town, but I sure will have a lot of work when I get home. There's some security in that.

Sculpture, Illustrations, and Berry Stains

2008-04-10T18:17:00.006-05:00

The past few days have been full of extremes. Lots of different projects, with differing degrees of success. Here's the shells:

Pretty crazy, huh! Clear plexi cleats will be epoxied to the back, and they'll be cleated to the wall in a grid pattern.

And in the mail today came this:

That's one of my first paintings gracing the cover of this academic book. I licensed that image last year, and totally forgot about it until now.

The carving of the boot top is completed. I met with the designer yesterday so she could give it her blessing; instead she made a couple changes -- now it's done. Next step is the mold, then casting and painting, and it's ready for the model room.

While working outside on that piece I got berries stuck on the bottom of both feet, and thought I was tracking paint in the house, but couldn't figure that out since I wasn't painting. Nature's paint, I guess -- red berries!

Tomorrow I head to south Texas to visit my dad for a couple days -- for his 93rd birthday!

3d Artwork

2008-04-07T07:34:00.004-05:00

High Density Foam Carving, 36 x 36

So far so good. I made alot of progress on this over the weekend. Consequently it's Monday morning I am am totally worn out! I wanted a massage last night but Royce was in a volleyball tournament and couldn't come over. darn-it-all

This is the rough out. All the holes are cut, but not shaped, and I haven't dimensionalized it yet. Just a start, really. At least I got smart this time, and instead of dressing in a jumpsuit and hanging plastic to isolate my studio and protect the rest of the house from this static-y dust, I did the whole thing outside. It was a perfect 72 degree sunny day, low humidity. Then used a lawn blower to clean it (and me) off before bringing it back inside.

As you can see, the design has changed dramatically (more than once). If you can't tell by looking, it's the top of a cowboy boot, from the side. There's the strap down the middle, and lots of stitching and cutouts.

This is the piece that will be cast in resin and placed in 900 hotel rooms in a resort in Central Texas.

I'm on hold right now, waiting for a response from the designer before I take it any further. The thing about sculpting is that once that material is gone, there's no putting it back. Except for the swirly hole cut by the Dremel tool when I yanked on the cord and the drill slipped! I had to spackle that!

Wouldn't You Know

2008-04-05T09:17:00.005-05:00

The designer has finally approved the sea shell casting. I was in such a hurry to get the samples to her that I didn't even take a picture! I'll have time for that later, but for now, the one she chose was the first pour, the one with a distressed surface from using too much mold release! It did create an interesting texture, so I think it was a good choice. I just hope it can be replicated. We'll know today, when the second set comes out of the molds. (fingers crossed)

I did get a two month extension on my major project, the 22 pc installation for the registration desk, but since I was already in the big middle of it, I haven't entirely put it away. Everything involved has multiple steps. I'm getting as many done as I can, so every layer has a chance to dry completely before the next step.

Yesterday I got approval for the next carving, to replace the one I did last fall that was not approved by the hotel owners. This is the sixth design; it was a struggle to get something that was acceptable to both the designer and the owner. I hope to be carving it tomorrow. And with the experience I got the last time I did this, I'm doing it outside so I don't have that terrible mess in my studio. The dust from carving foam has a static charge that won't let go.

36" x 36" carving

Also yesterday my client called to ask if I had any photography of colorful bowls. I said no. Then she emailed me what she had in mind, and in digging through old travel photos discovered that not only did I have exactly what she wanted, it was as though the photo she sent me as reference was mine, since it was in the same market in Istanbul, Turkey!

Had a great meeting with my new medical clinic client, and we chose all the artwork for the suite in two hours. Amazing! She understands that I'm traveling and then she's traveling, so I don't need to stress about deadlines with this project.

Have another project in the works for a large grid painting for a construction company, will meet with them next week. It seems it's always like this before I take a trip.

Spinning

2008-04-02T14:28:00.004-05:00

The seashell project has me spinning around in circles! That's what I get for accepting a project I had little idea how to do. At this point, a mold has been made of the original sculpture. I made up three batches of colored water for the designer to pick a color from, and we cast the first "sample" piece in tinted transparent resin. The color is perfect, but because none of us had cast clear resin before, we had a couple problems. The main one being that the mold was saturated with mold release. All that liquid pooled in the mold, and created interesting textures on the final casting. Interesting to me, but maybe not to the designer, who hasn't seen it yet. Who knows, she might like it better. The casting is off at the plastics guy right now, he's trying to come up with an innovative cleat to hold it tight to the wall. We're still in the designing phase since the first pour wasn't completely successful

In the meantime I have plenty of other things to keep me busy. The first being the 22 pc installation for a Westin registration desk. There are lots of steps to this project, so I'm doing a little every day.

Tomorrow I meet with Texas Clinic again, to make some decisions about artwork for one of the suites.

I have an abstract painting on the wall I've also been working on a little every day. It will tell me when it's finished!

Getting ready to leave town, absolutely can't wait to get out of here for awhile to let the dust settle and simply chill out.

Taking My Time

2008-03-29T07:41:00.006-05:00

Invariably I am swamped with projects before I leave for a trip. This time is no exception. I'll be gone for three weeks, and there are several deadlines during that time, which means I'm working like a madwoman! I have projects in every room of my house, not just the studio. I am printing on metal in my second office for the large registration installation, printing original photography for public spaces for another hotel in my main office, the front studio is full of platforms in various stages of completion, my slant wall holds an abstract painting commission, the table in the living room is covered with sketches for another carving, the kitchen holds glass bowls of colored water where I'm adjusting color recipes for the cast resin pieces, my back studio table holds the printed metal photography which is being coated with layers of clear varnish. So when I got another purchase order yesterday afternoon, I almost went over the edge! But how could I say no to this? It's the hotel in Arlington that I did etched glass for back in the 80s.

This is the original glasswork that I did in the 80s. At the time the wavy pattern matched the fabric on the chairs.

Door to the lounge, I sandblasted the logo back in the day! Soon to be replaced.

This is the colorboard for the new space.

This is the drawing of the photographs and installation of artwork for the new space. The photos are mine, black and white, which will be printed on 44" x 44" plexi and mounted with standoffs. Cool installation.

It's just so very odd that my work would be featured so prominently in the same hotel I worked on twenty years ago! I have original photography in every guest room, and according to the PO I just received, twenty large scale photographs for public spaces. Amazing.

The good news I received after that PO was a phone call that one project's deadline has been pushed back two months. Yay! I can finish it up after I get home, and can go visit my Dad in South Texas without worrying.

Today I'm in yard, it's time to plant flowers!

It's All Art

2008-03-26T08:14:00.003-05:00

When my client and I got in an argument about a current sculpture project we're working on together, she announced, "I'm sorry but I don't know all your capabilities." At that point I had to laugh and tell her that I don't either!

I certainly didn't know how to create the clay sculpture you see above. My only experience with clay was back in the 70s when I worked for a wholesale ceramic supply company as a bookkeeper. I just applied a little knowledge and common sense to create the shell form. I bought a bag of air-dry clay, a few tools, spread out the plastic and went to work. How hard could it be, right? My client and I met with the designer yesterday and got approval (with a couple minor changes - she said it was too perfect). Next I will let this piece dry (it's hollow underneath), then make a silicone mold. It will be cast in clear resin, tinted an aquamarine color. There are 15 of them for a hotel installation.

I Am Not Special

2008-03-23T17:57:00.004-05:00

In most of the emails I receive artists thank me for inspiring them to create more and reach further for their goals. In fact, that's the main point for this blog. Sadly, there is a also a small percentage of messages announcing an inability to compete with me and a general attitude of defeat. Some think that there is something special about me, and want to know my secret. There is no secret, as I've said many times. If I had to detail the one factor that contributes most to anyone's success, including mine, it's the Survivor strategy of forming alliances. In simpler terms, networking.

Of course that's after you have the technical skills necessary to produce the kind of work you are proud of. After that it's all about who you know, and the relationships you nurture. In my case, I identified my market, and focused on the people who were most likely to buy my work. My criteria has changed over the years, and so have my clients. I continually re-examine my strategy to make sure it's still what I want. So far, so good.

I was reminded of this by three recent phone calls. One from an artist who said she could never be as successful as me. I agreed. A statement like that is self-fulfilling. Besides, it's unrealistic. How could she know how "successful" I am? Even the word "success" means different things to each of us.

The second call was from another artist friend who has been in my market for longer than I have. Even though I have always shared leads, ideas, and my clients with him, he doesn't follow up. You can't get where you're going by sitting still.

The third conversation was with a new artist friend who asked for my help in critiquing his work for it's appropriateness for the decor market. After spending several hours analyzing 20 images he agreed to make the changes I suggested and get some new images to me by the next day. That was a week ago. Again, no follow through, but this time it included a broken promise.

Bottom line, produce your best work, don't compare yourself to other artists, and keep your promises.

Planning Ahead

2008-03-20T17:26:00.004-05:00

I thought it appropriate to title this post "planning ahead" when my last one was "be in the moment". How can a person do both?? To anyone who has a busy schedule, you just do it. While I am waiting for paint to dry I scan through emails. When I plan a trip I think ahead to that time off and plan work around it, both before and after. While I'm gone, I'm in the moment.

Today I have been at the computer most of the day, and printing almost the whole time. I had three separate art layouts for hotel model rooms to put together for the designer's approval. It's mostly photography so I made prints. Then I printed some marketing materials. I put together a series of photos documenting the carving, moldmaking and casting process. And I printed out the three section layout of the 22 pc installation that I have designed. Busy day, and the printer is still cranking.

I should have a tracking system, but once I'm paid for the originals commissioned for a hotel model room I put the project out of my mind. It's usually a long lead time between model room and purchase orders. And I don't necessarily get a PO just because I did model room. Sometimes the owners don't like it and they change it up and the order goes to someone else.

In case anybody has an idea that I am successful with everything I present, let me tell you it ain't so. Got a really big rejection this week. The second design for the cast piece was completely wrong, according to the hotel owner. I wish I could get a handle on what they are looking for, because I don't see a connection between their very thorough criticism and the sketch itself. I better have a lightning bolt of an idea soon!

I know it's Easter Weekend, but I'm being blasphemous and working the whole time. Some in the studio, some at my desk, and some in my flowerbeds! My poor poppies have been valiantly blooming, but since they've lived here they have had to endure several freezes, high winds, and this week's 7" gully washer. They're still blooming, but they're beat up. I'm going to give them some neighbors and plant begonias around them.

In the Moment

2008-03-17T09:22:00.004-05:00

At the request of Kesha Bruce I am posting one of the photos from Saturday's meditative shoot. This was one of 20 that I shot of a rapidly decomposing pile of corrugated cardboard. Lots of abstract patterns and texture. I loved it! I was working with a macro lens and a very shallow depth of field. Why this photo fits the theme? If I went back to this location today everything would be different. The strong winds today may have sent some of this pile down the alley, the light is different, and even I am different and may see this in a new way. Since the point of the shoot was to be in the moment and document that moment, I think this particular series (more than the requisite wildflower shots) are particularly appropriate.

But that's not all I've been doing. I finished two 48 x 48 abstract paintings in the Red Circles series. They are commissions for a local hotel project.

Meditative Photography

2008-03-16T18:15:00.002-05:00

My new friend Henry taught a Meditative Photography class at his house on Saturday. There were six of us. I went with no expectations, but early on I realized I knew exactly what it was about. It's about being present in the moment. It's discarding any other thoughts except "be here now". I didn't know the name of it, but it's something that Nancy and I remind ourselves on the first day of every photo shoot. It always takes us a little time to get into that special place where everything in front of us is precious. We tell each other that this is the only moment we have in this place at this time. We photograph with those eyes.

That's what we did at Henry's. We did a slow examination of the things around us in his backyard, then we took our cameras out and about, returned in 30 minutes and shared our photos. It was fun.

Since I was in the neighborhood I popped over to the arboretum, which was really bad timing for three reasons. 1. bad midday light 2. weekend crowds 3. kids

At least I scouted out what was planted where and I can return for a more efficient shoot next time.

Today was the monthly meeting of Texas WAX, and we took down our show, and made plans for the next venue.

I'm back at the computer, processing photos for the purchase order I received on Friday. After this I'm designing the remaining two parts of the large hotel installation so I can get approval on it this week. Yep, another busy week ahead.

Creative Concepts

2008-03-15T08:04:00.004-05:00

Lots of things inspire me, but bringing a creative concept to completion is always a challenge. When I did the carving (above) as a concept for a cast piece for hotel room art, it presented a huge challenge. I had no idea how to even start. So I started with a sketch, did a lot of internet research, bought high density foam and carving tools and went at it. Had the mold made, and we made a casting which was hung over the tub in the model room. The designer loved it. Apparently she was the only one. The owners said it looked too tropical for a resort located in the hill country of central Texas. With that as the only comment, I was commissioned to create a new piece.

It has been on my mind for a couple weeks now. I didn't know what direction to take it. I tried modifying the original design. Didn't work. I thought of other plants and trees located in the area that I could abstract into something cool. I did extensive internet research. I drew some digital designs. Nothing really worked until I got out a pencil and paper and came up with this:

I sent it to my client who replied "that's my girl". Yay! Have not heard from the designer yet, but I'm confident I'm on the right track. Once the design is approved I will go through the whole carving, moldmaking and casting process again. And these are big pieces, 36" x 36". But there are over 900 rooms in this project and that sculpture will be in every one of them.

I am having a similar experience with the cast resin shell project, only it's proceeding much slower. I've had a purchase order for awhile, but getting all the information from my client and the designer is proving to be a real challenge. This is an instance where my client insists on being in the middle, and not allowing me to discuss the details with the designer directly. I don't understand that at all. It's just not efficient, as I talked about in my last post. We are disagreeing on the mounting method. Now I have agreed to make a small sample piece with a cleat embedded in the resin for the designer to approve. I won't even get into what a waste of time I think that is, because the customer is always right -- right?

In other good news, yesterday was Purchase Order Friday -- and this one is all photography for a healthcare project.

I'm rocking and rolling, it's Spring, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and I'm headed off to a Meditative Photography session with a new friend. I'll report back.

It's All About Relationships

2008-03-12T07:42:00.002-05:00

In my "business of art", art consultants are notoriously protective of their clients identity. There is an obvious inclination for designers to go directly to the artist and leave out the agent in the middle. Having worked as both an art consultant and an artist I understand the delicate balance of the relationships.

So I never was surprised when I would create a mockup or artwork concept for a project, deliver them to the art consultant, and some days later would hear back with comments from the designer. As in the transfer of any information between people, the comments were influenced by the agents' ideas. Over the years (many!) I have apparently finally earned the trust of my clients, and they now allow me to interact directly with the designers (both with and without them being present). This has resulted in a much more efficient process. Case in point, meeting yesterday with my agent, and a hotel designer on two very different projects. We had done some preliminary culling of ideas, so I was able to print and bring the designs that showed the most promise.

The three of us mixed and matched the artwork by holding it up to the fabrics and other samples of finishes in the room, and put together two different schemes for each room. The designer gave me fabrics to take home, so that now I can tone the paintings and photography to the colors in the room. Truly "match the sofa"! We accomplished all this in less than an hour. The old way of leaving me out of the face to face would have taken a week at least.

I am convinced that one of the reasons that my work is chosen so often for projects is that I am willing to adjust any artwork to fit the project. What you see is NOT what you get from me. Too many artists find their work so precious that they refuse to change it. That's fine if you have another source of income. For me, the process is more important than the finished product. I am in love with the process.