|
Driven To Create
Creating art is more of an necessity than a want. It can be a compulsion, a driving force needing satisfaction. At times it becomes an obsession that nags until realized. To ignore this artistic drive will certainly lead to unhappiness. It is a matter of self-realization and survival...a way in which we connect with ourselves and others.
Spotlight on Berlin:
Berlin has become a haven for entrepreneurs in media, film, art and fashion who can take risks on edgy projects thanks to ridiculously low start-up costs. In downtown neighborhoods, empty storefronts have been taken over by artists, galleries and fashion boutiques. The countless sidewalk cafes, beer gardens and open-air restaurants seem fuller and more mellow these days than ever. The students, artists and creative types that give the city its contemporary “buzz” and 24/7 culture scene are there because they have been priced out of more economically successful cities like Paris and New York. The city’s edgy occupants carry with them the seeds of revival.
Source:Stefan Theil, Newsweek Magazine, May 2009.
:::This Week's Recommended Reading:::
"How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist: Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul" by Caroll Michels. Michels is a career coach and artist-advocate.
Can Art Be Taught?
Does the quality of an artist's work today depend on proper education, or does it come down to something more innate?
We learn at an early age our primary colors; red, yellow, blue, and if we mix certain colors together, red with yellow for example, we can make orange. However, is this instruction really necessary? My guess is that the colors will get blended any way by experimentation and natural instinctive curiosity. Okay, so introducing early color theory to children really isn’t a reason for concern, it may just be what comes next where we go astray.
Why do we teach children to color “within the lines” in a coloring book? Why do we guide them to use only peachy flesh-tone colors for skin or to paint the bear brown or black instead of green or with stripes? Is there truly a need to monitor and control this process?
You may think that when it comes to art I’m leaning toward free expression at all ages, and perhaps I am, but I also see the value in education and training. Whether self-taught or through more formal studies we learn the norms and tools needed to get the job done. It is then what we make of these skills that distinguishes the successful from the unsuccessful.
Jarvis Wisdom:
We have tried "open editions" in favor of the traditional approach to limited numbered edition prints and found that this had no effective impact on the amount of art we sold.
About how to "get out there" all I can say is "be out there." Keep your current product in line with traditional accepted practices, but make your imagery as fresh and challenging as possible.
Contributed by JD and Myriam Lozada Jarvis
You Asked For It -- You Got It!
“Friend” or “Follow” us for the latest MOCA news and events; socialize, connect with other artists, educators and collectors; share your thoughts and ideas, links and pictures. Use one of the free translation software suggestions noted on last week's "Mary's Page" and enjoy yourselves!
News and Events:
Everyone is welcome to MOCA's "First Anniversary Exhibition"
Gallery Reception: Thursday evening, September 10, 5 - 8 p.m.
MOCA's October 2009 Contest of the Month has been Announced!
This is an international competition and exhibit of fine digital art, open to all digital artists.
It is an opportunity to advance your career and expose your art to a sophisticated New York audience.
All art is professionally printed in full color at 12" x 16" and wall-pinned in our Brooklyn gallery,
and all images posted online to an October 09 contest site at MOCA during the course of the exhibit.
There is a $35.00 USD fee per image. Maximum six images. See details at MOCA's CONTEST OF THE MONTH
IN-BOX
This Blog is rather interesting, created by the London based artist and designer:
Chris O'Shea
Looking for "fine art" printers? I found these online, but check them out for yourselves - Ask for samples of their work:
Ditto Editions and Gallery Street
Quote
“
"Be yourself and do not forget that all must be learned. It sounds easier than it is."
This page posted 7 September 2009
ARCHIVED PAGES
|
