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| What It Takes 20" x 24" collage on board |
After arriving back home from vacation, I couldn't wait to get started on some new ideas. After a pile of laundry and sending the husband back to work, I got into the studio. I had a hard time starting though. I then recalled something I had seen earlier on. A while back I watched a video clip about Jon Imber, the late painter. At one point he is outside painting and facing a blank canvas. He is looking at the ocean and he says, "OK now, let's start with a yellow kayak." Or something to that effect. He just needed to get something down to get started and I wholeheartedly understand that idea. So that is just what I did. I got my yellow kayak onto the paper!
The above piece is something I really like. I chose colors that for me are representative of farming: blue for water, green for crops, and brown (red-orange) for dirt. I used the idea of a barn being red (local color) and I made the sun yellow. Why not? I have to laugh also because my little symbolic shapes are just so me. Diatomaceous filters (those are the shapes in the lower left corner)? There is a piece of equipment that tills the field and I included these cement towers that have something to do with irrigation. I see them in many of the fields that I pass by. And of course, I included an above ground pump. I hope it reads as a good design because I am afraid it is like the child that only a mother could love!
In Other News:
Over vacation, I received a rejection email from a show that I had entered. This is nearly it for me. I pay for all of my own art supplies and other art related things. I am not sure that I need to spend money to understand that my art doesn't fit in with the rest of the pieces selected for the show. (I get that all of the pieces need to fit together somehow.) And I am not sure that I want to help fund the show that I won't be in. And I don't buy that I paid for someone's time. Forget it and I am not just being bitter but trying to be practical and reasonable. I'd like the most bang for my buck is all I am saying. OK, all done.
OK, I am open to discussion on the title of the above piece. Any better suggestions?
Thanks for reading and commenting,
Libby
This definitely tells a story Libby and it holds my interest trying to figure out the narrative. Great color! In my humble opinion those shows are a waste of time and money. You`d be wise to forget about them. But I do think the work deserves to be seen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Randall!
DeleteThe narrative idea is a little new for me. I am trying to work out how to go about things and so am trying out different ideas in the process.
Well, your opinion on the shows matters I'd say. I didn't want to come across as a Bitter Betty about the whole thing-just wanted it to make sense for me. And I am getting to the point (slowly) where I really would like more people to see the work. At some point I'd like it to go out into the larger world. So, we will see.
Thank you as always for your input and support. It's helpful to me!
Libby
I am not sure what would be a better title for your new piece but I like it. The color is really good and it has and energy to it.
ReplyDeleteOne of my art quilts was just accepeted in a gallery show. I have tried to get into this show for years and kept getting the rejection notice. My reasons were not just the show but to get a fiber piece in it. This year I got in finally! It had become sort of a burr in my butt so to speak and I was determined to keep trying until I made it in. Total cost of trying over the years: $125.00. So was that or is that worth it? Would it have been better spent elsewhere? I did support the local gallery by entering. I do feel really good finally making it in.
I may keep trying each year now that I have been successful. I do look at it as a way of advertising my work. So I guess I say, keep trying to keep our galleries open and available to all of us to go to and see new and exciting art as well as to meet a goal you may have set for yourself.
Barbara,
DeleteThanks for your insight on entering that show several times before being accepted. Your opinion helps me. I'd say that I have to agree with you on the point about supporting local galleries. If it was my gallery here in town or even one in the next county, no problem. This was a small private college though in the Bay Area that is holding the show. They have plenty of money and so I don't think they are hurting. I could donate the money too somewhere that would be helpful too. The whole thing really got me thinking again in the direction of making a final decision about entering shows. So, in that sense, it's good I guess.
Thanks for your insight. I do appreciate it! Hope you are well, neighbor:)
Libby
The power of the white triangle makes this one really work for me. I enjoyed finding your story
ReplyDeleteIn the work. Clever use of symbolic shapes.
I agree with everything Randall said regarding shows. Especially local shows.
Years ago I had a gallery owner who told me NOT to enter shows because if you don't get the top prize then to the collector you are not the top artist. (Interesting to think about that.)
Getting INTO the show was not even considered as an achievement because every juried show has good and bad pieces subject to individual personal taste of the viewer. It's complex isn't it? I have seen many an artist needlessly crushed by rejection.
The National shows are different, and it appears the rejection isn't so keenly felt as established reputation is accepted as part of the criteria.
I like your new blog appearance, Libby.
Julie,
DeleteIt was really interesting to see what happened to the positive/negative spaces as I added shapes. That first move was the big positive triangle and there is no going back from that! It set up everything else!
Your comments have me thinking a bit more now. This was a themed show at a major private university in the East Bay. I think my problem resulted from not thinking thoroughly enough about all of the things that I actually know about entering shows. If I had, I wouldn't have done it. Need a firmer resolve and vision!:):):) (I thought the work was strong but if it doesn't fit or someone else doesn't see it like that then OK-I'll never know though since there is no feedback given which is really part of the problem, no?)
And thanks for mentioning the blog revamp. I like it to. I liked the gray colors but the white is more in keeping with my web site.
Thanks again for your insights. I appreciate it!
Libby
Dear Libby after studying this piece I so appreciate the symbols you chose. The sun being part yellow and blue to me represents the need for sunshine as well as rain. Your shade of green makes me think of the season spring. Love that red that represents the barn. It adds a great focal point. I think your title is excellent. Being a farm girl and gardener it takes all components of weather- hard work and machines running smoothly to get the job done. This is great. Sorry about your rejection. I am sure it does have a great deal to do with what type of show it is. I guess in the end if our work comes from the heart it is what is important. We have to find meaning in what we do and you always do. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
DeleteThank you for the wonderful comments particularly because they come from someone who grew up on a farm. Agriculture in all of its manifestations is so important isn't it? Even if the land isn't being cultivated for food it is still there being tended to. Just a lot to consider.
And thanks for your viewpoint on the rejection notice. I felt that the piece was strong and I was happy with it. It's OK if it doesn't fit but I am going to be much more thoughtful the next time I consider entering any type of show.
Thank you again and hope you are well.
Libby
Really like your new work, the blog look and bummer on the show.
ReplyDeleteJust keep going!
Thanks on all counts, Debra. Sort of plugging along:)
DeleteLibby