I’ve been out to lunch Art to Inspiration-wise lately. I love this collaborative exercise, but alas, there just wasn’t time for it last month with our moving 1300 miles south and all. But this month’s inspiration piece is so lovely, I couldn’t resist! The inspiration artwork for November, The Other Side by painter Linda Monfort, is full of the vibrant color I’m longing for after my first few weeks of living in the desert.
The Other Side by Linda Monfort
I’ve put together a gallery of work of varied styles that tie in beautifully with the palette, texture, and energy of Monfort’s piece. I give you, Color Riot! Hope you enjoy!
Glow One by Liz TranLove Me Two Times by Kirra JamisonAvant Garden by Karen KlassenSquare ( Equipose ) by Michael VelliquetteCUBEN series by Simon C Page
To see more from each artist, check out their websites, linked above.
You can find more information on Art to Inspiration here and if you would like to participate in the next Art to Inspiration, just fill out this form! Follow me and all the other Art to Inspiration bloggers on Twitter by subscribing here. Let the inspiring begin!
Athena’s board was dark & moody and we loved it! Doesn’t she have a great eye?
Athena Roth’s Winning Art Associations board
I mean, those scarves, that ring and the Vivienne Westwood bag are gorgeous! Not to mention the fantastic artwork she included. It all worked together to beautifully compliment Kate Farrall’s work. See the rest of Athena’s winning board here!
I’ve already notified Athena of her win and she’s super excited. Want to be inspired and maybe win free artsy stuff? Art Associations back next month with new art and another giveaway!
In the meantime, follow all the artsiness here on Artsy Forager and over on my Art Association partner Erin’s blog, artsocial.
Who’s in for some artsy pinning fun with Artsy Forager and Erin Cassidy of art social? We’ve been gettin’ our pins on and are psyched to present a new Art Associations contest!
In case you missed the debut contest last month, here’s the gist– You create a Pinterest board around one work of art ( which we provide ), filled with anything and everything that pops into your mind while gazing at the inspiration piece.
For October, we’re associating with the piece below, Mailing ABQ 10-12 Lines by Kate Farrall.
Mailing, ABQ, 10-12 Lines by Kate Farrall
The prints from Kate Farrall’s Mailings to Myself series are made by sending un-exposed photo paper through the mail, allowing it to expose during its trip, and then developing it when it arrives. Such a serendipitous way of art making!
But now for the real fun, the CONTEST! Here’s how our little artsy mad scientist experiment will work–
Step 2 | You create a Pinterest board titled Art Association, like mine here, where you pin any and all images you associate with the featured artwork ( like word associations, only visual )– here’s a little sneak peek at my board to get your creative juices flowin’
Step 3 | Leave a link to your Art Associations pinboard in the Comments section of this post
Step 4 | Follow both art social and Artsy Forager on Pinterest ( if you already are, you’re ahead of the game and doubly awesome )
Here’s what you can win–
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’ll be entered for a chance to win Mailing 10x8x8, a unique chromogenic print by Kate Farrall ( below ). Thanks to Kate for generously donating this work for our little contest!
Mailing Overlap 10x8x8 by Kate Farrall
The pinner with the best art associations ( as judged by me and Erin ) will be chosen on Wednesday, October 24th at 5pm (mountain standard time). Last month’s boards were incredibly creative, can’t wait to see what artsy associations you see in Kate’s work!
Ready.. set.. associate!!
Would you like your artwork to be featured as an Art Association subject? Shoot Erin an email at artsocialonline@gmail.com for more info.
.. Shannon Whitney!! Shannon posted her board over on artsocial and Erin & I just fell in love with how colorful and cohesive it was.
Peek at Shannon Whitney’s winning Art Associations board
You guys know I’m a huge sucker for color! The way Shannon honed in on the colors in Laura Newman’s work and how those hues were working together sealed the deal for me.
Shannon, if you’re reading, email Erin ( artsocialonline[at]gmail.com ) to claim your Boss prize!
If you weren’t picked this go ’round, don’t despair! Art Associations will be back next month with new art & another giveaway!
Peek at Shannon Whitney’s winning Art Associations board
The fabulous Erin Cassidy of art social and I want to play a little game with you! OK, so you’re Charlie Brown and we’re Lucy.. the art doctors are in.. Now look at this piece, Rorshach by Laura Newman.. what do you see?
Rorshach by Laura Newman
An open window looking out onto a sunset? Two heads? Or are you like me and just get distracted by the luscious rainbow of colors?
But now for the real fun, the CONTEST! Here’s how our little artsy mad scientist experiment will work–
Step 2 | You create a Pinterest board titled Art Association, like mine here, where you pin any and all images you associate you have with the featured artwork ( like word associations, only visual )– here’s a little sneak peek at my board to get your creative juices flowin’
Artsy Forager’s Art Associations board
Step 3 | Leave a link to your Art Association pinboard in the Comments section of this post
Step 4 | Follow both art social and Artsy Forager on Pinterest ( if you already are, you’re ahead of the game and doubly awesome )
Here’s what you can win–
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one month of free BOSS ad space on artsocial. This top spot gets you shout outs on Twitter, Facebook, and a spotlight post all about you, Boss. At 200×400 pixels, you’re blog, shop, or biz will get some awesome exposure by association. 😉
The pinner with the best art associations ( as judged by me and Erin ) will be chosen on Wednesday, September 26th at 5pm (mountain standard time). I know that ya’ll are a creative bunch, let’s see what ya got!
Ready.. set.. associate!!
Would you like your artwork to be featured as an Art Association subject? Shoot Erin an email at artsocialonline@gmail.com for more info.
Last month, I was an Art to Inspiration delinquent. The monthly post just had to fall off my huge to-do list before we went on our big camping trip. But this month, I’m back with a vengeance! Our inspiration artwork for September, Blue Moon by photographer Lani Trock, is the perfect inspiration for the transition into the autumnal months.
Hello Moon by Lani Trock
As is my usual motis operandi, I’ve put together a little gallery inspired by this month’s work. Trock’s photo brings to mind camping and playing under the stars during an Indian summer, so I’m calling this little collection Night Moves. Check it out below!
Dance Floor by Jeremy Mangan, acrylic on panel, 18×24Gypsum by Lia HalloranWaiting by Barbara Kacicek, oil on linen, 8×8They Sacrificed Everything to the Stars by Amanda Blake
To see more from each artist, check out their websites, linked above.
You can find more information on Art to Inspiration here and if you would like to participate in the next Art to Inspiration, just fill out this form! Follow me and all the other Art to Inspiration bloggers on Twitter by subscribing here. Let the inspiring begin!
To wrap up the Artist Takeover Event, I asked some of the artists whose work has been featured on the blog to let me know their favorite artists they’ve discovered on Artsy Forager. I found their picks very interesting and hope you will, too!
Don’t you love how each artist’s fave shares similarities to their own work, yet they are each oh so different? Do you have a favorite artist you’ve found on Artsy Forager? Let me know in the comments below!
A HUGE thank you to all of the artists who took over Artsy Forager! What a fun week it has been, perhaps a sequel is in order. 😉
Steve Williams and I go way back, although he doesn’t remember. When I was a college senior, my painting professor encouraged me to meet with two artists/gallery owners, Jim Draper and Steve Williams. They liked my work and were very encouraging, wanting to see more and see it framed.. but I chickened out and didn’t follow through. Who knows where my life may have led had I followed their advice and diligently pursued it? Oh how stupid we are when we are young! 🙂
A gallery owner and artist, Steve is always a source for interesting work, his own and what he features in his gallery, Florida Mining. He is also a businessman running not only his gallery but his family’s sign business, Harbinger Sign. So it’s no surprise his questions related to the business of making art!
Jackson, mixed media, 60×30
Steve Williams | What have you found to be most important to an artist’s success? What do you see as the activities an artist does that puts them in an arena of “success”, whatever that means?
Artsy Forager | Hmm.. I suppose to answer this question, you would first have to define success, which differs with each artist. For some artists, financial success, i.e., selling lots of work, taking on commissions, making a living solely by art-making, may be their touchstone. While for others, critical achievement is utmost in their minds– being lauded and accepted in the highest of art circles. Or maybe they are looking for their Andy Warholish 15 minutes of fame.
For success in both arenas, first I would say an artist has to just WORK. Create all the time. Creating work is the most important activity an artist can do because after all, it’s impossible to achieve financial or critical success without having the work to sell or show. Second, use the tools at your disposal and use them smartly. An online presence is more important for an artist now than ever– keep your website updated and make sure it loads and allows browsing easily. Post regularly on Facebook and Twitter ( Hootsuite is a great tool for social media time management ). Write a blog if you’re so inclined– but if you don’t have something interesting to say or share, whether about your work, other artist’s work, your interests, etc., don’t feel like you need to write a blog. Do it well or don’t do it at all. Third, be open to everything. Opportunities come your way when you put yourself in their path. Don’t be afraid to propose a collaboration with a dream brand or approach a dream gallery for representation. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
TV Exploration of Mars, mixed media, 12×12
SW | Is there an area in America that seems to be enjoying greater success in art sales? Or an area that seems to have less?
AF | This is a really tough question for me to answer, as I’m so ingrained in the Southeast and Northwest and I’m not truly in the business of selling art ( yet..? ). There are exciting shows happening in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but is that translating into sales? I can’t say for certain. I see some Southern galleries and artists doing really well, but I can’t say if that is a product of their location or if the galleries are just working really hard to sell art and build up a following of collectors for their artists. Artistic epicenters like NYC, Santa Fe and Miami are always going to be ahead of the game, sales-wise, I think. But there are smaller cities like Austin, Asheville and Portland that are gaining in popularity as artistic tourist destinations, which could equal greater sales.
Haiku Metaphor, mixed media, 22×30
SW | Have you seen/done research to see if people are buying art more online now? If so, what type of work is being purchased?
AF | I can only speak for what I’m witnessing on my own and hearing about from artists. Collectors ARE buying more work online these days. I see online buyers as more apt to purchase limited editions or less expensive originals than to purchase originals with a higher price tag over the internet. There is inherently less to lose by purchasing work online with a lower price tag. Also, the intricacies and textures inherent in original work are almost impossible to truly see online, so that makes some originals a tougher online sell. Perhaps as technology continues to advance, we’ll see more truly fine art originals being sold online. For now, the online market seems to be made up more of prints, limited editions and lower priced originals. I hope to see that change, as galleries continue to fold, the internet is soaking up the slack– but the technology of viewing originals online still has a long way to go. Hmm.. maybe I need to team up with a venture capitalist and some uber-smart techie and make that happen!
Marco Polo, mixed media
Thank you, my dear Mr. Williams for what may have been my toughest set of questions all week! You never fail to make me think or smile.
To see more of Steve’s artwork, please visit his website. Don’t miss tomorrow’s final Takeover when artists reveal their favorite Artsy Forager finds!
It’s Day 4 of the Artist Takeover and today Artsy Forager is being taken over by two of my favorite artists from my hometown. First up is Jacksonville artist and friend, Christina Foard. Christina and I first met back in Jacksonville and she has become a dear friend and wonderfully supportive and encouraging ear. And hopefully, she’s always able to count on me for the same. True to her nature, her questions were thoughtful and insightful.
Urban Leak, acrylic and oil on canvas, 109×66
Christina Foard | My first question is possibly a bit broad, but something makes me think it’s a cornerstone for you, and may have application for all of us in any field. What are your beliefs about generosity – you know, giving without a foreseeable or tangible return on investment? What role does it play in your strategic plan for your future as an arts advocate/blogger?
Artsy Forager | I purposefully don’t talk much about my spiritual beliefs on the blog. I would never want anyone to be put off by spiritual talk. But your question brings it forward, so I’ll lay it out there. I am a Christian. I believe in God & the salvation of Christ. A cornerstone of my faith is a belief in service to others. My husband and I both try to practice giving freely of ourselves and our resources. We believe in the joy of giving.
Through Artsy Forager, I’m able to give of my time and resources to help people whose talent I believe in. Right now, I receive no financial benefit from Artsy Forager. What it is giving back to me is a sense of purpose and a knowledge that I am doing my part to help someone else. My strategic plan for the future is pretty fluid at the moment– I have ideas and short-term goals for broadening my audience and scope of services through the blog, but I also want to be open to whatever comes my way. I want to be able to help artists in a tangible way– I’ve found that is where I receive the greatest satisfaction! In the short term, that may be achieved through the blog and through doing the type of art consulting/project management I’m already familiar with. I’m not sure what will happen long term, but I would love to be able to incorporate charitable giving into my long term business plan, once I figure out what that is. 😉
Guggenheim
CF | Are there characteristics that you think many/most artists share? Are there commonalities in their approach, energy, psychological make-up that you’ve experienced?
AF| I’ve been so fortunate to be able to meet and befriend some spectacularly talented artists and incredible people. Every artist is different, but I’ve found that many of the artists with whom I’ve developed relationships do share some characteristics–
Many of the most talented artists I’ve come across are incredibly humble, they are often open to all types of inspiration and stimulation, whether it be through other visual artwork, music, literature or other creative talk. They see the world through a broader lens, often much more open than others may be to differing points of view. I love the way so many artists support and encourage each other. The arts are a business but one that I personally think is enhanced by cooperation, not competition.
Bouchon
CF | You’ve been roaming nomadically for a while, clearly devoted and adoring your husband all the while, what do you think are the most exciting art markets amongst the cities you’ve gotten to know? What makes them vibrant in your opinion?
AF| Oh what a fun question!! My husband George & I feel so fortunate to be living this unique nomadic lifestyle. It has opened our eyes to so many places we may not have discovered otherwise. Here are a few of my favorite artsy spots I’ve found so far–
Seattle, WA— I may be a bit biased toward Seattle, as it was where George & I truly fell in love, so I see the city through love-colored glasses! That being said, the artistic energy in Seattle is phenomenal and the quality of the work being done there is, in my opinion, among the best in the world. For a large city, the sense of community and camaraderie among the artists in Seattle is amazing. Every time George is up for a new assignment, I hope and cross my fingers for Seattle. I would love to be there for a while to really immerse myself in the art community and just soak it all in.
Portland, OR— Another obvious one. 😉 I’m not as familiar with Portland as I am with Seattle, having only visited on a few day trips last summer but the art scene there is comparable. The arts in Portland seem a bit more laid back than Seattle.. almost like Portland is Seattle’s younger sibling.. I think it is still coming into its own. It’s truly becoming a creative destination for all kinds of art, which I find really exciting. It’s another city I would love to live in for a while and get to know better.
Astoria, OR— When we moved to our first Northwest assignment in Aberdeen, WA last summer, I was desperate for some cultural stimulation ( not currently to be had in Aberdeen, but we have hope for that little town ). We took a day trip to Astoria one Saturday and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the galleries there. Many small Northwest towns have thriving art scenes, but the focus is usually on Western/Native American art– which is great, but not my cup of tea. Astoria has a fantastic photography gallery, Lightbox Gallery , a large multi-discipline contemporary gallery, RiverSea Contemporary as well as a fun, more cutting edge space, Lunar Boy Gallery and others. An artwalk, shops, bookstores, etc., make Astoria a great little artsy town. If only it didn’t get almost 200 days of rain a year..
Jacksonville, FL— Of course, I had to include my hometown! The resilience of the artists and art community in Jacksonville continues to amaze me. The economic downturn hit the art market hard in Jacksonville, resulting in a lot of gallery closings, but it is so encouraging to watch artists and arts supporters finding new ways to rebuild. I’m afraid they are often running up against bureaucratic opposition and conservative political silliness but yet they keep fighting. And I’m cheering them on from afar. I’m looking forward to being back for a visit later in the year and seeing first hand exciting new ventures like Florida Mining and CoRK Studios.
Ashland, OR— This small town in Southern Oregon has a really booming and exciting art scene. Being a tourist destination known for its outdoor Shakespeare Festival, Ashland was a favorite spot while we were living in Southern Oregon. We have a good friend moving to the area and are looking forward to visiting again. I’ve discovered some really fabulous artists through Ashland galleries. It’s a liberal town in the midst of a very conservative area, which makes it kind of a mecca for culture in the southern part of the state.
Port Townsend, WA— Another small town that completely charmed me. It’s proximity to Seattle ( a ferry-ride away ) and touristy appeal gives this little town great potential for its art market. I don’t think it is quite where it could be yet, but I see it moving forward toward becoming an arts destination. Port Townsend is one of those towns where I immediately wanted to open a gallery. 😉
There are a few places we haven’t made it to yet, but I am anxious to see what their art communities have to offer– San Francisco, Los Angeles ( I’m seeing some really incredible art coming out of LA ), Santa Fe, New Orleans, Chicago, just to name a few. And perhaps it’s my proximity to Canada these days, but we have some really talented neighbors to the north.. it almost tempts me to talk George into changing our citizenship!
Summer Rain, oil on canvas, 48×60
CF | How can artists help your business grow?
AF | Right now, the biggest way artists can help is to share the Artsy Forager page with friends, help me get the word out with social media, etc. When you share a quote, status, post, etc., you’re helping AF reach a wider audience. There are web tools that estimate your potential social media reach and it really is incredible to think about. It reminds me of that old shampoo commercial, “then she tells 2 friends and they tell 2 friends and so on..“.. wow, I just really dated myself! In sharing, you’re not just helping AF but every artist that is featured.
Keep me updated with new work, shows, etc. It would be very time consuming for me to periodically check for new work on each artist’s site. I love it when an artist emails me to let me know of an upcoming show or new work just posted to their site. It helps keep you & your work on my mind, which in turn, usually prompts me to post about it on the blog or social media. Win-win for both of us!
I am always open to new ideas and dialogues, too. This interview process idea came from artist Christina Baker and I was thrilled with all the artists’ enthusiasm! I would really love to have artists even more involved with the website.
Flow
To see more of Christina’s work, please visit her website. Stay tuned this afternoon for Steve Williams’ takeover!
I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Takeover with M.A. Tateishi! Today’s Artist Takeover is courtesy of Christina Baker, the artist whose idea to turn the tables led to this special week at Artsy Forager. I first met Christina while working at a gallery/ consulting firm in Jacksonville, Florida. We carried Christina’s work from time to time and placed it in healthcare settings around the area, but it wasn’t until she moved to Nashville and started focusing on abstract compositions that her work really took off. I’m happy to report she’s a super busy, in-demand artist and it’s been thrilling watching her career blossom!
C and I have bonded over our love of art, coffee and our super-adorable husbands ( she married her true love just a few months before I married mine ). Here’s a peek inside one of our online conversations..
Blueberry Martini, acrylic on canvas, 60×48
Christina Baker | You love most everything beautiful to the eye and what I have grown to admire about your eye so much as how authentic it is to “you.” You have such a myriad of taste yet it always goes back to seeing a little glimpse of you in each and everything you share with others.
Have you ever thought of Artsy Forager as sort of a personal home away from home, not just a vehicle to promote art but a place you feel that is part of you and you are the hostess?
Artsy Forager | You know, I’ve never really thought about it that way, but given that George & I are living such a vagabond-ish lifestyle, it makes sense that I’ve crafted Artsy Forager as a sort of home! I hope that AF feels like a warm and inviting place, where visitors feel welcomed and want to linger over a cup o’ jo and some fantastic artwork. I’m a nester by nature, so I put my personal stamp on any place I inhabit, even an online home.
Locked Doors, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
CB| I have totally taken note of how much you love nature. You have even seemed to have met the man of your dreams who also loves and respects nature. I have also noticed your taste leans more contemporary yet you show appreciation for such a variety of styles and genres. Is there any connection to your passion for nature and your taste in the contemporary arts?
AF | I do see my love of nature coming out in the works I’m most attracted to. Many of my favorite artists find a way to combine natural themes or elements in a thought provoking and contemporary way. Artists like Rachel Denny, Jennifer Bain and Brenda Mallory come to mind. The natural world is full of abstract shapes and textures, it’s an unending source of inspiration and I’m most intrigued by artists who interpret that world in abstract ways vs. a realistic landscape or still life. Being outdoors and immersed in nature, away from the hustle of traffic and pressure to be connected to technology refreshes us in so many ways. I find myself at my most creative and thoughtful after a day of hiking. George & I have been batting around a long-term dream of opening an artists’ retreat in a gorgeous, secluded location. Kind of like summer camp for artists and other creative types. It’s my favorite dream right now!
Birds in the Dryer, acrylic on canvas, 24×30
CB| Do you still own any of your childhood art projects? This could include anything from your college years as well. If so, have you ever pulled them out and studied them as well as had the urge to create a new body of work in the present moment of your life? I think it would be really cool to see a blog post of something you have or plan to create.
AF | I have stacks of paintings from my college days hanging out in our storage unit in Florida. My mom and brother/sister-in-law each have several paintings of mine hanging in their homes. There is a large portfolio full of figure drawings from my senior year in college that I can’t bear to get rid of. Most of them are on newsprint and have at some point or another been rolled up, so they aren’t in the greatest shape, but I just can’t part with them. I struggled when I first began taking Figure Drawing with the amazing Paul Ladnier— I got so frustrated with myself, yet he was incredibly encouraging, telling me that one day it would just click. And that’s exactly what happened! I grew to love it so much I took 3 semesters of Figure Drawing with him and was probably at the height of my skill level then.
Playing Catch, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
But here’s the thing. Painting and drawing are skills, like anything else. They must continually be practiced and developed or they lessen over time. I haven’t painted or drawn really consistently since college. Every once in a while I create something I’m proud of, but more often than not, I’m disappointed with my efforts. I would love to get back into painting, as few activities energize me as much ( when the work goes well, anyway! ). But I’m also humbled by the amazing talent I see every day. It would be difficult to keep from measuring myself against so many incredible artists and falling short. Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to post about my own work. It’s definitely something I would have to work up to!
To see more of Christina Baker’s work, please visit her website. A special treat tomorrow– a double takeover with Christina Foard and Steve Williams!
