As you may be aware, I have spent the last 3 weeks knitting, crocheting, sewing, taping, sticking, and who knows what else in preparation for the vendor fair I attended yesterday. After all of that, what was the end result? To be honest, I was a little disappointed.
I am very proud of my craft(s) and it's certainly an honor to be able to share that with the outside world and get a concept of what the general public thinks. After all, while I certainly appreciate my husband's opinion (and thankfully he's very good at being honest), it's also nice to know what a complete stranger thinks.
After yesterday, it's been confirmed in my mind that there is something to be said for an appreciation of the art that goes into handmade. I was one of 6 vendors that attended the fair - three of us selling our handmade wares, the other three were offering mass produced items (namely purses, framed posters and holiday cards). This was really a true test of handmade vs. commercial in my mind.
I found that I certainly received a lot of "oh, you're so talented" or "oh, your things are so cute" comments. I received admiration and comments about knitting being a dying craft, but this somehow did not translate into a lot of sales. While I did make a few sales, most people would squeal how adorable one of my items was....then go purchase a purse from the booth next to mine. I may not be the best salesperson alive, but the commercially made bags sold themselves, whereas I found myself constantly explaining my craft, what inspires me, why I love it as much as I do.
The kicker truly came when a nice looking gentleman in an expensive suit and tie came by and was looking at my 5"x7" matted photography prints. He noted how nice the prints were and inquired how much I was selling them for. I told him that they were $20 (which I still consider to be under priced but I had to go with my anticipated audience on this one) and that, as the artist, I would be happy to sign the print if he'd like. He exclaimed "$20?!!" as if I'd just asked him to hand over his soul and scurried off into the distance. At that point, I didn't know whether to cry a little, or laugh. The vendor next to me sold over 20 framed generic reproduction posters (he sold an amazing number of Kobe Bryant posters) with a price ranging from $35-$65 in a little over an hour, while I quietly pondered the value of my art.
It didn't improve when another person came over and asked me how much it costs to make my notecards - I believe the comment was "I mean, this can't cost you more than 50 cents". My husband told me later that the correct response would be a pro-ration of the $2000 camera, the travel costs to the different locations, the time taking the photographs, downloading them, organizing them, picking the perfect shots, uploading them to the printer, costs of the prints themselves, the shipping, the cardstock and the time taken to mount each one by hand. When you think of it like that, the notecard being sold for $4 is a steal. My husband's answer may have been the more direct approach, but I found myself justifying how I shoot my photographs and the time I take to carefully compose each shot because I'm not much of a believer in post-production (hence my business name). The man seemed surprised that I don't just hold down the shutter button and click about then see if I got a good shot later. I eventually gave up trying because I didn't feel like I needed to explain myself to him and remembered to not take it personally - although it's a really hard thing to do.
When I returned home slightly disillusioned by the day, I started looking at the humor of it all. While the masses may not appreciate the skill involved, I can be happy with myself knowing that I can create and do it well. At the very least, I regained the cost of my materials and I am now able to move forward with a supply of holidays gifts for my friends that are already made, and of course a month's worth of Etsy listings for my shop!
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Something pretty for house-hunting woes
As I mentioned a while back, the husband and I have been house hunting. We found a place we really like that would be perfect for us and we're currently in the phase where an offer was put in, a counter offer received, and we're countering their counter...and on it goes. Of course, having read a previous inspection report for the property, we're looking at a place that needs some repairs done. There's a ton of information being thrown at us right now and reading a 55 page document on plumbing and electrical circuitry is enough to make anybody cross-eyed.
So, while my crafting has been put somewhat on the back burner during all of this, I was happy to find the time to create a little ACEO that makes me smile because it's bright and happy (and will look great in our new house...if we get it!) I took an image from a digital coloring book and went to work. After deciding upon the colors for each section and painting them, I then applied various filters to the piece as a whole, giving it the look of a small piece of stained glass. There's two staircases in our potential new home and I would love to line one with ACEO pieces. A miniature, but highly effective way to show off art!
Pheonix is available as a limited edition ACEO in my Etsy store.
So, while my crafting has been put somewhat on the back burner during all of this, I was happy to find the time to create a little ACEO that makes me smile because it's bright and happy (and will look great in our new house...if we get it!) I took an image from a digital coloring book and went to work. After deciding upon the colors for each section and painting them, I then applied various filters to the piece as a whole, giving it the look of a small piece of stained glass. There's two staircases in our potential new home and I would love to line one with ACEO pieces. A miniature, but highly effective way to show off art!Pheonix is available as a limited edition ACEO in my Etsy store.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New things to come
In the last year or so, since joining Etsy, I've managed to sell a few photography prints here and there, made some enjoyable trades and definitely learned a lot about an online business. While I certainly enjoy the Etsy community and what it represents, I don't feel like I'm getting everything I can from selling photography in my store there. Some of you may have noticed that I've been working to feature other items in my store, particularly my handspun yarns right now, and then knit, crochet and other fiber related artst shortly.
That led me to the question of what other venues would I be able to use for showcasing my photographic work, especially finding more art based sites where art is the focus and therefore the traffic directed to those sites is more specific. I would definitely like to build up my own website again. It's been neglected for entirely too long and if possible, I will do what I can to make it an e-commerce site where all of you can purchase my work directly.
I will continue to provide updates here as I make them and hopefully I can make this a smooth transition into new and exciting things!
That led me to the question of what other venues would I be able to use for showcasing my photographic work, especially finding more art based sites where art is the focus and therefore the traffic directed to those sites is more specific. I would definitely like to build up my own website again. It's been neglected for entirely too long and if possible, I will do what I can to make it an e-commerce site where all of you can purchase my work directly.
I will continue to provide updates here as I make them and hopefully I can make this a smooth transition into new and exciting things!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Etsy Featured Shop - Designed With Glass
Whenever I am looking for a shop to feature on my blog, I always try to look for something unique. When I happened across the shop Designed With Glass, I was fascinated by the gorgeous things that the artist, Carrie Millen, has to offer and couldn't wait to share this with you all. 
How and when did you get your start making stained glass?
I got started making stained glass when my husband and I built a wine cellar and decided we wanted a piece for the window after moving to MA in 1995. I've been in the arts my whole life, and when I started inquiring about them, cost, how they're made etc., I decided to take some classes at Whitimore-Durgin in Rockland MA. I fell in love with the craft. I love working with tools, creating my own designs since I have a drawing background from the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo University. I started creating window hangings, mirrors, sun catchers, lamps, probably in the hundreds and gave lots away to family and friends before I decided my work was good enough to start selling. Having done many local craft fairs and even organized my own with a very close friend, I decided it was time to focus on doing larger windows on commission. I continued to solely work on commission until my move from MA to Ohio in 2005. I'm now online on Etsy, and slowly building up a commissioned business again.
Can you explain how stained glass is made?
The process of making a stained glass piece varies due to the complexity and size of the window. Basically, I start with a design, drawn
to the desired dimensions. I chose my glass based on what I feel will look the best and generally lay it out. The glass is cut using a specialized glass cutter, by hand or sometimes with a glass saw. The piece is ground to the right shape and to blunt the edges of any sharpness. It is then copper foiled and burnished. Care is taken as to not allow any uneven edges. The foiled pieces are then either taped together or held in place by hand, flux is applied with a brush and the pieces are soldered together using a soldering iron with temps of 700°. Care is also taken to achieve a smooth solder seam, this is where practice is imperative. After the piece is completely soldered on one side, it is turned over, and the process is repeated on the other side. It is then cleaned with a detergent to remove the flux. Sometimes, depending on the finish desired, a chemical is applied to the solder seams to turn the color to black or copper. The piece is then rinsed again, and polished with 100% carruba wax.
How do you create the shapes and designs to make within the glass?
The designs are created from inspiration by nature. I love the sea having lived on the East Coast for 9 years. I love incorporating sea glass, sea shells, agate, stones, and anything else that can tolerate the high temps of the soldering iron. I also love the Victorian Era and designs, Art Deco is fun too. I love working with clients who see my work and give me free reign to design something for them. Having developed that trust is really something special for me, a gift!
Where do you find the objects that you incorporate within the glass?
Most of my sea glass was found on the beach, some from the coast of France where my son brought back to me a lot of it. I comb the beaches while on vacation in Sanibel Island and various other beaches in FL and bring back a lot of shells. Some I purchase via the Philippines.
How long does it take to make a piece?
The time to make a piece varies by the complexity and size. If I had to guess, anywhere from 1 hour for a hanging star to 35 hrs for my most elaborate window so far.
Tell me a story about this piece? [Inset right]
This window was my most difficult and favorite creation so far. The couple built a magnificent summer home on the coast of MA and had purchased a window I had for sale at one of the local art boutiques. They had commissioned me to create this interior door to their indoor pool and sun room using sea shells the client had saved from her grandmother's collection. The clients also wanted to have me represent the 3 primary fish in the area, stripped bass, bluefish and flounder. They absolutely loved my original design, and I can truly say it's the piece I'm most proud of so far.
What inspires you as you create your designs?
I'm mostly inspired by nature and color. I love free form designs, those that look like what's below the sea. I love whimsical designs, and playful colors. I love creating "functional art" for the home too.
What other arts or crafts do you enjoy?
I still enjoy drawing and painting although I haven't devoted the time to either for quite a long time. I'm interested in getting back to figural drawing sometime soon.
What do you do to relax?
I love to garden, grow herbs and find lots of different ways to use them. I love to cook, read fitness and home magazines to relax. I love working out, walking and weight lifting, yoga and Pilates.
What do you listen to while you are working on your glass designs?
I listen to alternative, today's contemporary and classic rock. Sometimes the Food Network is playing on TV in the background. I mostly love it when my teenage kids come down to my studio while I'm working just to talk to me.
To view more pictures of Carrie's work, feel free to visit her Flickr page, http://flickr.com/photos/designedwithglass.
How and when did you get your start making stained glass?I got started making stained glass when my husband and I built a wine cellar and decided we wanted a piece for the window after moving to MA in 1995. I've been in the arts my whole life, and when I started inquiring about them, cost, how they're made etc., I decided to take some classes at Whitimore-Durgin in Rockland MA. I fell in love with the craft. I love working with tools, creating my own designs since I have a drawing background from the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo University. I started creating window hangings, mirrors, sun catchers, lamps, probably in the hundreds and gave lots away to family and friends before I decided my work was good enough to start selling. Having done many local craft fairs and even organized my own with a very close friend, I decided it was time to focus on doing larger windows on commission. I continued to solely work on commission until my move from MA to Ohio in 2005. I'm now online on Etsy, and slowly building up a commissioned business again.
Can you explain how stained glass is made?
The process of making a stained glass piece varies due to the complexity and size of the window. Basically, I start with a design, drawn
to the desired dimensions. I chose my glass based on what I feel will look the best and generally lay it out. The glass is cut using a specialized glass cutter, by hand or sometimes with a glass saw. The piece is ground to the right shape and to blunt the edges of any sharpness. It is then copper foiled and burnished. Care is taken as to not allow any uneven edges. The foiled pieces are then either taped together or held in place by hand, flux is applied with a brush and the pieces are soldered together using a soldering iron with temps of 700°. Care is also taken to achieve a smooth solder seam, this is where practice is imperative. After the piece is completely soldered on one side, it is turned over, and the process is repeated on the other side. It is then cleaned with a detergent to remove the flux. Sometimes, depending on the finish desired, a chemical is applied to the solder seams to turn the color to black or copper. The piece is then rinsed again, and polished with 100% carruba wax.How do you create the shapes and designs to make within the glass?
The designs are created from inspiration by nature. I love the sea having lived on the East Coast for 9 years. I love incorporating sea glass, sea shells, agate, stones, and anything else that can tolerate the high temps of the soldering iron. I also love the Victorian Era and designs, Art Deco is fun too. I love working with clients who see my work and give me free reign to design something for them. Having developed that trust is really something special for me, a gift!
Where do you find the objects that you incorporate within the glass?
Most of my sea glass was found on the beach, some from the coast of France where my son brought back to me a lot of it. I comb the beaches while on vacation in Sanibel Island and various other beaches in FL and bring back a lot of shells. Some I purchase via the Philippines.
How long does it take to make a piece?
The time to make a piece varies by the complexity and size. If I had to guess, anywhere from 1 hour for a hanging star to 35 hrs for my most elaborate window so far.
Tell me a story about this piece? [Inset right]
This window was my most difficult and favorite creation so far. The couple built a magnificent summer home on the coast of MA and had purchased a window I had for sale at one of the local art boutiques. They had commissioned me to create this interior door to their indoor pool and sun room using sea shells the client had saved from her grandmother's collection. The clients also wanted to have me represent the 3 primary fish in the area, stripped bass, bluefish and flounder. They absolutely loved my original design, and I can truly say it's the piece I'm most proud of so far.
What inspires you as you create your designs?
I'm mostly inspired by nature and color. I love free form designs, those that look like what's below the sea. I love whimsical designs, and playful colors. I love creating "functional art" for the home too.
What other arts or crafts do you enjoy?
I still enjoy drawing and painting although I haven't devoted the time to either for quite a long time. I'm interested in getting back to figural drawing sometime soon.
What do you do to relax?
I love to garden, grow herbs and find lots of different ways to use them. I love to cook, read fitness and home magazines to relax. I love working out, walking and weight lifting, yoga and Pilates.
What do you listen to while you are working on your glass designs?
I listen to alternative, today's contemporary and classic rock. Sometimes the Food Network is playing on TV in the background. I mostly love it when my teenage kids come down to my studio while I'm working just to talk to me.
To view more pictures of Carrie's work, feel free to visit her Flickr page, http://flickr.com/photos/designedwithglass.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Etsy Featured Shop - Paul Wilkinson
I found my newest Etsy featured seller while doing an ACEO search. I've just created my first ACEO pieces myself (see my post, "The beginnings of digital art"). I find the concept of ACEOs to be really interesting and I was really drawn to those in Paul Wilkinson's shop, so decided to find out more about the artist. The fact that Paul is from England was also of great appeal to me as it takes me back to my roots!
Energy Unleashed (© Paul Wilkinson)
How and when did you get started with creating digital art?
I started creating digital art about a year ago, mainly for my own enjoyment. My work improved to the point where I began to feel comfortable about the idea of selling my work and letting others enjoy my vision.
What is a fractal image?
A fractal image is basically a visual representation of a mathematical formula. Because it is generated by mathematics, it has a unique ability in that you are able to zoom into a part of an image, and instead of losing detail like you would with say, a photograph, you actually see more detail! Another aspect of fractals is that each one is completely unique in it's design. The only downside to fractals is the amount of time it takes to render one. Even with a dual core 64 bit processor, it can take anything up to 24 hours to actually have a print which can be sold!
How do you choose names for your pieces?
This is an interesting question. The names of my pieces literally pop into my head when I'm working on a piece. Sometimes a colour will remind me of something, other times it's the overall design that inspires me to choose a certain name. I'm a firm believer that when you look at a piece of art, the piece should emanate feelings to the viewer. I can often tell whether a piece of my art has the qualities I'm looking for by the fact that, if I look at it and can't think of anything to call it, then to me it doesn't say anything to my soul and so that particular piece won't go up for sale.
Do you begin a piece with a concept or do you let it develop as you're working?
Both. I don't like to be constrained while working on my art. Sometimes I'll be working on a piece and I'll know exactly where I want it to head. Other times I'll play with something that seems to hold no potential, just to see what I can come up with. I've created some excellent pieces that way.
What do you think are the main differences between creating digital and physical art?
The main difference to me is being able to try different types of media without spending a fortune! Using a computer with specialist software, I can digitally paint in oils, watercolours, acrylics, even pastels. Creating work digitally also means you can mix different media together without worrying about adverse interactions that might happen if I were to use real media.
Choose one of your pieces and tell me, what does this piece say to you?
I think it would have to be Heartbreak. The fractal itself is rather simple compared to my other work, but the design of it spoke to me immediately. It evokes very strong emotional feelings about love, passion, and loss. It's one of those images that grabs your attention as soon as you look at it and doesn't want to let go!
What do you like about selling your art as ACEOs?
I actually stumbled across ACEOs by accident, through Etsy as a matter of fact. I enjoy selling my work through the use of ACEOs because I think everybody should be able to enjoy, and afford my artwork. I love the idea of portable art, and I also think they would be great to put inside a greeting card!
Outside of Etsy, where else can we find your art?
My ACEOs are also available for sale through the website Art Cards Wanted. My larger prints are restricted to Etsy.
What's your favorite thing about England?
Well I could mention the glorious weather! My favourite thing about England would have to be we have the best fish and chips! :D
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Without a doubt it would have to be Italy. All those brightly coloured buildings! I'd love to go there and take lots of photos (another passion of mine) to digitally paint! It's also I suppose a rite of passage for painters around the world to paint something of Italy, it's such a beautiful and unique country.
Energy Unleashed (© Paul Wilkinson)I started creating digital art about a year ago, mainly for my own enjoyment. My work improved to the point where I began to feel comfortable about the idea of selling my work and letting others enjoy my vision.
What is a fractal image?
A fractal image is basically a visual representation of a mathematical formula. Because it is generated by mathematics, it has a unique ability in that you are able to zoom into a part of an image, and instead of losing detail like you would with say, a photograph, you actually see more detail! Another aspect of fractals is that each one is completely unique in it's design. The only downside to fractals is the amount of time it takes to render one. Even with a dual core 64 bit processor, it can take anything up to 24 hours to actually have a print which can be sold!
How do you choose names for your pieces?
This is an interesting question. The names of my pieces literally pop into my head when I'm working on a piece. Sometimes a colour will remind me of something, other times it's the overall design that inspires me to choose a certain name. I'm a firm believer that when you look at a piece of art, the piece should emanate feelings to the viewer. I can often tell whether a piece of my art has the qualities I'm looking for by the fact that, if I look at it and can't think of anything to call it, then to me it doesn't say anything to my soul and so that particular piece won't go up for sale.
Do you begin a piece with a concept or do you let it develop as you're working?
Both. I don't like to be constrained while working on my art. Sometimes I'll be working on a piece and I'll know exactly where I want it to head. Other times I'll play with something that seems to hold no potential, just to see what I can come up with. I've created some excellent pieces that way.
What do you think are the main differences between creating digital and physical art?
The main difference to me is being able to try different types of media without spending a fortune! Using a computer with specialist software, I can digitally paint in oils, watercolours, acrylics, even pastels. Creating work digitally also means you can mix different media together without worrying about adverse interactions that might happen if I were to use real media.
Choose one of your pieces and tell me, what does this piece say to you?
I think it would have to be Heartbreak. The fractal itself is rather simple compared to my other work, but the design of it spoke to me immediately. It evokes very strong emotional feelings about love, passion, and loss. It's one of those images that grabs your attention as soon as you look at it and doesn't want to let go!
What do you like about selling your art as ACEOs?
I actually stumbled across ACEOs by accident, through Etsy as a matter of fact. I enjoy selling my work through the use of ACEOs because I think everybody should be able to enjoy, and afford my artwork. I love the idea of portable art, and I also think they would be great to put inside a greeting card!
Outside of Etsy, where else can we find your art?
My ACEOs are also available for sale through the website Art Cards Wanted. My larger prints are restricted to Etsy.
What's your favorite thing about England?
Well I could mention the glorious weather! My favourite thing about England would have to be we have the best fish and chips! :D
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Without a doubt it would have to be Italy. All those brightly coloured buildings! I'd love to go there and take lots of photos (another passion of mine) to digitally paint! It's also I suppose a rite of passage for painters around the world to paint something of Italy, it's such a beautiful and unique country.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The beginnings of digital art
As my name, Organic Stills, suggests - I am proud of my unedited photography. My personal take on photography is that the image that appears once the picture has been developed (whether 35mm or digital) is the moment captured in time. Playing with it in photoshop is a different art entirely...a very clever one that has amazing results mind you, 
but isn't photography in it's most raw (organic) sense.
Having admired the digital art for a while, I decided to open up Photoshop and try my hand at creating something. I'm not much use with a brush and canvas in the physical sense so perhaps I'll do better digitally. Using my photography as a basis, I came up with a couple of digital art pieces last night which I hope to sell as ACEOs (Art Cards Editions And Originals). As an ACEO has to be 2.5"x3.5", I will be mounting them onto some playing cards I've got, which are that exact size. It'll also help me to number the prints, one print per suit, 13 editions of each card.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Etsy Featured Shop - ShaylaMaddox
I found my newest featured artist, Shayla Maddox in the forums on Etsy. When I clicked on her shop I was amazed by the beauty and unique artwork that she has to offer. It's completely different from anything I have seen up until now so of course wanted to learn more. She's also from SoCal so I'm happy to be featuring someone local after my last feature from half way around the world!
What are Light Reactive Paintings?
When I was first painting, I found the flat, regular paint I was working with very limiting. I wasn't able to capture the inspiration I had onto a canvas properly. I wanted something that was more experiential and participatory for the viewer. Each painting is made to look different in all forms of light. The sunshine coming through the windows changes color from the morning until the evening, and my paintings change with it, as well as shine and reflect differently depending on how you move around it. In the evening, a small black light used with regular interior lighting (or better yet - candles) gives the painting its best effect, and seem to light it up from within, adding color and dimension that are otherwise invisible. On top of all that, I love that after you turn all the lights off, the painting glows in the dark!
How and when did you get your start with this unique art?
What are Light Reactive Paintings?When I was first painting, I found the flat, regular paint I was working with very limiting. I wasn't able to capture the inspiration I had onto a canvas properly. I wanted something that was more experiential and participatory for the viewer. Each painting is made to look different in all forms of light. The sunshine coming through the windows changes color from the morning until the evening, and my paintings change with it, as well as shine and reflect differently depending on how you move around it. In the evening, a small black light used with regular interior lighting (or better yet - candles) gives the painting its best effect, and seem to light it up from within, adding color and dimension that are otherwise invisible. On top of all that, I love that after you turn all the lights off, the painting glows in the dark!
How and when did you get your start with this unique art?
I've always been an artist. My mom painted and worked in stained glass. Coloring books were my favorite activity, although I've participated in everything from sculpting to jewelry making. A few years ago, out of nowhere, I suddenly had an overwhelming need to paint something. I asked a painter I knew (who eventually became a mentor) for advice on starting and he said, "Whatever you do, don't make it good." It pretty much took off from there. I became obsessed with painting and began getting these vivid visions of color in my mind that I needed to express somewhere. All artists see color in a different way - a way that is unique to their own life experiences. I wanted to show people the way I see it.
What materials do you use for texture in your pieces?
Often I'll just use paint, which takes a lot of time and build-up, but I like knowing that it's created from just paint. I love using real beach sand as texture, since it's so intrinsic to my life. I've always lived near the water. I like that I'm using something so inherently earth-based to create art about heavenly things. Occasionally, I'll use candle wax, dripping straight from the candles I burn in my apartment. I think it's sort of romantic. The candles are a part of my personal life and experiences, so it's natural to use them in my art. They're so moody and dreamy.
What materials do you use for texture in your pieces?
Often I'll just use paint, which takes a lot of time and build-up, but I like knowing that it's created from just paint. I love using real beach sand as texture, since it's so intrinsic to my life. I've always lived near the water. I like that I'm using something so inherently earth-based to create art about heavenly things. Occasionally, I'll use candle wax, dripping straight from the candles I burn in my apartment. I think it's sort of romantic. The candles are a part of my personal life and experiences, so it's natural to use them in my art. They're so moody and dreamy.
What was your inspiration for this painting?
This style in particular really emphasizes my fascination with light. I originally came up with the concept during the month of June, when the color of the light was especially brilliant. It's one of my very favorite designs. June is a beautiful month. The air is warm and the sky is the bluest it can be. I feel very calm being surrounded by such natural clarity. I love long summer days that stay light until almost 9pm! The only thing better than the beautiful summer sunlight is the arrival of the June moon, bringing with it countless stars (and fireflies!)
How long does it generally take you to complete a piece?
This style in particular really emphasizes my fascination with light. I originally came up with the concept during the month of June, when the color of the light was especially brilliant. It's one of my very favorite designs. June is a beautiful month. The air is warm and the sky is the bluest it can be. I feel very calm being surrounded by such natural clarity. I love long summer days that stay light until almost 9pm! The only thing better than the beautiful summer sunlight is the arrival of the June moon, bringing with it countless stars (and fireflies!)
How long does it generally take you to complete a piece?
A long time. I start with meditating on an inspiration that often just comes to me for no particular reason. I listen to music that I feel relates to the concept I want to paint, or the mood I feel about it. After sketching out my ideas, I start painting. The techniques I use require lots of layering and drying time. It depends on the size, but I'd say it generally takes about 2-3 weeks to complete a smaller painting and well over a month or more to finish my larger pieces.
You describe your paintings as portals to Thin Spaces. What do you mean by that?
Thin Spaces are transcendent moments that happen when the spiritual world and natural world intersect. To believe in these moments, one must believe in a reality that exists beyond what we are able to see with our eyes. Personally, I take a broad definition of what it means, since it means something different to each person who experiences it. These moments are without time, and can happen anywhere: watching a sunset, star gazing, walking through the forest, even hearing a child laugh. Thin Spaces happen when you suddenly feel that the natural world around you is part of something greater or has a higher meaning. My paintings are my expression of these moments, and I hope that they encourage others to take notice of when they happen in their own lives. I believe the meditation and contemplation of these Thin Spaces will bring greater understanding to those who experience them.
Are you involved with art in other ways?
Yes! Gosh, where to begin? I spent the greater part of my life focused on acting. I've been in lots of plays and a handful of independent films, some of which went to film festivals and such. For a few years, I made the circuit in Los Angeles, auditioning for various things every couple of days. It was exhausting! Ultimately I realized that I didn't like the business side of acting as much as I liked the acting. I'd still like to do the occasional acting gig throughout my life for fun. Aside from that, I'm also part of a group that holds periodic artistic events in the community with emphasis on spirituality and contemplation. Last November, I directed an Art Festival with over 30 participating artists!
A portion of your sales go to Acres Of Love. What is Acres Of Love?
You describe your paintings as portals to Thin Spaces. What do you mean by that?
Thin Spaces are transcendent moments that happen when the spiritual world and natural world intersect. To believe in these moments, one must believe in a reality that exists beyond what we are able to see with our eyes. Personally, I take a broad definition of what it means, since it means something different to each person who experiences it. These moments are without time, and can happen anywhere: watching a sunset, star gazing, walking through the forest, even hearing a child laugh. Thin Spaces happen when you suddenly feel that the natural world around you is part of something greater or has a higher meaning. My paintings are my expression of these moments, and I hope that they encourage others to take notice of when they happen in their own lives. I believe the meditation and contemplation of these Thin Spaces will bring greater understanding to those who experience them.
Are you involved with art in other ways?
Yes! Gosh, where to begin? I spent the greater part of my life focused on acting. I've been in lots of plays and a handful of independent films, some of which went to film festivals and such. For a few years, I made the circuit in Los Angeles, auditioning for various things every couple of days. It was exhausting! Ultimately I realized that I didn't like the business side of acting as much as I liked the acting. I'd still like to do the occasional acting gig throughout my life for fun. Aside from that, I'm also part of a group that holds periodic artistic events in the community with emphasis on spirituality and contemplation. Last November, I directed an Art Festival with over 30 participating artists!
A portion of your sales go to Acres Of Love. What is Acres Of Love?
Acres of Love is an amazing organization. Their goal is to provide "forever homes" for abandoned children in South Africa. Most of the children are HIV-positive. Many are orphaned because both of their parents have died from AIDS. Some are left on the doorstep of the organization, while others are found in dumpsters and gutters. Acres of Love provides each child with personal attention, love, medication, education, and a life. They give them small family groups to live in and grow in for as long as the child is with us. It's not an orphanage at all. It's a functioning family-like environment for children who would otherwise have nothing. Through Acres of Love, each child is loved, part of a family, and given the best care possible. Children who were born with a short, bleak future now have a family, food, time to sing songs, do art projects, and enjoy a true sense of happiness. They have hope.
Why did you choose this particular organization?
A friend told me about it a few years ago, and I fell in love with their vision immediately. I believe in what they do wholeheartedly. It's not simply an AIDS crisis organization. They have a one on one personal commitment to each child, because they believe that every child deserves that. I've always believed in giving to charities, even when there's little to give. Giving reminds us of how much we have, and gives us the opportunity to focus on something outside of ourselves. We get so lost inside our own problems that we fail to recognize everyone else on the planet. Acres of Love gives me a clear picture of what life and humanity can be at its best and its worst. I'm so grateful to the people involved for what they do every day. If children do not have hope, neither does humanity as we know it.
How has your work evolved from when you started and where is it going next?
My very first painting was black and white. I'd been advised to start with 2 cans of house paint that I could buy in the "oops" section at Home Depot, so I wouldn't feel pressure to conserve expensive paints. Over time I began acquiring better materials, and started exploring different textures and "effects" like using color that can only be seen with a uv light and gloss that reflects all light. It wasn't enough to have a regular painting. I needed it to feel "alive" and be more immersive while viewing it. I wanted the art to breathe and change every time you saw it. I want to keep exploring that and work with new materials that will enhance the experiential quality of my work. There are more colors in the world than we are able to see with our unaided human eyes. I'd like to find all of them. I'm in love with the cosmos, and it would be a dream to show my work in an observatory one day.
Art Show information:
Why did you choose this particular organization?
A friend told me about it a few years ago, and I fell in love with their vision immediately. I believe in what they do wholeheartedly. It's not simply an AIDS crisis organization. They have a one on one personal commitment to each child, because they believe that every child deserves that. I've always believed in giving to charities, even when there's little to give. Giving reminds us of how much we have, and gives us the opportunity to focus on something outside of ourselves. We get so lost inside our own problems that we fail to recognize everyone else on the planet. Acres of Love gives me a clear picture of what life and humanity can be at its best and its worst. I'm so grateful to the people involved for what they do every day. If children do not have hope, neither does humanity as we know it.
How has your work evolved from when you started and where is it going next?
My very first painting was black and white. I'd been advised to start with 2 cans of house paint that I could buy in the "oops" section at Home Depot, so I wouldn't feel pressure to conserve expensive paints. Over time I began acquiring better materials, and started exploring different textures and "effects" like using color that can only be seen with a uv light and gloss that reflects all light. It wasn't enough to have a regular painting. I needed it to feel "alive" and be more immersive while viewing it. I wanted the art to breathe and change every time you saw it. I want to keep exploring that and work with new materials that will enhance the experiential quality of my work. There are more colors in the world than we are able to see with our unaided human eyes. I'd like to find all of them. I'm in love with the cosmos, and it would be a dream to show my work in an observatory one day.
Art Show information:
Shayla Maddox will be featured in her first art show with the reception on July 13, 2007 from 6-9pm at Townley Fine Art in Laguna Beach, CA. Her art will be shown there through the end of July 2007 so if you are going to be in Southern California during that time, I definitely suggest taking the time to check it out. For more information on Shayla, also check out her website.
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